Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health (Early Years Pathway) - Level 2

Summary

Are you passionate about supporting young children’s emotional wellbeing and want to make a meaningful impact in their early development? This course is designed for those who want to explore how early experiences shape mental health and how Early Years Practitioners can play a vital role in promoting positive outcomes. This course is ideal for learners working or volunteering in early years settings, or those looking to build specialist knowledge in child mental health.

You’ll explore key topics such as the importance of secure attachments, the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and how to create nurturing environments that support resilience and wellbeing. The course also focuses on the practical role of the Early Years Practitioner in identifying concerns, supporting emotional development, and working with families and professionals. Whether you're looking to enhance your current role or progress into further study, this qualification provides a strong foundation in one of the most important areas of early years care.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
14 Apr 2026	Bispham Campus	10 Weeks	Apply now

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course is ideal for those looking to specialise in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing within early years education or childcare. This qualification opens the door to a range of opportunities in nurseries, preschools, playgroups, and family support services, particularly in roles where mental health awareness and early intervention are key. It’s especially suited to learners who are already working or volunteering in early years settings and want to build confidence in supporting children’s mental health.

Together, these qualifications prepare learners for more advanced roles such as Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Assistant, Childcare Support Worker, or Family Support Assistant, and provide a strong foundation for further study or employment in the childcare, education, and health sectors.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Early Years Pathway, which includes the following courses.

EARLY YEARS PATHWAY

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Mental Health Pathway, which includes the following courses.

MENTAL HEALTH PATHWAY

Employment Opportunities

This qualification provides valuable specialist knowledge for those working or volunteering in early years and childcare settings. It can also serve as effective CPD for practitioners already working in the sector.

Potential job roles include:

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements: 

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements: 

DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.  
English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this course.  

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: NCFE

Terms and conditions

Read our full Terms and Conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

This course is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how mental health affects young children and the vital role Early Years Practitioners play in supporting emotional wellbeing. You’ll explore how early experiences shape a child’s mental health and how to create nurturing, supportive environments that promote resilience from birth to age five.

You will study the following units:

Understand Mental Health for Young Children in the Early Years – Explore what mental health means in early childhood and how it influences development and behaviour.
Understand the Significance of Attachment and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Learn how early relationships and experiences impact emotional wellbeing and long-term outcomes.
Understand the Role of the Early Years Practitioner Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing – Discover practical strategies for promoting positive mental health and how to respond to concerns in a sensitive, supportive way.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

A mandatory work placement is required alongside this course to support the development of practical skills and reinforce your understanding of how to support mental health and wellbeing in early years settings. Learners must be working or volunteering in a relevant environment, such as a nursery, preschool, or childminding setting, to meet the assessment requirements of the qualification.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through a variety of guest speakers and employer engagement activities. These may include visits from early years professionals, local childcare providers, and family support services, offering valuable insights into real-world practice. These sessions provide opportunities to ask questions, explore career pathways, and connect classroom learning with the realities of working in early years care.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme.  

Teaching takes place in hybrid classrooms, allowing for interactive, tutor-led sessions that support both classroom-based and remote participation when appropriate. The programme primarily focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world care scenarios.  

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion.  

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.  

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.  

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.  

This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector. 

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively. 

Assessment Methods: 

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks. 
Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios. 
Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.

Grading: 

The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass. 
The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.