Skip to main content

Children and Young People's Workforce Day - Level 2

Summary

Are you passionate about working with children and young people? The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce provides the essential knowledge and skills needed for a rewarding career in various children’s settings, including early years and social care. This qualification covers a diverse range of topics such as child development, safeguarding, health and safety, and effective communication. Ideal for anyone who wants to work, or has just started working, in the children and young people’s workforce, this course is your first step towards making a positive impact on their lives.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
01 Dec 2025
Bispham Campus
24 Weeks
01 Dec 2026
Bispham Campus
24 Weeks

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce is an excellent starting point for those aspiring to work in various roles within children's settings, including early years and social care. This qualification is part of a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding career in the children and young people's workforce.

This course is part of the Youth Social Worker Pathway, which includes a series of qualifications designed to enhance your skills and knowledge:

YOUTH SOCIAL WORKER PATHWAY

  • NCFE L1 AWARD AWARENESS OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE
  • NCFE L1 AWARD ALCOHOL AWARENESS
  • NCFE L1 AWARD STRESS AWARENESS
  • NCFE L1 AWARD INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SOCIAL CARE AND CHILDRENS AND YOUNG PEOPLES SETTINGS
  • NCFE L2 CERT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES WORKFORCE

Completing this course can lead to advanced qualifications and specialised roles, enhancing employability and providing opportunities for career progression in the sector. 

Next steps at B&FC

Upon successful completion of the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce, students can progress to several courses within the Youth Social Worker Pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC). These include:

YOUTH SOCIAL WORKER PATHWAY

  • NCFE L1 AWARD AWARENESS OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE
  • NCFE L1 AWARD ALCOHOL AWARENESS
  • NCFE L1 AWARD STRESS AWARENESS
  • NCFE L1 AWARD INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SOCIAL CARE AND CHILDRENS AND YOUNG PEOPLES SETTINGS
  • NCFE L2 CERT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES WORKFORCE

Completing these qualifications can lead to advanced studies and specialised roles. You can progress to:

  • Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce
  • Level 4 Apprenticeship in Children, Young People, and Families Practitioner
  • Practitioner in Children's Residential Care

These advanced qualifications and apprenticeships provide opportunities for leadership roles and specialised positions, allowing you to make a significant impact in the lives of children and young people.

Employment Opportunities

Upon completing the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce, students can explore various entry-level employment opportunities, including:

  • Residential Care Assistant
  • Youth Support Worker
  • Childcare Assistant
  • Support Worker in Children's Services
  • Healthcare Assistant in Pediatric Settings
  • Community Support Worker
  • Family Support Worker
  • Playgroup Assistant
  • Nursery Assistant
  • Early Years Assistant

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements:

  • Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

  • Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement as they will need to show competence in both knowledge and skills. We recommend a placement which offers around 200 hours experience.
  • DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. As an Enhanced DBS Check is required for working with children and young people, this will need to be applied for by the employer as individuals cannot apply for Enahnced DBS Checks. For more information on DBS Checks including costs, please visit the gov.uk website and search 'DBS'.

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people. Additionally, students should have a basic level of proficiency in English and Maths.

Qualification obtained

Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce (England)

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this course.

What will I learn?

What will I learn?

This qualification is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with children and young people. The mandatory units cover a range of important topics:

  • Maintain and Support Relationships With Children and Young People
  • Learn how to build and maintain positive relationships with children and young people, fostering trust and effective communication
  • Introduction to Communication in Health, Social Care or Children's and Young People's Settings
  • Understand the principles of effective communication and how to apply them in various settings
  • Child and Young Person Development
  • Explore the stages of development from birth to 19 years and understand the factors that influence development
  • Contribute to the Support of Positive Environments for Children and Young People
  • Learn how to create and maintain environments that support the well-being and development of children and young people
  • Contribute to Children and Young People's Health and Safety
  • Gain knowledge on health and safety practices to ensure the safety of children and young people in your care
  • Safeguarding the Welfare of Children and Young People
  • Understand the importance of safeguarding and learn how to protect children and young people from harm
  • Introduction to Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children's and Young People's Settings
  • Focus on your own personal development and how to improve your skills and knowledge in the care sector
  • Understand Partnership Working in Services for Children and Young People
  • Learn about the importance of partnership working and how to collaborate effectively with other professionals
  • Introduction to Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children's and Young People's Settings
  • Understand the principles of equality and inclusion and how to apply them in your work
  • Support Children and Young People's Positive Behaviour
  • Learn strategies to promote positive behaviour and manage challenging behaviour in children and young people
  • Contribute to the Support of Child and Young Person Development
  • Gain skills to support the development of children and young people, helping them reach their full potential

In addition to these mandatory units, there will be optional units available to further tailor your learning experience.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Guest Speakers: The programme is enriched by guest speakers from the industry, providing valuable insights and real-world perspectives. These industry experts share their experiences and knowledge, enhancing the learning experience and offering students a unique opportunity to engage with professionals in the field.

How will I learn?

The course is taught one day per week for 24 weeks and timetabled to fit with school hours. Total teaching time is 120 hours. However, this will be supplemented by independent study and we expect students to commit around nine hours to this per week throughout the duration of the course.

Our courses are taught in hybrid teaching rooms, allowing learners to attend live sessions either in person or online. The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that students can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs and schedules.

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.

These varied teaching methods ensure a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience, preparing students for future employment with children and young people.

How will I be assessed?

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 related to childhood illnesses, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and 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