NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner

Real Skills Training

• Course Brochure - download

This course is designed for early years professionals who are keen to deepen their expertise in providing inclusive and effective support in early years settings. The curriculum is tailored to address the challenges and opportunities in supporting children with additional needs, enhancing learning environments, engaging with families and other professionals, promoting health through physical activities and nutrition, and implementing change through research-based projects. This comprehensive course equips practitioners with the skills necessary to improve outcomes for all children, particularly those who require additional support.

As part of this qualification you will cover the following mandatory units:

1. Working With Others to Support Children With Additional Needs, Including Special Educational Needs and Disability (D/508/0930) - Focus on collaborative strategies to support children with additional needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Learn about the frameworks, strategies, and practices necessary to create inclusive, supportive environments that cater to diverse learning needs.
2. Enabling Children to Learn (H/508/0928) -Explore methods and teaching strategies that enhance learning opportunities for young children. This unit delves into the theories of early childhood development and practical approaches to foster an engaging and effective learning environment.
3. Working With Families and Other Professionals in Early Years Settings (H/508/0931) -Develop skills in collaboration and communication with families and other professionals to support children’s development. This unit emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships to create a cohesive support network for children in early years settings.
4. Promoting Health and Well-Being Through Physical Activity and Nutrition Co-ordination (Panco) in the Early Years (K/508/0929) -Learn to lead initiatives that promote physical health and nutritional well-being among young children. This unit covers the role of a PANCo (Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator) in planning and implementing policies and activities that encourage healthy lifestyles.
5. Implementing Change in an Early Years Setting Incorporating a Small Scale Research Project (K/508/0932) - Gain insights into the processes of managing and implementing change within early years settings through evidence-based practices. This unit includes conducting a small-scale research project to evaluate the effectiveness of changes and how they can be scaled and adapted to better serve the needs of children and families.

Each unit in this course is crafted to provide early years professionals with advanced knowledge and practical tools to enhance their practice, drive improvements, and ensure all children, especially those with additional needs, receive the best possible start in life.

Suitable for learners aged 18 and over, who are currently employed as an early years Level 3 practitioner.

It would suit learners who are looking to develop leadership and specialist skills for use in their current role, or in preparation to take on a specialist role such as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator or a Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator.

It would also suit learners who want to progress to further learning to take on a position of leadership within the setting.

Learners must be 18+ and hold a full Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification.

We have no additional formal entry requirements for this course, however, due to some practical evidence requirements by the awarding body, you should be currently working in a role, volunteering or have a placement in a setting to allow you to complete all practical aspects of the course. If you are not sure, please contact our enrolment team.

SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) - for staff who are undertaking the responsibility of SENCO in the setting.

PANCO (Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator) - for staff who are undertaking the responsibility of PANCO in the setting

Internal progression at higher level including those with management responsibilities.

Leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities.