This qualification is ideal for students looking to work with children between birth and 5 years, and gain knowledge of working with children up to 7 years. Students do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification and will achieve a NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner qualification on successful completion


Meet our students Elizabeth Lefever

Elizabeth Lefever

I’ve always wanted to work in the childcare industry and chose this course as the best option to further my career. I like the fact that I have work placements in nurseries and schools to get more experience and become more confident. The support staff and teachers are happy to help and full of encouragement.

Child Care

Meet our students Laura Pearce

Laura Pearce

As a teaching assistant, I find the course extremely relevant to my job. The course has taught me a lot about children’s learning development, and I’m applying what I’ve learnt so far within my role at the school where I work. Studying for a degree in Newbury is an advantage to me. I was thrilled that UCN’s partnership with the University of Reading made this possible for me. More...

Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning

  • Description

    The course content covers: Working with babies, children, young people covering topics around health and safety, safeguarding and equality and diversity. You will gain an understanding of child development, child care routines and promoting positive behaviours.

    All students will take part in placement experience either within local Preschool, Nursery sector and specialised care within childcare settings.

    In order to undertake this course students are required to have a DBS check.

    Students are required to wear uniform when on work placement and the process for collecting this uniform will be explained at induction. We encourage student feedback and good attendance at review evenings.

  • Entry Requirements

    Students will be accepted onto the course if they have a vocationally relevant Level one Diploma and Functional Skills Maths and English, preferably at Level 1. All students must have achieved, or show the ability to achieve, Maths and English to grade 3 (D) or equivalent. Where a student has not yet fulfilled this requirement, a functional skills qualification is a mandatory part of this course. A DBS check is required as part of this course to enable students to do the mandatory work placement in childcare settings. ID for this needs to be presented to tutors by 1st October.

    NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner aims to provide you with a range of essential theory and practical skills and knowledge which will equip you to seek employment or further training within childcare of successful completion of the course You will cover communication skills, safe working and safeguarding skills as well as working skills specific to each sector.

  • Qualification

    NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

  • Progression

    Student can progress to a level three childcare qualification or apprenticeship or could secure employment as a level 2 qualified member of staff in a nursery or preschool.

  • Assessment

    All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge based assignments will be undertaken. Work experience will be undertaken to include direct observation of practical skills.

  • Home Study

    We work expect around 2-4 hours of external study a week.

  • Work Placement

    Students will undertake 1 day per week at a placement location and carry out a minimum of four block weeks per year.

  • Fees and Additional Costs

    We advise all students to purchase a relevant text book and they will require a college t-shirt for placement.

* Terms and conditions apply. The fees stated on this website are for guidance purposes only and should be checked before enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, fees shown are for tuition only, over one academic year. Where a course is longer than one academic year, the fees stated are for the first year, and the cost of the second or subsequent years will be discussed at interview. For details of fee remission for students over 19 click here. If you think you may be entitled to a concession or fee remission, or you would like more information on the additional costs associated with your chosen course, please contact us on 01635 845000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..