Level 4: Early Years Advanced Practitioner

The NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner aims to provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in the early years workforce at Level 3.

NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate

This qualification will embrace the wealth of experience of the Level 3 early years workforce, and challenge learners in both their daily practice and theoretical understanding. Upon achievement of the qualification, learners will be equipped as an advanced practitioner. The advanced practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the early years workforce. The qualification covers a range of early years topics at Level 4, including enabling children to learn, working with families and other professionals and implementing change, as well as specialist areas such as physical activity and nutrition and special educational needs. Learners will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities.

Entry requirements

Learners must be at least 18 years old and hold a full Level 3 early years / childcare qualification. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

Experience in The Workplace

Learners are required to be employed in an early years setting at Level 3 to complete this qualification.

Qualification structure

Learners must achieve:

5 mandatory units
Total Qualification Time: 196 hours
Total Guided Learning Hours: 151

Units

Enabling children to learn
Promoting health and well-being through physical activity and nutrition co-ordination (PANCo) in the early year
Working with others to support children with additional needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disability
Working with families and other professionals in early years settings

Assessment

This qualification will be assessed using a portfolio of evidence

Progression

This qualification provides progression to a Level 5 qualification such as the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England). It will also prepare learners for further study of early years in higher education.

I am a Level 6 qualified Early Years Coordinator and I recently completed my Level 3 SEND Course. I was able to reflect on my current practice and make positive changes through what I was learning. I enjoyed the simplicity and organisation of the course, needing to answer pre set questions to show your understanding with all evidence stored in your own, personal portfolio. This course certainly made me more confident within my role as a SENCO

I found the Level 3 SEND course challenging but very interesting. I learnt so much over the duration of the course, all relevant to practice which I have been able to implement in setting, to strengthen our SEN offering support to both children their carers/parents. Hazel was always on hand to offer advice or guidance when needed. I would strongly recommend this course even to those already familiar with the subject because it is so comprehensive and encourages you to reflect on what you already practice.