Teaching and childcare qualifications sit within a nationally regulated framework overseen by Ofqual. They span level 2 (foundational support roles) through to level 5 (further education teaching), with the most popular routes being the level 3 teaching assistant diploma and the level 3 early years educator diploma awarded by NCFE CACHE.
What are teaching and childcare qualifications?
These qualifications formally recognise the knowledge and practical competence of people working with children in schools, nurseries, out-of-school clubs, and further education settings. They are vocational — meaning they are directly mapped to job roles and assessed through coursework and evidence portfolios rather than written examinations.
The CACHE brand (now part of NCFE) is specifically valued by Ofsted-registered early years settings because NCFE CACHE qualifications appear on the Department for Education Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL). Only qualifications on the EYQL count toward statutory staffing ratios under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which means the choice of awarding body matters for early years roles.
Who are teaching and childcare qualifications for?
- People already working in a school or nursery who want to gain formal recognition of their skills
- Career changers moving into early years or classroom support from another sector
- Parents returning to work who want a qualification that fits around school hours
- Support workers in SEN or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) settings
- Those aiming for HLTA status or eventual routes into teacher training
How are these qualifications assessed?
Assessment is entirely coursework-based — there are no written exams. Learners complete a mix of written assignments, reflective accounts, case studies, and evidence portfolios. Some level 3 diplomas require a portfolio of evidence from a real workplace setting (school or nursery), either through existing employment or an arranged placement. Online learners gather this evidence while working, which many find more manageable than attending college.
Awarding bodies such as NCFE CACHE, Focus Awards, and TQUK all follow Ofqual's regulated qualifications framework. This means the qualifications carry consistent credit values and national recognition regardless of which specific provider delivers the teaching.
What awarding bodies operate in this sector?
- NCFE CACHE — the UK's only specialist awarding organisation for the children and adult care sectors; CACHE qualifications are particularly valued by Ofsted-registered nurseries
- Focus Awards — Ofqual-regulated; offers level 2 and level 3 teaching assistant diplomas mapped to the DfE teaching assistant standard
- TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) — early years diplomas accepted by Ofsted for ratio purposes
- City & Guilds — level 1 to level 3 TA and early years qualifications, widely accepted by schools and FE colleges
- Pearson BTEC — early years and childcare at level 2 and level 3, recognised for Ofsted registration
What is the EYFS and why does it matter?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework that all registered early years providers in England must follow. It sets the learning, development, and welfare requirements for children from birth to age five. An online early years educator course that covers the EYFS properly will include modules on the seven areas of learning, safeguarding, and the assessment cycles used in registered settings.
Employers look specifically for EYFS knowledge when hiring for nursery and early years roles. Qualifications awarded by NCFE CACHE, TQUK, and Pearson BTEC all include EYFS coverage as a core component, which is why they are listed on the EYQL and accepted by Ofsted-registered providers.
How teaching qualifications link to career progression
The qualification ladder in this sector is clear: a level 2 certificate is typically the starting point for unqualified support assistants; a level 3 diploma opens room leader, key person, and specialist TA roles; and a level 5 further education teaching qualification is needed to teach in colleges and training organisations. HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) status sits between level 3 and level 5 and is assessed against a national standard rather than a qualification per se, though employers often prefer candidates who hold or are working toward a level 4 certificate alongside HLTA status.