Caring for Children Level 1 Award is an excellent starting point for students looking to embark upon a career working in childcare. Students will develop their knowledge of children's growth and development up to the age of six whilst gaining an understanding of the job roles and areas covered by child practitioners.

Support is provided for up to 12 months but it is entirely up to you how quickly you work through the course. The estimated study time is 100 hours so if you average around 5 hours a week study you would complete in 5-6 months. If you put more time in you can complete quicker.

The course is delivered hard copy in folders or emailed to you if you choose the online option. These are yours to keep so you can write on them, make notes etc. Your pack will contain everything you need to begin your course including your lessons, tutor and support information. In addition a study guide explaining how to get started along with comprehensive study notes for each element of the course is included.

Support is provided throughout the course via a tutor who can be emailed at any time should you come across anything you are unsure of. There is also a support team by telephone. Don't hesitate to ask if you are unsure!

Caring for Children Level 1 Award is split into four units. At the end of each unit you will complete an assignment which you will email to your tutor. An assignment is a set of questions based upon the unit you have just studied. If there are any areas for improvements or anything that you have misunderstood you will always have the opportunity to re-submit.

The good news is there are no exams! Once you have completed all the assignments you complete the course.

Unit 1: Growth and Development of Young Children

• Patterns and stages of growth for children from birth to 5 years 11 months
• Factors which influence growth and development from birth to 5 years 11 months
• Importance of diet and exercise for children's growth and development
• Activities which promote children's physical development
• Ways to help children to develop communication and language skills
• Ways to encourage children to play socially

Unit 2: Practical Health and Safety when with Young Children

• Health and safety guidance, symbols or instructions on young children's equipment and toys
• Health and safety instructions on cleaning materials which may be found in a house
• Health and safety rules, guidelines or instructions when taking children out into the street and to the park
• Potential hazards to young children in the home
• Safety features to ensure young children stay safe in the home
• Safety equipment or controls which help to keep young children safe when going out for a walk, when in a car and when in a children’s playground
• Fire safety equipment that is recommended to be in a house
• Possible fire hazards to young children and adults in a house
• Own actions to maintain a young child’s safety if there was fire in the house

Unit 3: Respecting and Valuing Children

• Ways to value children as individuals
• Reasons why children need to be respected as individuals
• Ways to communicate with children to ensure that they feel valued
• Behaviour that shows respect and value of children
• Organisations that promote the rights of children

Unit 4: Understanding Learning and Development Through Play

• Features of a setting that contribute to a positive learning environment
• How these features might help children to learn through the use of play activities and strategies
• Ways in which play can help children’s learning in developmental areas
• Example of stereotyping in play
• How a given set of materials, resources or activities can challenge stereotyping and discrimination

Upon successful completion of the course you will achieve an NCFE CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Caring for Children.

CACHE became part of NCFE in 2015.

CACHE (the Council of Awards in Care, Health and Education) are the UK's leading awarding organisation for the childcare and social care sectors, and are part of the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) which ensures the highest level quality courses and industry recognised qualifications.

Once you have enrolled on your CACHE course, you will be entitled to access the CACHE Alumni Membership for 2 years. Please contact our Student Support team for further information on 0330 563100. CACHE Alumni is a Professional Membership Network for those who work in the CACHE industries, providing valuable resources and advice for professional studying towards/with a CACHE qualification.