Search

What Can You Do with an NCFE CACHE Qualification? (Levels 1 to 5 + SENCo Pathway Explained)

Jun 20
3 min read

Smiling early years teacher with young children in a nursery classroom

Are you passionate about working with children or supporting families in early years education? Whether you’re a parent, nanny, nursery assistant, or aiming to become a nursery manager or SENCo, NCFE CACHE qualifications can open doors to fulfilling careers in the childcare sector.

CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education) qualifications are trusted in the UK and internationally.

This blog post walks you through the NCFE CACHE pathway—from entry-level to management, including SEND specializations.

CACHE Level 1: Ideal for Parents, Babysitters & Beginners

Parent playing with a baby on a soft mat

This entry-level course is perfect for:

• First-time parents

• Nannies and babysitters

• Aspiring childminders

You’ll learn the basics of child development, safety, nutrition, and the importance of play. It’s ideal if you’re exploring a career in childcare or want to confidently care for children at home.

Career Options with CACHE Level 1:

• Babysitter

• Mother's helper

• Entry to Level 2 childcare courses

CACHE Level 2: Start Your Career in Nurseries and Preschools

This level is designed for those who want to work in early years settings/classroom settings under supervision.

You’ll gain knowledge of child development, safeguarding, supporting learning through play, and more.

Teacher assisting toddlers during story time

Career Options with CACHE Level 2:

Nursery assistant
Preschool helper
Teaching assistant in early years classrooms

CACHE Level 3: Become a Qualified Early Years Educator

Level 3 qualifies you to work independently with children and lead in nursery or preschool environments.

This diploma is also accepted for entry into university degrees related to education and child development.

Early years educator leading a group activity with preschoolers

Career Options with CACHE Level 3:

Nursery lead teacher
Key worker in a nursery
International childcare jobs
Progression to higher education

CACHE Level 5: Manage or Open Your Own Nursery

Ready to take on a leadership role? Level 5 is the highest qualification in the CACHE pathway for early years education. It trains professionals to manage nursery operations, lead teams, and ensure compliance with education standards.

Best for: Experienced professionals stepping into leadership roles.

Confident nursery manager overseeing classroom operations

Career Options with CACHE Level 5:

Nursery manager or director
Early years setting supervisor
Owner of a daycare or preschool business

CACHE Level 3 SENCo: Specialize in Supporting Children with Learning Needs

If you’ve completed the Level 3 Early Years Educator course, you can specialize in supporting children with learning difficulties. This SENCo course trains you to work closely with families and develop individual support plans.

Female SENCo working with a child using visual learning tools

Best for: Qualified educators supporting special needs children.

Must complete CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator first.

Career Options with CACHE Level 3 SENCo:

SENCo coordinator
Inclusion support practitioner
Early years SEN specialist

CACHE Level 4 SEND: Lead in Special Educational Needs Settings

This advanced course requires completion of Level 3 SENCo. It prepares professionals to manage SEND environments, lead teams, and influence policy and strategy in early years care.

Best for: Aspiring SEND leaders or managers.

Requires Level 3 SENCo. Focuses on leading teams, SEND strategy, and managing inclusive settings.

Childcare manager conducting a team meeting in a SEND nursery

Career Options with CACHE Level 4 SEND:

Lead SENCo or SEND team leader
SEND setting manager
Special needs curriculum planner
Inclusion Manager
SENCo Manager

Final Thoughts: Build a Successful Childcare Career with CACHE

Whether you're starting with CACHE Level 1 as a parent or aiming for CACHE Level 5 to lead your own childcare business, there's a pathway for you.

With growing demand for skilled professionals in childcare and early years education, now is the perfect time to start your journey.

✅ NCFE CACHE qualifications are: