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Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner

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Level 5
Qualification
100%
Online Learning
18
Course Units
18-24 mo
Avg. Completion

About This Course

For leaders, deputies and managers in early years. Build your leadership and management skills, lead practice for children from birth to seven, and gain a Higher Technical Qualification that also meets the DfE Early Years Educator criteria. Includes full Premium support.

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner (610/4163/4) builds the leadership and management skills you need to lead an early years setting, alongside expert early years practice. It covers children from birth to seven years. It is recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) and lines up with the Early Years Lead Practitioner occupational standard (ST0551). It also meets the Department for Education (DfE) Early Years Educator (EYE) criteria, so when you complete it you can count in the EYFS staff to child ratio at Level 3. Across 18 mandatory units you learn to lead care routines, wellbeing, behaviour, speech and language, early literacy and maths, write and run safeguarding, health and safety and SEND policies, lead a team, work with families and other professionals, and drive quality across your setting. It comes with our full Premium support: a named tutor calling weekly, a 1:1 career advisor session, draft marking before you submit, priority 3-day marking, free resubmissions, a free 12-month extension if needed, free AI checks on your assignments, and 2 bonus CPD courses at no extra cost.

This Course at a Glance

  • Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), recognised by IfATE
  • Meets the DfE Early Years Educator criteria (counts in Level 3 ratios)
  • 18 mandatory units, 121 credits, covering birth to seven years
  • For leaders, deputies and managers in early years
  • Named tutor with weekly calls
  • Dedicated career advisor session
  • Draft marking before you submit
  • Priority marking, assignments back within 3 days
  • Free resubmissions and a free 12-month extension
  • 2 bonus CPD courses included free
  • 0% interest payment plans available

Your course includes:

  • Online learning platform with 24/7 access
  • Named tutor with weekly calls, by phone and email
  • Study materials and assignment guidance for all 18 units
  • Draft marking and priority 3-day marking
  • Assessor support to build your portfolio of evidence
  • 1:1 career advisor session
  • 2 bonus CPD courses included free
  • NCFE CACHE certificate when you complete

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take?
NCFE says about 18 to 24 months. It depends on how much time you can put in each week.
Do I need to be working?
Yes. You need to be working as a leader, deputy or manager in an early years setting, or have the chance to carry out those duties. The course includes 300 hours of work placement, which you complete in your setting.
Who can study it?
You must be 19 or over. NCFE does not set any other entry requirements, but you should have experience of working in early years. Many learners already hold a Level 3 early years qualification.
Will it count in staff to child ratios?
Yes. It meets the DfE Early Years Educator criteria, so once you complete it you can count in the EYFS staff to child ratio at Level 3. To count, you also need a suitable Level 2 English qualification. If you start in a manager role, you also need a suitable Level 2 maths qualification.
How is it assessed?
There are no exams. Your assessor marks your work using observation of your practice, professional discussion, work products and a portfolio of evidence. Two units use a set task: a professional research project and an action research project. Grading is Achieved or Not yet achieved.
What does draft marking mean?
Your tutor reviews a draft of your assignment before you submit it for final marking, so you know it's on track before it counts.
What bonus courses do I get?
The Award in the Principles of Health and Safety within the Workplace and the Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work, both included free.
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Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
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What Our Students Say

Rated 4.6/5 on Google

“I am studying the NCFE Level 5 Adult Care Diploma in Leadership and Management. The course is well structured, practical, and relevant to real workplace leadership.”

Joseph R.

Google review

“I am completing my Level 5 Management and Leadership course and I highly recommend them. Professional, with a great learning environment — my tutor is incredibly supportive.”

Ajith S.

Google review

“Flexible learning and 1-1 sessions with the tutors to get a clear understanding of the subject. There is so much support from the staff as well.”

Shylet R.

Google review

“The team is highly reliable and consistently follows up with learners to ensure they feel supported and on track. The online platform is user-friendly and well organised.”

Sipyinyu A.

Google review

“The trainer explained things in a simple, down-to-earth way and was happy to slow down and answer questions. We covered the basics plus lots of real examples.”

Abhishek S.

Google review

“Whenever I was unsure about my work, things were explained clearly. The feedback helped me improve my portfolio step by step. I felt supported throughout.”

Kavya D.

Google review

“My sessions so far have been nothing less than amazing. My tutor provides the necessary and relevant support to help navigate the programme.”

Cosmos A.

Google review

“From the date I joined, the support I am receiving is excellent. My tutor is always there whenever I need help, with constant and clear communication.”

Hanna F.

Google review

“I am studying the NCFE Level 5 Adult Care Diploma in Leadership and Management. The course is well structured, practical, and relevant to real workplace leadership.”

Joseph R.

Google review

“I am completing my Level 5 Management and Leadership course and I highly recommend them. Professional, with a great learning environment — my tutor is incredibly supportive.”

Ajith S.

Google review

“Flexible learning and 1-1 sessions with the tutors to get a clear understanding of the subject. There is so much support from the staff as well.”

Shylet R.

Google review

“The team is highly reliable and consistently follows up with learners to ensure they feel supported and on track. The online platform is user-friendly and well organised.”

Sipyinyu A.

Google review

“The trainer explained things in a simple, down-to-earth way and was happy to slow down and answer questions. We covered the basics plus lots of real examples.”

Abhishek S.

Google review

“Whenever I was unsure about my work, things were explained clearly. The feedback helped me improve my portfolio step by step. I felt supported throughout.”

Kavya D.

Google review

“My sessions so far have been nothing less than amazing. My tutor provides the necessary and relevant support to help navigate the programme.”

Cosmos A.

Google review

“From the date I joined, the support I am receiving is excellent. My tutor is always there whenever I need help, with constant and clear communication.”

Hanna F.

Google review

Read more reviews on Google

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