Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner
Who is it for?
Suitable for learners aged 18 and over, who are currently employed as an early years Level 3 practitioner.
It would suit learners who are looking to develop leadership and specialist skills for use in their current role, or in preparation to take on a specialist role such as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator or a Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator.
It would also suit learners who want to progress to further learning to take on a position of leadership within the setting.
What will I learn?
The content covers the age range from 0-5 years and includes the following areas
Enabling children to learn
promoting health and wellbeing
special educational needs
working with families implementing change
Learners will develop and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities.
FAQs
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Learners must be aged 18 or over and hold a full Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification. This is a work-based qualification, so learners must be employed in an Early Years setting at Level 3 to enrol.
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This Level 4 qualification covers professional practice for children aged 0–5 years, including:
Enabling children to learn and develop
Promoting health and wellbeing
Supporting children with special educational needs
Working effectively with families
Implementing positive change in the setting
You will also develop key leadership, mentoring, coaching, and reflective practice skills through real work-based learning opportunities.
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Full course fee: £811
Monthly payment plan: £135.17 x 6 months
Advanced Learner Loan: Available for eligible learners
This flexible funding ensures you can study while continuing to work in your Early Years setting.
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This qualification is designed for experienced Early Years practitioners seeking to develop leadership and specialist skills in their current role or progress into advanced roles, such as a SENCO or Senior Practitioner.
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The Level 4 qualification is delivered via blended online learning, including interactive resources, recorded sessions, and live tutor support. Practical application takes place in your current Early Years workplace.
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Yes. Completion of Level 4 prepares you for Level 5 Early Years Senior Practitioner qualifications or other leadership and specialist roles within childcare settings.
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Yes. Eligible learners can fund their Level 4 course through an Advanced Learner Loan, spreading the cost with no upfront payment required. Monthly instalments are also available for self-funding.
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You will develop leadership, mentoring, coaching, and reflective practice skills, as well as expertise in supporting children’s learning and development, promoting health and wellbeing, and managing special educational needs.
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Yes. On completion, you will achieve the NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner, which is widely recognised across the UK childcare sector.

