Childcare Qualification Levels

National Qualifications Framework

Below is a list of childcare qualifications that are deemed ‘Full and Relevant’ if started after September 2025 (additional criteria may also need to be met). Other qualifications, if started prior to September 2025 may also be considered ‘Full and Relevant’, and can be checked against the relevant qualification schedule.

Please note that if your qualification is not deemed to be ‘Full and Relevant’, you cannot be counted in ratio for that level. This will affect you employment opportunities and pay.

For guidance, an A-Level qualification is considered to be Level 3, and a GCSE (Grade A*-C or 4-9) a Level 2

LEVEL 2

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (BIIAB)
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (England) (City & Guilds)
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (iCan Qualifications Limited)
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Innovate Awarding)
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (NCFE CACHE)
Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners (Pearson BTEC)
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Skillsfirst)
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (TQUK)
Level 2 Diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Practitioner) (BTEC)
Level 2 Children and Young People's Workforce (CYPW) Intermediate Apprenticeship Framework (early years pathway)
Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners (England) (Highfield)
Other Full and Relevant Level 2 started pre-September 2025

LEVEL 3

Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Care and Education (TQUK)
Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Montessori Pedagogy from Birth to Seven (Early Years Educator) (NCFE CACHE)
Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Montessori Pedagogy - Birth to Seven (Early Years Educator) (Diploma) (NCFE CACHE)
Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (NCFE CACHE)
Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) (Diploma) (NCFE CACHE)
Early Years Educator (EYE) Level 3 Apprenticeship
BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Early Years Educator (Diploma) (Pearson)
Other Full and Relevant Level 3 started pre-September 2025

LEVEL 4

Higher National Certificate in Early Years Professional Leadership for England
Level 4 Diploma in Early Years Montessori Pedagogy from Birth to Seven (Early Years Educator) (NCFE CACHE)
Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care
Other Full and Relevant Level 4 started pre-September 2025

LEVEL 5

Higher National Diploma in Early Years Professional Leadership for England
Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Education)
Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Leadership and Management)
Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Social and Community Care Practice)
Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner (HTQ) (NCFE CACHE)
Other Full and Relevant Level 5 started pre-September 2025

LEVEL 6

BA in Education Studies Early Years Educator Specialised Award
BA(Hons) Childhood Studies
BA(Hons) Joint Honours in Education: Education Studies and Early Years
BA(Hons) Joint Honours in Education: Early Years and Special and Inclusive Education
BA(Hons) Joint Honours in Education: Early Years, Psychology and Education
BA(Hons) Joint Honours in Education: Early Years, Business and Education
BA(Hons) Childhood Studies
FdA Early Years Professional
BA(Hons) Education and Early Years
BA(Hons) Early Years and BA (Hons) Early Years (Top up)
BA(Hons) Early Childhood Education
BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)
Other Full and Relevant Level 6 started pre-September 2025

LEVEL 7