The Department for Education (DfE) describe Tech level qualifications as follows:
Tech levels are rigorous advanced (level 3) technical qualifications on a par with A Levels and recognised by employers. They are for students aged 16 plus who want to specialise in a specific industry or prepare for a particular job. They cover jobs and careers where employers recruit people at this level or where a level 3 qualification is needed before students can progress to a related higher education course. Tech levels give students an opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills to help them get an apprenticeship or job, for example in engineering, IT, accounting or professional cookery, or progress to a higher level qualification. In some cases, a tech level qualification is a ‘licence to practise’ or can exempt someone holding the qualification from a professional exam. Tech levels are recognised by trade or professional bodies or at least five employers. Alternatively, the qualification may be accepted by a national licensed professional registration scheme.
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) prepares students to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with and care for children from birth to 5 years, and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. The aim of this qualification is to confirm the student’s competence to work in a Level 3 work role. It requires them to demonstrate the full application of skills, knowledge, and understanding. This qualification will guide and assess the development of knowledge and skills relating to early years.
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education prepares students to progress on to the Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator). They provide students with knowledge of children from birth to seven years.
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) enables students to enter the workforce as early years educators, or access higher education.
Overall qualification grading is A* – D.
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
All units are mandatory and will be internally assessed. Unit 3.15 (Longitudinal Study) is a mandatory task set by CACHE and will be internally assessed. There are 3 assessment tasks which will be externally set and externally marked. Competence in a real work environment must be demonstrated.
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education
All units will be internally assessed. Learners must also pass an Effective Practice Study Task (externally set, externally marked).
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
All units will be internally assessed. Learners must also pass an Effective Practice Study Task and one Extended Assessment Task (externally set, externally marked).