Harlow College in Essex offers a range of CACHE qualifications from Level 1 to Level 3 in Early Years, Childcare and Education, Health and Social Care. Tutors have enjoyed delivering CACHE qualifications since 2015 and the college has seen excellent outcomes for learners. 

The CACHE qualifications offered at Harlow College improve learner outcomes and enhance their employability skills due to the combined classroom activities and work placements. 

Enhancing learner journeys 

Rebecca Hyland-Hawkins, Senior Tutor in Childcare and Education at Harlow College, said: "The range of CACHE qualifications we offer provides learners with a range of levels and routes to individualise their learning journey, while providing a common approach to learning. The Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings gives learners a great stepping stone, helping them decide their future pathways. Learners progress to Level 2 or 3 qualifications dependant on their learning styles and individual needs. 

"The incorporation of work placements within the CACHE qualifications support learners with their employability skills and gives them the opportunity to apply knowledge from lessons into a real work environment. Job opportunities become available to learners due to the professional relationships they build when on placement, with many going on to work as early years practitioners, teaching assistants, nannies, support workers, and SEND workers once they have completed the qualifications."

Progression to university 

Rebecca continued: "Many learners continue their learning at university after completing CACHE qualifications, studying to become teachers, midwives, nurses, counsellors and social workers. The Level 3 qualifications allow learners to gain a wide range of practical skills which can be transferred to many different sectors, for example, time management, communication, listening, essay writing and organisational skills."

Securing first childcare job 

Laura Jepchott is a learner on the Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education (EYE), with the long term goal of becoming a SEND teacher within a primary school. Laura commented: "By studying the CACHE qualification I have gained the ability to work competently within a setting, feeling secure in my reinforced capabilities to support the learning and development of all children on an inclusive and holistic basis. Through practical and professional placements I demonstrated my newly learnt skills and secured my first childcare job with a nursery. I impressed the staff at the nursery so much with my understanding and practical implementation of skills and childcare knowledge that they are willing to further support me through both my Level 4 and 5 qualifications."

Incorporating digital learning 

As an Apple distinguished college, Harlow College use a range of digital learning tools and CACHE qualifications give them the flexibility to embed this. Rebecca stated: "Delivering CACHE qualifications allows us to develop unique, well-rounded methods of teaching and a flexible approach to learning. I would highly recommend CACHE to other centres as they are always on hand to offer exceptional support and guidance, with any questions being resolved quickly and easily."

For more information on CACHE please visit cache.org.uk