Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health: Level 2 Certificate
For anyone looking to increase their knowledge and awareness of children and young people’s mental health (covering children aged 5 to 18).
Course summary
- Qualification
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
- Level
- Level 2
- Awarding body
- NCFE (CACHE)
- Qualification number (QAN)
- 603/2813/7
- Guided learning
- 135 hours
- Total time
- 156 hours, including study and assessment
- Cost
- Free if you are eligible
Who it's for and what you'll learn
The aim of this Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health NCFE CACHE Level 2 qualification is to increase the learner’s knowledge and awareness of children and young people’s mental health. By completing the qualification, learners will develop knowledge of mental health in children and young people which would support progression onto further qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care or education sectors.
By completing the qualification, learners will develop knowledge of mental health in children and young people which would support progression onto further qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care, childcare or education sectors.
In this qualification, “children and young people” refers to an age range of 5 to 18 years old.
This is especially useful for job roles such as Health Play Specialist, Teaching Assistant or Social Work Assistant.
What the course covers
To be awarded the Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 5 mandatory units:
Unit 1 - Understand children and young people’s mental health in context
In this unit, learners will understand the concept of mental health. An understanding of how society views mental health and how this has changed over time will also be investigated. Learners will also understand the legislation in place to support children and young people’s mental health.
The learner will:
- Understand the concept of mental health
- Know the legislation and the guidance that applies to children and young people’s mental health
- Understand how society views mental health
Unit 2 - Understand factors which may affect children and young people’s mental health
In this unit, learners will understand the risk factors that can affect children and young people’s mental health and how these can be mitigated. They will also investigate how developmental changes and puberty can impact children and young people.
The learner will:
- Understand risk factors which may affect the mental well-being of children and young people
- Understand the potential effects of puberty and developmental changes on the mental health of children and young people
- Understand how abuse or bullying may affect the mental health of a child or young person
Unit 3 - Understand children and young people’s mental health concerns
In this unit, learners will understand behaviours displayed by children and young people which may indicate a mental health concern. They will also investigate common mental health conditions that affect children and young people.
The learner will:
- Understand behaviour that is associated with mental health concerns in children and young people
- Understand stress and anxiety in children and young people
- Understand depression in children and young people
- Know about specific mental health conditions that children and young people may experience
Unit 4 - Understand the impact of children and young people’s mental health concerns
In this unit, learners will investigate the impact of mental health concerns on children, young people and others. They will also understand the importance of diagnosis and the reasons why there may be a reluctance to seek a diagnosis.
The learner will:
- Understand the impact mental health concerns can have on children and young people
- Understand the impact of children and young people’s mental health problems on others
- Understand the importance of being diagnosed with a mental health problem
Unit 5 - Understand how to support children and young people with mental health concerns
In this unit, learners will understand the support available for children and young people’s mental health. They will investigate a person-centred approach, mental health promotion and the services and treatment available.
The learner will:
- Understand person-centred approaches to supporting children and young people with mental health concerns
- Understand how to promote mental well-being in children and young people
- Understand services and treatment involved with children and young people’s mental health
How these courses usually work
Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.
Where and how you study
Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.
How long it takes
- This qualification is designed to take about 156 hours in total, including study and assessment.
- Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
- Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.
Support
Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.
Assessment
There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.
Your certificate
When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.
Things to check before you start
- Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
- If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.
Can I do this course for free?
ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary).
Check whether you're eligible for a free course. The provider makes the final decision.
Where can I study this?
We've found 5 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.
What could I do next?
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Sources
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
- NCFE qualification factsheet (603/2813/7)ncfe.org.uk (PDF)
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