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Mental health

Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years: Level 2 Certificate

For learners who wish to understand mental health in young children in the early years (from birth to 5 years old).

WarningWe're checking this course's funding. Funding for this qualification (603/5862/2) ended on 31 July 2025. Some providers may now offer a replacement qualification. Check with a provider before you apply.

Course summary

Qualification
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years
Level
Level 2
Awarding body
NCFE (CACHE)
Qualification number (QAN)
603/5862/2
Guided learning
105 hours
Total time
130 hours, including study and assessment
Cost
Being checked. Ask the provider

Who it's for and what you'll learn

This Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years NCFE CACHE Level 2 qualification is designed for learners who wish to understand mental health in young children in the early years (from birth to 5 years old) and the role of the Early Years Practitioner to support children’s mental health and wellbeing. Learners will develop knowledge which would support progression to further qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care, childcare or education sectors.

This qualification aims to:

  • focus on the study of mental health within the context of young children in the early years
  • offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge

The objectives of this qualification are to:

  • understand key issues surrounding mental health for young children in the early years
  • understand the significance of attachment and adverse childhood experiences for young children in the early years
  • understand the role of the Early Years Practitioner in supporting mental health and wellbeing for young children in the early years

This course is especially useful for job roles such as Teaching Assistant, Nursery Worker or Learning Mentor.

What the course covers

To be awarded the Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 3 mandatory units:

Unit 1 - Understand mental health for young children in the early years

The aim of this unit is to raise awareness of the significance of mental health for holistic health and wellbeing in children in the early years.

The learner will:

  • Understand holistic health and wellbeing for children in the early years
  • Understand how children’s mental health and well-being should be supported in the early years provision
  • Understand the role of the key person in relation to physical and mental health and wellbeing
  • Understand mental health issues affecting children in the early years

Unit 2 - Understand the significance of attachment and adverse childhood experiences for young children in the early years

The aim of this unit is to raise awareness of the significance of attachment for mental health and wellbeing in children in the early years. This unit will also introduce relevant learning from neuroscience and adverse childhood experiences.

The learner will:

  • Understand the theory and approaches relevant to attachment in early years practice
  • Understand the significance of attachment for the mental health and well-being for children in the early years
  • Understand brain development and functioning in the context of mental health in children in the early years

Unit 3 - Understand the role of the Early Years Practitioner in_supporting the mental health and well-being_of young children in the early years

The aim of this unit is to increase confidence amongst Early Years Practitioners to support early intervention for mental health and wellbeing in children in the early years.

The learner will:

  • Understand the role of communication in children’s mental health and wellbeing
  • Understand the role of the practitioner to promote mental health and wellbeing in an early years setting
  • Understand sources of support for children, families and practitioners

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 130 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.

What could I do next?

Sources

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