NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England) (Learning, Development and Support Services)

About This Course

This Level 3 qualification equips learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to support children and young people across the educational and support spectrum—from birth to age 19. Specifically tailored for the Learning, Development and Support Services (LDSS) pathway, it prepares learners for key roles such as learning mentors, educational support staff, and youth service workers.

The course enables learners to work confidently in educational and youth settings, enhancing children and young people’s learning, well-being, and life opportunities through reflective, evidence-based practice.

It is a fully-recognised qualification on the RQF (Qualification Number: 601/3474/4/LDSS), awarded by NCFE CACHE and endorsed across the education and care sectors.

Please Note: To complete this qualification, learners must have access to a workplace or placement in a realistic work environment (a minimum of 400 hours is recommended) to complete the practical competency assessments. We recommend securing a placement prior to enrolling.

This qualification has a workplace element where you will demonstrate your practical experience. To complete this element, you must be in an England based setting.

Course Benefits

• Fully Regulated RQF Qualification: Awarded by NCFE CACHE and listed on the Ofqual register (QN: 601/3474/4/LDSS).
• Specialist LDSS Pathway: Focused on learning support, educational mentorship, and youth development.
• Flexible Online Learning: Complete knowledge-based modules at your own pace with 1-to-1 expert tutor guidance.
• Career Advancement: Opens direct pathways into senior support roles in schools, colleges, youth services, and community learning programs.

Course Units

Qualification Title: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England) (Learning, Development and Support Services)
Qualification Number: 601/3474/4/LDSS
Total Credits: 65

Unit 1: SHC 31 Promote Communication In Health, Social Care Or Children’s And Young People’s Settings (J/601/1434)

• Strategies for effective verbal and non-verbal communication
• Tailoring communication to individual needs
• Liaising with colleagues and families

Unit 2: SHC 32 Engage In Personal Development In Health, Social Care Or Children’s And Young People’s Settings (A/601/1429)

• Reflective practice for professional growth
• Identifying and addressing skill gaps
• Personal action planning

Unit 3: SHC 33 Promote Equality And Inclusion In Health, Social Care Or Children’s And Young People’s Settings (Y/601/1437)

• Understanding diversity and anti-discriminatory practice
• Promoting equality and inclusion in daily work
• Challenging discrimination effectively

Unit 4: SHC 34 Principles For Implementing Duty Of Care In Health, Social Care Or Children’s And Young People’s Settings (R/601/1436)

• Understanding duty of care in daily practice
• Managing dilemmas and conflicts of interest
• Responding to comments, concerns, and complaints

Unit 5: CYP Core 3.1 Understand Child And Young Person Development (L/601/1693)

• Main stages and sequence of development from birth to 19 years
• Factors influencing child development and transitions
• Assessment and monitoring methods for growth and development

Unit 6: CYP Core 3.2 Promote Child And Young Person Development (R/601/1694)

• Planning and supporting physical, social, and emotional development
• Supporting transitions and life changes
• Promoting positive health and well-being

Unit 7: CYP Core 3.3 Understand How To Safeguard The Well-Being Of Children And Young People (Y/601/1695)

• Legislation, policy, and procedures for safeguarding
• Identifying signs of abuse, harm, and neglect
• Child protection procedures and multi-agency working

Unit 8: CYP Core 3.4 Support Children And Young People’s Health And Safety (D/601/1696)

• Risk assessment and health and safety policies
• Accident prevention and emergency procedures
• Supporting hygiene, illness management, and medicine administration

Unit 9: CYP Core 3.5 Develop Positive Relationships With Children, Young People And Others Involved In Their Care (H/601/1697)

• Building trust and positive relationships with young people
• Communicating effectively with parents, carers, and professionals
• Resolving conflicts and promoting positive behavior

Unit 10: CYP Core 3.6 Working Together For The Benefit Of Children And Young People (K/601/1698)

• Multi-agency working and inter-professional collaboration
• Information sharing protocols and confidentiality
• Integrated working to support outcomes for young people

Unit 11: CYP Core 3.7 Understand How To Support Positive Outcomes For Children And Young People (M/601/1699)

• Disadvantage, poverty, and social inclusion
• Promoting resilience and self-esteem
• Empowering children and young people to participate in decisions

Unit 12: LDSSMP 1 Support Children And Young People To Achieve Their Education Potential (D/600/9785)

• Identify and plan for individual learning needs
• Support goal setting, progress, and educational achievement
• Apply relevant educational legislation and framework standards

Unit 13: LDSSMP 2 Support Children And Young People To Make Positive Changes In Their Lives (M/600/9788)

• Understand behaviour theories and change management models
• Guide young people through life transitions and challenges
• Collaborate with partner agencies to support positive change

Unit 14: LDSSMP 3 Professional Practice In Learning, Development And Support Services (D/600/9799)

• Reflect on professional boundaries, ethics, and codes of practice
• Maintain safe and inclusive learning environments
• Review and continuously improve own practice standards

Unit 15: CYPOP 17 Understand The Needs Of Children And Young People Who Are Vulnerable And Experiencing Poverty And Disadvantage (F/600/9777)

• Understand factors leading to vulnerability and social disadvantage
• Evaluate support mechanisms, interventions, and community services
• Promote inclusion, equality, and opportunity for vulnerable learners

Unit 16: CYPOP 14 Support Children And Young People To Have Positive Relationships (R/601/1369)

• Promote social skills, empathy, and peer relationships
• Address relationship conflicts and bullying behavior
• Support self-identity, self-worth, and social integration

Unit 17: TDA 3.16 Support Gifted And Talented Learners (R/601/7723)

• Identify characteristics and needs of gifted and talented learners
• Plan and deliver extension and enrichment activities
• Support motivation, high achievement, and personal goal setting

Unit 18: TDA 3.27 Monitor And Maintain Curriculum Resources (D/601/8342)

• Manage, store, and maintain educational learning resources
• Monitor resource availability and safety standards
• Assist with resource selection to meet curriculum requirements

Unit 19: HSC 3045 Promote Positive Behaviour (F/601/3764)

• Understand frameworks and legislation around behavior management
• Implement proactive strategies to encourage positive behavior
• Respond appropriately to challenging behaviors and crisis situations

Unit 20: TDA 3.8 Supervise Whole Class Learning Activities (T/601/4071)

• Manage group and whole-class learning environments effectively
• Deliver pre-planned learning tasks and activities
• Provide feedback, monitor progress, and maintain focus

Unit 21: TDA 3.20 Support Children And Young People With Behaviour, Emotional And Social Development Needs (Y/601/7707)

• Identify emotional, behavioural, and social development needs
• Implement targeted behaviour support strategies
• Promote positive emotional well-being and social interaction

Unit 22: FC 3 Support Positive Attachments For Children And Young People (M/503/5877)

• Understand attachment theories and factors affecting attachment
• Promote secure attachment relationships and emotional stability
• Support children experiencing attachment disruption or trauma

Assessment

Assessment for this course is completed through a combination of online coursework and practical workplace observation.

Knowledge assignments are submitted through our online Learner Management System (LMS), with ongoing support and feedback from your dedicated tutor.

Competency units are assessed in your workplace or practical placement setting by a qualified assessor to demonstrate real-world competence across key skills.

This course contains practical elements that will need to be observed in your place of work by a member of staff who meets the following requirements, as set by the awarding body: be qualified to a minimum of Level 3 in the subject area, have up-to-date CV and CPD records, and has completed an induction with our QA team to cover the requirements of the course assessments (and sign a document to evidence this).

Placement requirement: To successfully complete this qualification, learners must be already working, volunteering, or on a practical placement in a relevant learning and development setting (a minimum of 400 placement hours is recommended to cover all practical assessment requirements).

Required Knowledge

Please note that to complete the workplace element of this course, learners must be in England.

You must be at least 16 years old. There are no formal entry requirements — it is suitable for beginners and those progressing into educational support and youth work roles.

Awarding Body

Upon completing your course, you’ll receive a certificate recognising your achievement. NCFE, a renowned organisation offering vocational and technical courses, has provided quality education for over 170 years. In 2015, CACHE joined NCFE. Enrol in an NCFE CACHE course for two-year access to NCFE CACHE Alumni, a network offering resources and guidance for care, health, and education professionals.

Support

From the guidance of our personal tutors whose industry experience can help to support and mentor your studies, to our comprehensive study guide and course materials.

You too can take advantage of the extensive knowledge base of our personal tutors and use their experiences to get all of your questions answered. Similarly, our student support team are readily available to lend you their advice and guidance as they help you to decipher your course materials and answer your questions.