★ 25,000+ Five-Star Reviews on Trustpilot
Teaching & Childcare
Regulated qualifications for careers in teaching, early years, SEN, and assessing. From Level 2 entry routes to the Level 5 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners.
At a glance
- LevelsLevel 2 to Level 5
- Awarding BodiesNCFE CACHE, Focus, TQUK
- Duration6–18 months
- Study mode100% online
- FundingPay monthly available
Which teaching or childcare qualification do I need?
Choose your qualification by the role and age group you want to work with
Teaching and childcare qualifications are tiered by setting and role. Early Years (birth to 5) is regulated by Ofsted and requires Level 2 or Level 3 EYE-recognised qualifications. School-age teaching support requires CAVA, supporting teaching and learning qualifications, or PGCE for qualified teacher status. SEN and assessing qualifications are Level 3 to Level 5 specialist routes.
Three routes into education
Match your goal to the recognised qualification framework for that role.
Early Years (0–5)
Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners is the entry route for nursery assistants. Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE) is the qualification Ofsted requires for room leaders and the EYE Educator role.
Schools (5–18)
Level 2 and 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications prepare you for teaching assistant roles. The Level 3 CAVA (Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement) is required for workplace assessors.
SEN & Specialist
Level 3 and Level 5 SEN qualifications are designed for SENCOs and specialist support staff. The Level 5 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning is the standard SENCO entry route.
All Courses
Explore Teaching & Childcare courses
Filter by level or awarding body. Sort by price. All courses are 100% online and start any day of the year.
Showing 19 of 19 courses
Level 3Early Years Educator Level 3
Qualify as an Early Years Educator with this nationally recognised NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma.
Level 3Teaching Assistant Level 3 Diploma
Become a fully qualified teaching assistant with the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
Level 3CACHE Level 3 Award: Teaching Support
Start your teaching assistant career with the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award. Study online at your own pace.
Level 3NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate – Teaching Support
Gain the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning online, around your school role.
Level 2Teaching Assistant Level 2 Certificate
Begin your teaching assistant career with the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
Level 5Teaching FE Level 5 Diploma
Qualify to teach in further education and skills settings with this Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.
Level 4HLTA Level 4 Certificate
Progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant status with the NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate.
Level 3CAVA Level 3 Certificate
Gain the nationally recognised assessor award and qualify to assess vocational learners in any workplace setting.
Level 2CACHE Level 2 Award: Support Work in Schools
Start your career as a teaching assistant with the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools.
Level 3Level 3 Certificate in Principles of SEN
Build specialist SEN expertise at Level 3. Study SEND law, child development, and inclusive practice – fully online.
SEN Advanced Course
Deepen your SEN expertise across autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and SEMH. Study online at your own pace with NCFE CACHE.
Level 2Level 2 Caring for Children Certificate
Start your childcare career. Earn 13+ credits with NCFE CACHE Level 2, then progress to Level 3 Early Years or TA.
Level 3Early Learning and Childcare Level 3
Build the knowledge to work confidently with children and young people with this online NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma.
Level 3Advice & Guidance Level 3 NVQ
Gain an NVQ-style Level 3 qualification in professional advice and guidance – study online, no exams.
Level 4Certificate in Education & Training Level 4
Gain the Level 4 CET – the respected teaching qualification for further education and skills professionals.
Level 3Bilingual Teaching Assistant Level 3
Qualify as a bilingual teaching assistant with the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma – study online with school placement.
Level 1Level 1 Award: Preparing to Work in Schools
NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award: Preparing to Work in Schools. Learn about schools, child safety & communication online.
Child Psychology
Study child psychology online and understand how children think, feel, and develop from birth through adolescence.
Level 3Home Based Childcare CACHE Level 3
Prepare to set up as a childminder or nanny with the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Home Based Childcare.
Free Download
The 2026 Teaching & Childcare Career Guide
A 30-page guide covering every recognised route into UK education, with salary data and qualification mapping.
- Early Years, Teaching Assistant, and SEN routes side by side
- Ofsted-recognised qualifications explained
- Salary data for 10 common education roles
- How CAVA opens up assessor roles in any sector
Send me the guide
Get the PDF in your inbox. No spam, just the guide.
Real Learners. Real Outcomes.
Learner Stories
Hear from learners who have studied with learndirect in this faculty.
Theodora's Story
“The help with registering for my Nursery Level 3 Early Years course was so appreciated — I finally feel like a qualified professional, not just a member of staff.”
Read full story →Frances's Story
“I've used learndirect before and I knew the quality would be there — this course is exactly the investment in myself I knew it would be.”
Read full story →Dipolelo's Story
“The assignment guidelines are clear and informative, and the tutors give you real, specific feedback on how to improve — that's exactly what an online learner needs.”
Read full story →From the Guides
Helpful guides for Teaching & Childcare
Detailed explainers covering qualifications, careers, and progression routes.
Becoming an Early Years Educator
The Level 3 EYE pathway, what counts as Ofsted-recognised, and how to qualify for room leader roles.
Read the guide →Teaching Assistant Routes
Level 2, Level 3, and HLTA pathways explained. Find out which qualification opens which type of TA role.
Read the guide →CAVA & Assessing
The Level 3 CAVA explained: what it covers, who needs it, and which sectors recognise it.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about studying Teaching & Childcare with learndirect.
Is Level 3 Early Years recognised by Ofsted?
Can I be a teaching assistant with a Level 2?
What is CAVA and who needs it?
Can I become a SENCO with these qualifications?
How long does Level 3 Early Years take?
Do I need a placement?
Will these qualifications get me into a PGCE?
Take the next step in education
Speak to an adviser about which qualification fits the role you want and where you want to teach.
Speak to a Course Advisor
Not sure which course is right for you? Our advisors can walk you through your options, check your funding eligibility, and help you get started.
- Personalised course and pathway guidance
- 100% funded through Student Finance
- Help with your application and enrolment
- No obligation, no pressure
“It's been a great journey so far. I have learnt at my own pace and learndirect have been very supportive all the time.”
Emaan B. · Verified review on Trustpilot
Request a Callback
Fill in your details and we'll be in touch right away.