NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools is an Ofqual-regulated, entry-level qualification designed for anyone who wants to begin a career working in a school environment. Awarded by NCFE CACHE — the UK’s specialist awarding organisation for care, education, and training — it covers three units: understanding schools as organisations, keeping children and young people healthy and safe, and communicating effectively with children, young people, and adults. It is delivered entirely online and assessed through written assignments, with no timed examinations.

The Level 1 Award is suitable for anyone aged 16 or over who wants to begin working in a school setting but has no prior qualifications or experience in the education sector. It is particularly well suited to those who are returning to employment after a career break, parents or carers who want to move into school-based work, volunteers who want to formalise their knowledge with a recognised qualification, and school leavers or adults looking for an accessible first step into the education workforce.

No — the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools has no formal academic entry requirements and is open to all learners aged 16 and over. No previous experience of working in schools, childcare, or education is needed. You will need a sufficient level of English to engage with the written study materials and complete the assessment questions, and access to a computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection.

The course is self-paced, so the time to completion will vary depending on how many hours per week you study. Because it is a Level 1 Award with three units, most learners are able to complete it within two to four months, studying a few hours per week. There are no fixed class times or deadlines, so you can progress at a pace that fits your personal and professional commitments. Your tutor will be on hand throughout to help you stay motivated and on track.

The Level 1 Award is primarily a stepping stone to further qualifications and is best understood as a foundation for career development rather than a direct route to employment. However, it can support applications for volunteer classroom helper roles, lunchtime supervisor positions, and school administrative roles. Its primary value is in demonstrating commitment and foundational knowledge to prospective school employers, and in providing the base from which to progress to Level 2 qualifications that directly qualify holders for paid teaching assistant roles.

The Level 1 Award is the first step on the NCFE CACHE qualifications pathway for those wanting to work in schools. After completing it, you can progress to the <strong>NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools</strong> or the <strong>Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning</strong>, which qualify holders for paid Level 2 teaching assistant roles. From there, the <strong>Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning</strong> is the qualification most sought by schools for senior TA positions. Learndirect offers all these qualifications, providing a clear and supported progression route.

Unit 1 introduces the range of school types in England — including community schools, academies, free schools, independent schools, faith schools, grammar schools, and special schools — and examines how each type is governed, funded, and held accountable. It also explores the policies and procedures that govern school life, including those related to behaviour, safeguarding, and health and safety, and introduces the areas of learning across the curriculum from Early Years to Key Stage 5. This knowledge helps you understand the environment you will be working in and what is expected of professionals within it.

Unit 2 covers the main stages of child and young person development from birth to age 19, helping you understand what to expect at different developmental stages and how to recognise when a child may need additional support. It also covers how to maintain safety in the learning environment, the principles of safeguarding and child protection including recognising signs of abuse and the duty to report concerns, healthy eating for school-aged children, and the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in school settings.

Unit 3 develops your understanding of effective communication with children and young people of different ages, exploring how verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills support positive relationships in school settings. It examines how communication must adapt for different age groups, individual needs, and professional contexts, and covers how to communicate within a school team while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries. The unit also explores how encouragement and positive communication strategies support children and young people in engaging with their learning.

Yes — NCFE CACHE is one of the UK’s most respected awarding organisations for qualifications in care, education, and training. CACHE qualifications are widely recognised by schools, local authorities, and employers across the education and childcare sectors as specialist, relevant qualifications for those entering and progressing within the school workforce. The NCFE CACHE name on a qualification carries professional credibility and is well understood by school headteachers and HR departments when recruiting teaching assistants and support staff.

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools costs £249.99 in full. If you prefer to spread the cost, you can enrol with a £9.99 deposit and pay the remainder over 11 monthly instalments — making the qualification affordable even on a tight budget. All payment options include full access to the course, tutor support, and awarding body registration. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies to all enrolments.