Accredited diplomas, certificates and awards in childcare, early years education, safeguarding children, child development, play and learning. Awarded by ICQ and regulated by Ofqual.
OccuTeach offers 9 accredited Childcare qualifications, from introductory certificates through to advanced diplomas in early years education. Every qualification is awarded by ICQ (I Can Qualify), regulated by Ofqual, and recognised by employers, Ofsted and local authorities across the UK.
Our programmes cover childcare, early years education, child development, safeguarding children, play and learning, supporting children with special educational needs, working with parents, behaviour management, nutrition and much more. Whether you are starting your career in childcare, working towards room leader, or progressing to nursery management, we have the right qualification for you.
Enrol today with a deposit and spread the cost over your course duration. When you pay in full for any Certificate or Award, you can choose a complimentary eBook to support your studies.
All qualifications awarded by ICQ • Ofqual regulated • Nationally recognised
Our childcare qualifications meet the requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and are recognised by Ofsted, local authorities and childcare employers across England.
Start at Level 2 and work your way up to Level 3 Early Years Educator and beyond. Our qualifications create a clear pathway from nursery assistant to room leader, deputy manager and setting manager.
Every learner is assigned a qualified assessor with real early years experience who understands nurseries, childminding and school settings. You get one-to-one support tailored to your role and setting.
We know childcare practitioners work long days. Our qualifications are delivered flexibly around your setting hours, with workplace-based assessment so you learn on the job without losing time off the floor.
Filter by type or browse all 9 qualifications below.
We offer 9 accredited qualifications covering childcare, early years education, child development, safeguarding children, play and learning, special educational needs, and working with parents. Our qualifications range from Level 2 certificates to Level 3 diplomas and specialist awards.
A Level 2 qualification prepares you for a supervised role such as nursery assistant or childcare apprentice. A Level 3 qualification — often called the Early Years Educator — qualifies you to work unsupervised and counts towards Ofsted staff-to-child ratios. Level 3 is the industry standard for qualified practitioners.
Yes. Our Level 3 Early Years qualifications are recognised by Ofsted and count towards the staff-to-child ratios required under the Early Years Foundation Stage. Level 2 holders count as additional staff but not towards the qualified ratio. Check with your setting for specific requirements.
For diploma qualifications, you need to be working in or have regular access to an early years setting such as a nursery, pre-school, childminder or reception class. Certificate and award qualifications can often be completed without a placement. Our team will advise on your specific situation.
Yes. We offer safeguarding and child protection qualifications that are essential for anyone working with children. These cover recognising signs of abuse, understanding your responsibilities, making referrals, and keeping children safe in line with current legislation and local safeguarding procedures.
Yes. After completing your Level 3 qualification, you can progress to team leader and management qualifications. Combined with experience, this creates a clear career path from practitioner to room leader, deputy manager and nursery or setting manager.
Awards typically take 4-8 weeks, certificates 3-6 months, and diplomas 12-18 months depending on the level. All programmes are flexible so you can study around your setting hours. Your assessor will agree a realistic timeline with you at enrolment.
Yes. All qualifications are awarded by ICQ, regulated by Ofqual, and sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. They are recognised by Ofsted, local authorities and childcare employers across England. Many are accepted for Early Years Educator status.
Many childcare qualifications are eligible for employer funding, apprenticeship levy contributions, or local authority workforce development funding. Nurseries and childcare providers frequently fund staff qualifications to meet Ofsted requirements. We can help explore your options.
Contact us via our website, email info@occuteach.co.uk or call 01934 910 333. Our team will discuss your goals, recommend the best qualification and guide you through enrolment. You can enrol with a deposit and spread the cost, or pay in full to receive a complimentary eBook.
Get in touch today and take the first step towards an accredited Childcare qualification recognised by Ofsted and employers nationwide.
Get in TouchOccuTeach is a leading provider of accredited Childcare and Early Years qualifications across the UK. We deliver 9 industry-recognised programmes awarded by ICQ (I Can Qualify), an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation, ensuring every qualification carries genuine weight with Ofsted, local authorities and childcare employers.
Our Childcare portfolio includes:
Whether you are an individual looking to start or advance your career in childcare, a nursery or pre-school needing to meet Ofsted workforce requirements, or a childminder seeking nationally recognised qualifications, OccuTeach provides the expertise, flexibility and accredited programmes to help you succeed.