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Technical Specialist in Mental Health in the Early Years
LEVEL
2
10 weeks
Want to Build Expertise in Supporting Children’s Mental Health from Birth to Age Five?
Our NCFE CACHE Level 2 Technical Specialist in Mental Health in the Early Years (Certificate) course develops your understanding of how to recognise mental health concerns, work with families and professionals, and promote positive wellbeing in early years settings. You’ll gain the skills and confidence to support early intervention and champion children’s mental health during these critical developmental years.
With around 1 in 10 children under five experiencing mental health issues in the UK, early years practitioners play a vital role in identifying concerns and providing the right support. This knowledge and skills-based qualification ensures you’re equipped to make a lasting difference.
Please note – you will need to be working, volunteering, or on a practical placement in an appropriate setting to meet the course requirements.
Course title: NCFE CACHE Level 2 Technical Specialist in Mental Health in the Early Years (Certificate)
Course ref: 610/4509/3
This qualification helps you:
- Explain what is meant by mental health in the context of young children in the early years (birth–5).
- Identify key mental health issues that can affect young children’s development and wellbeing.
- Describe the importance of attachment and recognise the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
- Demonstrate understanding of the Early Years Practitioner’s role in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
- Apply your knowledge in practice within early years settings, supporting progression into further qualifications or employment in health, social care, or education.
- Unit 1: Understand mental health for young children in the early years
- Unit 2: The significance of attachment and adverse childhood experiences for young children in the early years
- Unit 3: The role of the Early Years Practitioner supporting mental health and wellbeing for young children in the early years
No exams required — you'll complete assessment activities that demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
Successful learners often progress to:
- Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
- Level 2 Certificate in Safeguarding and Prevent
This course is also a great step toward careers in:
- Mental Health Practitioner
- Mental Health Nurse
- Mental Health Assistant
- Early Years Educator
- Early Years Assistant
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion (in early years settings)
- Volunteer roles
This course may be fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund, if not we have self-funding options available.
Why Learn with CT Skills?
Maximise Learning & Development Budgets
Employers can improve retention, morale, and CPD outcomes.
80% Achievement Rate
Achieve a nationally recognised NCFE qualification.
Dedicated Tutor Support
Expert guidance every step of the way.
Achieve in as Little as 10 Weeks
By committing 5–10 hours per week.
TESTIMONIALS
I found this course very insightful and gained a lot of knowledge about mental health. It was really interesting and I enjoyed doing the course.
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Going on to achieve the Level 3 qualification gave me a sense of pride and it furthered my understanding of Mental Health and working within mental health. I can now figure out how I can support others alongside tools I already have in my experience bank.
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It has helped me understand how to be mindful of symptoms in children and will help me as my son grows up.
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It has given me the knowledge that I was missing. I am now able to give information to parents and their network and strategies to help them. I am also able to pass on that knowledge to my colleagues.
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I now have a better understanding about mental health and how to approach it. I discovered that there is a lot of support available for people with mental health conditions. I feel I can now confidently help, support, and signpost colleagues.
Adult Skills Fund
This course may be fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund, if not we have self-funding options available.
Use this search tool to check funding in your area.
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Aged 19 or over as of 31/8/25
- Living in England
- Not currently enrolled on any other government funded course or started another application for one
Please note: Not all areas of England are funded. You can use our postcode checker above to see if you are.
The most likely reason is that you live in a postcode area that we do not currently deliver funded courses in, but we do have a self-funded route. Please contact our customer service team to discuss via 0115 959 9544 or complete the contact form below.
Of course! We have options available to self-fund courses. Details can be found on each course page.
Level 2 courses typically take up to 10 weeks and Level 3 courses 15–25 weeks.
You will need to commit 5–10 hours study time each week to meet the course unit deadlines.
Yes – your qualification will be nationally recognised accreditation by NCFE CACHE and you will receive a certificate.
Once you've signed up, we'll check your details. As soon as everything is approved, your course will be unlocked. You'll get an automatic email to let you know it's ready. After that your tutor will send you a welcome email. They'll also invite you to a masterclass where you can meet them and get started.
Absolutely. Our courses can be offered via the Adult Skills Fund if eligible, if not we have lots of options available to self-fund courses. Details can be found on each course page.