Childcare & Early Years

iCQ Level 4 EPA for Children, Young People and Families Practitioner - Core Content

This subtopic covers the fundamental knowledge and competency standards required for the End-Point Assessment of the Children, Young People and Families Practitioner at Level 4. It focuses on integrating child development theories, safeguarding legislation, and person-centred approaches into professional practice. Practitioners must demonstrate the ability to apply this core knowledge effectively in real-world settings to promote positive outcomes for children, young people, and their families.

iCQ Level 4 EPA for Children, Young People and Families Practitioner

Care for the Physical and Nutritional Needs of Babies and Young Children

This subtopic focuses on the holistic physical care and nutritional provision for babies and young children from birth to 36 months, integrating respectful care routines, safe environments, physical activity, and age-specific feeding practices. It equips early years educators with the knowledge and skills to support children's health, development, and well-being in line with current frameworks and parental partnerships.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Promote play in an early years setting

This subtopic explores the critical role of play in early childhood development, focusing on how practitioners can create and manage environments that foster holistic growth. Learners will examine the principles of supporting positive behaviour and socialisation through play, and develop practical skills to facilitate age-appropriate play activities for babies and young children. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice to continuously enhance the quality of play provision in early years settings.

iCQ Level 2 Award in Introduction to Early Years, iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

E2E stub concept

iCQ Level 5 EPA for Children Young People and Families Manager - Core Content

This element encompasses the fundamental leadership and management principles required to effectively oversee services for children, young people, and families. It focuses on applying theoretical frameworks to real-world settings to ensure high-quality, safe, and responsive care. Practitioners must demonstrate competency in core skills such as safeguarding, team development, and multi-agency collaboration to meet the EPA standards.

iCQ Level 5 EPA for Children Young People and Families Manager

iCQ Level 5 End Point Assessment for Early Years Lead Practitioner - Core Content

This subtopic covers the foundational knowledge and competencies required for an Early Years Lead Practitioner, focusing on integrating theory with practice in areas such as child development, safeguarding, and leadership. Learners are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of how these principles underpin daily practice and to apply them effectively in real early years settings, ensuring high-quality care and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

iCQ Level 5 End Point Assessment for Early Years Lead Practitioner

Emergency Paediatric First Aid

This element equips learners with the essential skills and knowledge to manage paediatric emergencies until professional help arrives. It covers the initial assessment of an incident, managing an unresponsive child, choking, bleeding, shock, and minor injuries, emphasising the adaptation of first aid techniques for infants and children. The ability to remain calm, prioritise life-threatening conditions, and provide prompt, effective care is vital for safeguarding young lives in any childcare setting.

iCQ Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid

iCQ Level 3 End Point Assessment for Early Years Educator - Core Content

This subtopic encapsulates the end-point assessment requirements for the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, focusing on the demonstration of knowledge, skills, and behaviours across the EYFS statutory framework, child development, safeguarding, and professional practice. The assessment typically includes a knowledge test and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, enabling candidates to evidence their competence in holistic planning, inclusive practice, and partnership working.

iCQ Level 3 End Point Assessment for Early Years Educator

Lead a residential childcare service that engages with the youth justice system

This unit focuses on equipping leaders with the strategic and operational skills to manage a residential childcare setting that effectively interfaces with the youth justice system, aiming to prevent criminalisation and support positive outcomes. It covers understanding the legal frameworks, multi-agency collaboration, and the transition processes for young people entering or leaving secure accommodation.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Child and young person development

This subtopic examines the sequential stages of development from infancy through adolescence, including physical, cognitive, communication, and social/emotional domains. Learners explore how external factors—such as family environment, culture, and socioeconomic status—shape development, and how significant life transitions can have both positive and negative effects. This knowledge is essential for practitioners to observe, assess, and support each child’s unique developmental journey in real-world childcare settings.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Assessment and planning with children and young people in residential childcare

This subtopic focuses on the essential processes of assessment and planning within residential childcare, emphasizing the importance of a child-centred approach that respects the individual needs, wishes, and rights of children and young people. Learners will explore how to effectively participate in, implement, and review care plans in collaboration with the child and other professionals, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and promote positive outcomes. The practical application involves integrating statutory guidance, such as the Children Act 1989 and the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010, into everyday practice to support holistic development and safeguard vulnerable children.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in early years settings

This subtopic explores the principles and practices of equality, diversity, and inclusion in early years settings, emphasizing the practitioner's role in implementing legislation and policies. It focuses on understanding the legal framework such as the Equality Act 2010 and the EYFS statutory framework, and how these translate into daily practice to support all children's unique needs and backgrounds. Practitioners learn to promote anti-discriminatory practice, challenge stereotypes, and create an environment where every child feels valued and included, essential for their holistic development and well-being.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Assessment and planning with children and young people

This subtopic focuses on enabling practitioners to effectively involve children and young people in assessment and planning processes to achieve positive outcomes. It emphasizes a child-centred approach where the child's views, wishes, and feelings are integral to decision-making, ensuring plans are tailored to their individual needs and regularly reviewed in partnership with them.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Child development from conception to 7 years

This element explores the holistic progression of child development from conception to age 7, integrating physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social domains. It emphasises the critical significance of pre- and post-natal neurological growth and how genetic, environmental and socio-economic factors interplay to shape outcomes. Understanding these foundations enables early years educators to plan nurturing, stage-appropriate experiences that support each unique child’s trajectory.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

iCQ Level 2 EPA for Early Years Practitioner - Core Content

This subtopic covers the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for the Early Years Practitioner standard at Level 2, focusing on holistic child development, safeguarding, and partnership working. It prepares apprentices for the end-point assessment by integrating theory with hands-on practice in early years settings, ensuring they can support children's learning and well-being effectively.

iCQ Level 2 EPA for Early Years Practitioner

Managing a Home-Based Childcare Business

This element covers the entrepreneurial and operational competencies needed to launch and sustain a home-based childcare service, integrating statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements with sound business practices. Learners must evidence how they create a safe, stimulating environment while managing financial viability, marketing, and compliance with Ofsted registration. Practical application involves developing comprehensive policies, maintaining accurate records, and fostering transparent partnerships with parents and carers to ensure the business meets both educational and care standards.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Develop professional supervision practice in health and social care or children and young people’s work settings

Professional supervision in health, social care, and children’s settings is a formal process that ensures practitioners receive support, guidance, and feedback to promote their professional development and safe practice. It is essential for maintaining high-quality care, safeguarding individuals, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This unit develops the skills needed to prepare for, conduct, and evaluate supervision sessions, including managing conflict and applying performance management principles to enhance the workforce.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

The role of communication in an early years setting

Effective communication in early years settings is fundamental for fostering safe, nurturing environments where children’s development is supported and all stakeholders collaborate efficiently. Practitioners must master verbal and non-verbal techniques, adapt messages for children, parents, and professionals, and navigate barriers such as language differences or sensory impairments to ensure inclusive practice.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Support the development of socially aware behaviour with children and young people in residential childcare

This subtopic equips residential childcare practitioners with the knowledge and skills to foster socially aware behaviour in children and young people. It involves understanding theoretical principles, implementing strategies to help young people recognise the impact of their actions, and collaboratively establishing and reinforcing behavioural expectations. Practical application includes using positive behaviour support, modelling appropriate social conduct, and employing de-escalation techniques to create a safe and nurturing environment that promotes personal responsibility and empathy.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings

This subtopic establishes the foundational role of communication in fostering safe, effective, and person-centred care within children and young people’s settings. It explores how clear, respectful, and adaptive communication supports relationship-building, information sharing, and the safeguarding of those in care, while also emphasising the legal and ethical duty to maintain confidentiality.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Lead own and others professional development

This element focuses on the leader's role in driving continuous professional development within residential childcare settings, emphasising self-directed learning and the facilitation of others' growth. It explores how reflective practice, structured supervision, and the intentional use of personal attributes and experiences can inform and enhance development planning. Learners will critically evaluate strategies to identify skill gaps, set meaningful goals, and implement evidence-based development plans that align with regulatory standards and improve outcomes for children and young people.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in Early Years Settings

This element covers the critical role of early years practitioners in safeguarding babies and young children, including a thorough understanding of current legislation, policies, and procedures. It emphasizes the importance of whistleblowing and knowing how to respond appropriately to evidence or concerns of abuse, as well as the purpose of serious case reviews in improving practice and preventing future harm.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

The role of the early years practitioner

This subtopic explores the multifaceted role of the early years practitioner, focusing on responsibilities for child development, safeguarding, and partnership working. It examines the importance of professional relationships, the ability to navigate and implement policies and procedures, and the commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional development. Mastery of these areas ensures practitioners can create safe, stimulating environments that meet regulatory standards and promote positive outcomes for children.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Enable parents to develop ways of handling relationships and behaviour that contribute to everyday life with children

This element equips learners with strategies to support parents in fostering positive relationships and managing children's behaviour within everyday life. It covers understanding children's emotional needs, promoting positive interactions, encouraging play and creativity, and meeting physical care requirements. Practitioners learn to collaborate with parents and reflect on their own practice to continuously improve support methods.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Partnership Working in Early Years

This subtopic focuses on the essential principles and practices of collaborative working within early years settings, emphasizing effective communication and cooperation with colleagues, external agencies, and families to ensure holistic child development. Learners explore the legal frameworks, benefits, and challenges of partnership working, and develop practical skills for building respectful, reciprocal relationships with parents/carers to support children's learning and well-being.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Support the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare

This subtopic equips learners to uphold children's rights in residential childcare, focusing on the UNCRC and Equality Act 2010. It covers practical strategies to challenge discrimination, foster cultural inclusivity, and ensure young people can safely raise concerns, thereby promoting dignity, respect, and positive outcomes.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings

This subtopic introduces the concept of duty of care within settings for children and young people, emphasizing the legal and ethical obligation to safeguard individuals from harm and promote their wellbeing. It explores how practitioners balance rights and responsibilities while managing professional boundaries, and outlines the protocols for addressing complaints and resolving dilemmas through available support mechanisms.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support daily routines to meet babies and children’s physical care needs

This element focuses on the essential daily routines that promote the health, development, and well-being of babies and young children. It covers hygienic practices, sleep patterns, immunisation schedules, and physical activity, emphasizing the practitioner's role in implementing these routines safely and responsively to meet individual needs.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Lead practice of others to understand models of disability and their effects on working practice with children and young people in residential childcare.

This element focuses on leading practice to understand models of disability, particularly the medical and social models, and critically evaluating how these models influence working practice within residential childcare. It equips leaders to review organisational policies and practices, ensuring they align with inclusive, rights-based approaches and promote the full participation of children and young people. Ultimately, it develops the skills to lead others in embedding a deep awareness of disability models, challenging disabling attitudes and creating a supportive environment that values each child's individual strengths.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Introduction to equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings

This element introduces the core principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in childcare settings, emphasising the legal and ethical duty to respect each child’s unique background. Practitioners learn to challenge discrimination, promote anti-bias practice, and create environments where all children and families feel valued. Understanding how to source and apply relevant legislation, policies and support services underpins effective inclusive practice.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand how to support children’s development

This element focuses on the comprehensive understanding of child development from birth to 7 years, emphasizing the holistic interconnections between physical, cognitive, language, emotional, and social domains. It equips practitioners with the knowledge to identify typical and atypical patterns, recognise influences including environmental, biological, and attachment factors, and apply supportive strategies during transitions. Mastery of this content enables effective observation, planning, and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices in early years settings.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Plan and Provide Effective Teaching and Learning in Early Years Settings

This element focuses on the practitioner's ability to design and deliver a holistic curriculum that integrates purposeful play, enabling environments, and supportive adult interactions to foster children's learning, social development, and self-regulation. It requires observing, planning, and adapting for individual and group needs, promoting positive behaviour, and identifying when a child requires additional support. Effective implementation is evidenced through reflective practice and documentation that demonstrates an understanding of child development theories and statutory frameworks.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Support healthy lifestyles for children through hydration and nutrition

This subtopic focuses on the essential role of hydration and nutrition in promoting children's health, growth, and cognitive development. Practitioners learn to plan and provide balanced dietary intake, accommodate individual needs, and implement strategies that foster positive eating habits within early years settings. The knowledge and skills gained are critical for meeting statutory framework requirements and ensuring optimal child outcomes.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Support the well-being and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare

This element focuses on equipping residential childcare workers with the knowledge and skills to promote emotional well-being and resilience through secure attachments, identity development, and positive outlooks. It critically examines how to recognise distress indicators and implement supportive interventions, ensuring holistic, trauma-informed care that safeguards and empowers children and young people.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Engage fathers in their children’s early learning

This subtopic explores the crucial role of fathers in children's early learning, grounded in policy and research evidence. It equips practitioners with partnership strategies to effectively engage fathers, addresses common barriers, and promotes reflective practice to enhance inclusive early years provision.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Lead practice that supports positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare

This element focuses on the leadership responsibilities for driving and embedding practices that secure positive, holistic outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare. It requires managers to critically analyse service delivery, champion child-centred approaches, and lead multi-agency collaboration to address health, education, leisure, community participation, and transitions. Practical application involves monitoring outcomes, coaching staff, and ensuring that all interventions are evidence-based and tailored to individual children's evolving needs, rights, and aspirations.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Introduction to personal development in health, social care or children's and young people’s settings

This element introduces learners to the principles of personal development within health, social care, and children's and young people's settings. It focuses on understanding the standards and regulations that define competence in one's own work role, and how to engage in reflective practice to evaluate and improve personal performance. Learners will also explore how to create a structured personal development plan and take active steps to enhance their knowledge, skills, and understanding in line with professional requirements.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Engage in personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings

This subtopic focuses on the principles and practices of personal development within children and young people's settings. It requires learners to understand professional competence standards, engage in reflective practice, evaluate their own performance, and create effective personal development plans. Mastering these skills ensures ongoing improvement and high-quality care.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Lead practice to promote the rights, diversity and equality of children and young people in residential childcare

This element equips leaders to champion children’s rights, diversity, and equality in residential childcare. It covers legal frameworks, policy development, anti-discriminatory practice, complaints handling, and continuous improvement. Leaders must ensure their practice is child-centred and legally compliant while fostering an inclusive culture.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Understand and engage in professional development

This element focuses on the principles and practices of continuing professional development (CPD) within early years education. Learners explore the importance of reflective practice in identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and they learn how to access and utilise various sources of development, such as training, mentoring, and peer observation. The practical application involves creating personal development plans and demonstrating how enhanced professional skills directly benefit children's learning and well-being.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Support use of medication in social care settings

This element focuses on the safe and effective support of medication use in residential childcare settings, ensuring practitioners understand legal frameworks, roles, and practical techniques. It equips learners to administer, store, and dispose of medications correctly while promoting individuals' rights and maintaining accurate records, vital for safeguarding and promoting well-being in care environments.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Promote the Health, Safety and Well-being of Children in Early Years Settings

This element equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills to promote and maintain the health, safety, and well-being of babies and children in early years settings. It covers statutory legislation, physical care routines, safeguarding, risk assessment, infection control, and record-keeping, enabling practitioners to create secure, hygienic, and nurturing environments. Practical application involves implementing daily procedures, identifying hazards, responding to emergencies, and working in partnership with parents and professionals to support children's holistic development.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Engage parents in their children’s early learning

This element focuses on the principles and practices of engaging parents in their children's early learning, underpinned by policy frameworks and research evidence. It equips learners to build effective partnerships, overcome barriers, and reflect on their own practice to enhance collaboration with families, ultimately improving outcomes for children.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand emotional development and attachment in order to support transitions and significant events in the Early Years sector

This subtopic explores how emotional development and attachment theories underpin effective support for young children during transitions and significant events. It equips Early Years Educators with the knowledge to assess emotional well-being, apply attachment principles, and collaborate with families and professionals to mitigate adverse impacts. The ultimate goal is to foster resilience and continuity of care in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Lead practice to support children and young people leaving care

This subtopic equips leaders in residential childcare to effectively support young people transitioning from care to independent living by critically applying theoretical models of adolescent development and statutory duties under legislation such as the Children and Social Work Act 2017. It focuses on assessing individual needs, coordinating multi-agency pathway planning, and leading teams to deliver holistic support covering accommodation, education, health, and relationships. Practitioners will learn to evaluate outcomes and continually improve leaving care services, ensuring care leavers have the resilience and resources to thrive.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Support young people leaving care

This subtopic focuses on equipping residential childcare practitioners to prepare and support young people transitioning from care to independent living. It covers the statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and the Children and Social Work Act 2017, including pathway planning and the role of the personal adviser. Learners develop skills to address emotional responses, teach practical daily living skills, and manage risks, ensuring a holistic, person-centred approach to successful transition.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Support Children at Meal or Snack Times

This subtopic focuses on equipping early years practitioners with the skills to promote healthy eating habits among children, covering nutritional guidelines, the benefits of a balanced diet, allergy management, and strategies to encourage healthier choices. It also addresses hygiene practices and adherence to setting policies during meal and snack times. Mastery ensures practitioners can foster positive attitudes towards food while maintaining safety and wellbeing.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Maintain and support relationships with children and young people

This element focuses on the essential interpersonal skills required to communicate effectively with children and young people, fostering trusting relationships that promote their well-being and development. It also covers strategies to encourage positive interactions between children and others in the setting, such as peers and staff. Mastery of these skills is demonstrated through respectful, age-appropriate engagement and the ability to model and facilitate healthy social connections.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote Child and Young Person Development.

This element focuses on the holistic promotion of development for children and young people, encompassing assessment, planning, and the creation of enabling environments. It requires practitioners to understand and apply child development theories in practice, support positive behaviour, manage transitions effectively, and critically reflect on how their own working practices impact outcomes. Mastery involves integrating these skills to foster physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth within a safe and stimulating setting.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce, iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand how to safeguard and protect children and young people in residential childcare

This subtopic explores the critical role of safeguarding within residential childcare settings, detailing legislative frameworks, types of abuse, multi-agency collaboration, and practitioner responsibilities. It equips learners to recognise, respond to, and prevent harm, while empowering young people to protect themselves and addressing e-safety and specific risks like going missing or sexual exploitation.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Understanding the theories that underpin practice in the Early Years Sector

This topic covers key theories underpinning early years practice, including attachment theory and the importance of play. It also explores early years pedagogy and systems, linking theory to practical application.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Lead practice to support the safeguarding and protection of children and young people in residential childcare

This subtopic equips residential childcare leaders with the knowledge and skills to safeguard children and young people effectively. It covers legislative frameworks, multi-agency collaboration, risk minimization, and the implementation of robust policies. The focus is on leading practice to prevent harm and address high-risk situations including child sexual exploitation.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Engage young parents in supporting their children’s development

This element equips practitioners with the skills to engage and support young parents in fostering their children’s development. It addresses the unique challenges young parents face, including transitions to adulthood, stress, and accessing services, with a specific focus on the often-overlooked role of young fathers. The practical application lies in using strengths-based, tailored approaches to build positive parent-child relationships and improve outcomes.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support Children's Outdoor Play

This element focuses on the pivotal role of outdoor play in promoting children's holistic health, learning, and development, aligning with the EYFS framework. It enables practitioners to observe and assess children's outdoor experiences systematically, design inclusive and challenging activities, and critically reflect on their own practice to enhance future provision. The integration of theory and practice ensures that outdoor environments are used effectively to support physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Manage health, safety and risk in residential childcare

This element addresses the strategic oversight and practical leadership of health, safety and risk management in residential childcare settings. It enables managers to interpret and apply complex legal and ethical frameworks, foster a culture that balances risk with developmental benefits, and lead on the continuous improvement of safe systems, policies, and practices to safeguard children and young people while promoting their autonomy and well-being.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people

This subtopic covers the essential safeguarding responsibilities for those working with children and young people, including understanding relevant legislation, responding to health emergencies, and handling concerns about abuse or bullying. It equips learners with the knowledge to promote welfare and safety in early years settings.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand how to support children and young people who have experienced harm or abuse

This subtopic examines the practitioner's role in safeguarding children who have experienced harm or abuse within residential childcare settings. It focuses on appropriate responses to disclosures, implementing trauma-informed support strategies, understanding legal and organisational restrictions regarding key people's involvement, and maintaining practitioner wellbeing through supervision and self-care. Mastery ensures competent, ethical, and safe practice.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Facilitate learning and development activities to meet individual needs and preferences

This subtopic focuses on the practical skills required to design, deliver, and critically evaluate learning and development activities that are tailored to the unique needs, preferences, and developmental stages of individual children and young people. It emphasises a cyclical, person-centred approach where continuous observation and assessment directly inform activity planning and real-time facilitation, ensuring that every interaction promotes engagement, progress, and holistic development. Mastery of this process is essential for creating inclusive, responsive environments that comply with statutory frameworks and professional standards in early years and childcare settings.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support Disabled Children and Children with Specific Requirements

This subtopic addresses the essential skills and knowledge required to provide inclusive care and education for disabled children and those with specific requirements in early years settings. Practitioners learn to adapt environments, activities, and communication methods to meet individual needs while working in close partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies. The emphasis is on promoting each child's development, participation, and well-being through evidence-based, reflective practice.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Use observation, assessment and planning to promote the development of children

This element equips early years practitioners with the skills to observe children systematically, assess their development against normative milestones, and plan tailored learning experiences. It emphasizes the cyclical process of observation, assessment, and planning within the requirements of current early years frameworks such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Effective practice ensures that each child's unique needs are met, fostering holistic development and school readiness.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Facilitate the development of effective group practice in health and social care or children and young people’s settings

This subtopic focuses on developing the skills needed to effectively establish, facilitate, and evaluate group practices within health, social care, and children’s settings. Learners will explore theoretical models of group development (such as Tuckman’s stages) and apply strategies to create inclusive climates that harness the constructive use of power and authority. Through practical facilitation and reflective monitoring, practitioners ensure that group work enhances learning and promotes positive outcomes for children and young people.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Working in Partnership in Early Years Settings

This subtopic explores the essential role of collaborative relationships between early years practitioners, parents/carers, colleagues, and other professionals to support children's development and well-being. It examines current frameworks, information sharing protocols, and strategies to overcome challenges, ensuring a holistic approach to childcare. Practical application involves implementing partnership principles in daily practice, effective communication, and accurate record-keeping to meet legal and ethical requirements.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Support children and young people at meal or snack times

This element equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills to support children and young people during meal or snack times, promoting healthy eating habits and positive mealtime experiences. It covers the principles and benefits of a balanced diet, strategies to encourage healthier food choices, and the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and adhering to setting policies and codes of conduct. Learners will develop the competence to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable eating environment that fosters lifelong well-being.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand how to support positive outcomes for children and young people in residential childcare

This element explores the multifaceted factors influencing outcomes for children and young people in residential care, including social, economic, cultural, and disability-related aspects. It equips practitioners with the understanding to identify barriers and implement supportive strategies that promote resilience and well-being. Practical application involves tailored care planning and advocacy to enhance life chances.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Support the Development of Positive Behaviour in Children

This element focuses on the development and implementation of strategies to encourage positive behaviour in early years settings. It covers how to set appropriate boundaries and goals, help children reflect on their actions, and guide them towards self-regulation, which is essential for their social and emotional development and long-term well-being.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Understand children and young people’s development in residential childcare

This unit focuses on comprehensive understanding of child development from birth to 19 years within residential care settings. It examines expected developmental patterns, internal and external factors affecting development, and the critical role of transitions. Learners will explore how systematic assessment, monitoring, and recording underpin effective interventions to support positive outcomes for children and young people.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Support children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs

This subtopic focuses on understanding the rights of children and young people with disabilities and SEN under legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 and UNCRC. It explores inclusive practice, where practitioners adapt environments, activities, and communication to ensure full participation. Learners will develop skills to support individual needs, promote independence, and work in partnership with families and professionals to remove barriers.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Facilitate the learning and development of children and young people through mentoring

This element explores the role of mentoring in supporting children and young people to identify and achieve their learning and development goals. Practitioners learn to build trusting relationships, facilitate personalised learning experiences, and foster resilience and wellbeing, while continuously reviewing and improving the mentoring process to maximise positive outcomes.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand residential childcare for children and young people with complex disabilities or conditions

This element explores the multifaceted nature of complex disabilities and conditions, examining their profound impact on children's development, daily living, and family dynamics. It focuses on the role of residential childcare settings in providing tailored support, promoting inclusion, and upholding rights. Learners will develop the ability to apply person-centred approaches, facilitate participation, and work collaboratively to enhance outcomes for children and young people with complex needs.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Support the Use of Medication

This topic covers the legislative framework for medication use in early years settings, common types of medication, roles and responsibilities, administration techniques, and record-keeping. Learners will support the safe use of medication.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Understand complex disabilities or conditions for children and young people within residential childcare

This subtopic critically examines the wide-ranging effects of complex disabilities on children and young people in residential care, including developmental, social, and emotional dimensions. It explores the integration of theoretical models, legal mandates, and policy frameworks to inform inclusive and person-centred practice. Leaders learn to evaluate and enhance residential environments, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of young people while supporting families and upholding professional standards.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Identify and act upon immediate risk of danger to substance misusers

This subtopic focuses on the critical skills needed to recognise and respond to acute risks arising from substance misuse among children, young people, and families within an early years or childcare setting. Practitioners must quickly assess situations such as overdose, injury, or severe intoxication, and take immediate, appropriate actions to safeguard the individual while minimising harm. Effective intervention combines medical emergency response, clear communication, and adherence to legal and organisational safeguarding procedures.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand support for young people with complex disabilities or conditions making the transition into adulthood

This element explores the multifaceted process of transitioning from childhood to adulthood for young people with complex disabilities or conditions. It covers the typical developmental changes, the additional barriers caused by disabilities, relevant legislation and rights, effective support strategies, risk management, and the role of reflective practice to enhance outcomes. Practitioners will apply this knowledge to empower young people, promote independence, and facilitate a smooth, person-centred transition into adult services and life.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Understand the care system and its impact on children and young people

This subtopic explores the journey of children and young people into the care system, including the legal and procedural frameworks that govern their entry. It examines their rights and entitlements, the nature of residential services, and the profound impact these services can have on development and well-being. Learners will develop strategies to promote positive experiences and understand planning frameworks essential for effective residential childcare.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Support Children and Young People's Health and Safety.

This element focuses on the essential principles of safeguarding children's well-being by creating safe environments indoors and outdoors, identifying and mitigating potential hazards, and fostering children's own risk-awareness skills. It encompasses proactive planning for health and safety, reactive management of incidents, and the practitioner's role in promoting a culture of safety. Learners will demonstrate competence in risk assessment, accident response, and support for children's developing judgment.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce, iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand Children's Early Years Education and Development

This unit explores the holistic development of children from birth to eight years, emphasizing the interplay between physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Learners critically examine evidence-based frameworks, such as attachment theory and language acquisition models, to inform practice. The knowledge gained underpins effective support strategies during key transitions and significant life events, ensuring children's wellbeing and learning are promoted in early years settings.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in Early Years Settings

This topic covers equality, diversity, and inclusive practice in early years settings, including legislation, statutory guidance for SEND, policies, and the role of early intervention. Learners must demonstrate how to support all children's needs.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Engage in professional development in residential childcare settings

This element focuses on the essential practice of continuous professional development within residential childcare settings. Learners explore the standards, principles, and behaviours required to perform effectively, while also developing the skills to critically reflect on their own practice, evaluate performance against benchmarks, and actively engage in supervision. Ultimately, this process enables practitioners to identify learning needs, set meaningful development goals, and enhance the quality of care provided to children and young people.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Managing paediatric illness, injuries and emergencies

This element equips learners with the practical skills and knowledge to manage a wide range of paediatric first aid scenarios, from musculoskeletal injuries to life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis. Emphasis is placed on rapid assessment, safe and effective intervention, and understanding when to escalate to emergency services. Mastery involves demonstrating appropriate techniques using infant and child manikins, and applying theoretical knowledge to dynamic, real-world situations.

iCQ Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid

Lead and develop practice for communication and information management in residential childcare settings

This element addresses the leadership role in creating and sustaining effective communication and information management practices within residential childcare settings. It involves understanding theoretical models to inform practice, implementing robust systems for recording and sharing information, and developing staff capabilities to communicate sensitively with children and young people, including those with specific barriers. Leaders must also cultivate an open culture, manage conflict constructively, and strengthen multi-agency collaboration to ensure integrated care and safeguarding.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children.

This element focuses on the holistic physical care of babies and young children, including hygiene, nappy changing, skin care, and supporting toilet training in a manner that respects their dignity and preferences. Practitioners must establish consistent routines for feeding, sleeping, and physical activity that promote health, growth, and development, while ensuring environments are safe, protective, and conducive to exercise. Additionally, it covers meeting the specific nutritional requirements of infants under 18 months, such as breastfeeding support, formula preparation, and weaning, as well as understanding the dietary needs of toddlers from 18 to 36 months, including portion sizes, food groups, and managing allergies.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Health and safety of babies and children in early years settings

This subtopic provides learners with essential knowledge and skills to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of babies and young children in early years settings. It covers legislation, risk assessment, accident procedures, infection control, and managing illnesses and allergies, enabling practitioners to create secure environments and respond effectively to emergencies.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Contribute to Children and Young People's Health and Safety

This element focuses on the essential knowledge and skills required to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children and young people. Learners must demonstrate understanding of relevant policies and procedures, the ability to identify and manage risks both on and off site, and correct responses to incidents, injuries, or sudden illnesses. Effective application includes rigorous infection control, accurate reporting, and safe handling of medicines in line with statutory and setting-specific requirements.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Child Protection and Safeguarding

This subtopic equips early years practitioners with essential knowledge and skills to safeguard children, covering legal frameworks such as the Children Act 1989/2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children. It addresses identifying and responding to abuse, managing allegations, maintaining confidentiality, and creating secure environments, ensuring practitioners fulfil their statutory duties effectively.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Support children and young people’s play and leisure

This element explores the fundamental role of play and leisure in children and young people’s holistic development, emphasising the practitioner's responsibility to facilitate inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate play opportunities. It requires learners to demonstrate practical strategies for supporting play, including the intentional management of risk and challenge to promote resilience and decision-making. Reflection on personal practice is integral, ensuring continuous improvement in how play environments are planned, resourced, and evaluated.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand How to Work With Children in Home-Based Care

This subtopic equips learners to understand the unique benefits of home-based childcare settings, which offer flexible, individualised care within a family environment. It covers essential aspects such as creating safe, stimulating spaces, tailoring play experiences to children's developmental stages, and fostering emotional wellbeing through secure attachments. The role of effective partnership working with parents and external agencies is also emphasised to ensure holistic support for each child.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Implement therapeutic group activities

This subtopic explores the use of therapeutic group activities as an intervention for children and young people, emphasising the importance of understanding their theoretical foundations, careful planning, and sensitive facilitation. Practitioners learn to create safe, structured environments that promote emotional expression, social skills, and personal growth, while also evaluating outcomes to refine practice. The focus is on integrating therapeutic principles into everyday settings to support holistic development and well-being.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand the needs of vulnerable children and young people experiencing poverty and disadvantage

This subtopic explores the complex interplay between poverty, disadvantage, and the developmental outcomes of vulnerable children and young people in residential care settings. It equips leaders with the knowledge to critically evaluate policy frameworks and implement effective multi-agency partnerships to mitigate these effects. Emphasis is placed on the practitioner's proactive role in advocacy, safeguarding, and delivering trauma-informed support that promotes resilience and positive life chances.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Understand the Needs of Children Who Are Vulnerable and Experiencing Poverty and Disadvantage

This subtopic explores the profound effects of vulnerability, poverty, and disadvantage on children's developmental outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of early years practitioners in identifying and mitigating these risks. It requires understanding the complex interplay of societal, familial, and individual factors, and applying this knowledge to deliver targeted early intervention, build strong partnerships with families and multi-agency teams, and champion inclusive practice to improve life chances for every child.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Improving the attendance of children and young people in statutory education

This element equips learners with the knowledge and skills to effectively address and improve attendance in statutory education settings. It explores the complex interplay of personal, social, and institutional factors that influence attendance, and examines the collaborative roles of key stakeholders such as schools, families, and external agencies. Learners will develop the ability to interpret attendance data, devise targeted intervention strategies, and provide direct support to children and families, ensuring their practice is both evidence-based and child-centred.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand the development of children and young people in residential childcare

This element explores holistic development from birth to 19 years, focusing on the expected physical, cognitive, emotional, and social milestones. It critically examines factors influencing development—including attachment, trauma, and environment—and how residential childcare practice must adapt to meet individual needs. Learners will understand the structured cycle of monitoring, assessment, and intervention, the pivotal role of early intervention, and the profound impact of transitions on children’s developmental trajectories.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Undertake a research project within residential childcare services

This element equips learners with the skills to design, conduct, and evaluate a small-scale research project relevant to residential childcare settings. It emphasizes the practical application of research methods to improve service delivery and outcomes for children. Learners will develop a critical understanding of ethical considerations, data analysis, and evidence-based practice.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Support children and young people’s positive behaviour

This element focuses on understanding and applying the setting's behaviour policies to promote positive conduct and manage challenging behaviour in children and young people. It covers proactive strategies such as positive reinforcement, modelling appropriate behaviour, and creating inclusive environments, as well as reactive strategies for de-escalating and responding to incidents in line with statutory safeguarding and equality requirements. The aim is to equip practitioners with the skills to support emotional and social development consistently across the setting.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Work in partnership with others in residential childcare

This subtopic explores the imperative of collaborative, multi-agency approaches in residential childcare, focusing on how leaders can forge effective local partnerships to deliver holistic, child-centred support. Learners will develop the skills to coordinate diverse services—such as health, education, and social care—into a unified team that promotes positive outcomes and safeguards children. The practical emphasis is on continuous improvement of interagency processes, ensuring that every child benefits from a well-integrated network of support.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Understand the youth justice system as it relates to residential childcare

This element explores the heightened vulnerability of children in residential care to becoming involved in offending behaviour, analysing systemic risk factors such as disrupted attachments, institutional discrimination, and unmet emotional needs. It equips learners with strategies to prevent criminalisation through proactive care planning, restorative approaches, and effective multi-agency collaboration, while also building understanding of youth court procedures and the impact of custody on young people.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Increase awareness about drugs, alcohol or other substances with individuals and groups

This element equips learners with the skills to raise awareness of substance use issues among individuals and groups. It explores the legal, social, and health dimensions of substance misuse, enabling practitioners to deliver informed, non-judgmental support. By understanding personal values and promoting evidence-based knowledge, learners can effectively contribute to harm reduction and early intervention in childcare and youth settings.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support the creativity of children and young people

This element explores the integral role of creativity in enhancing the emotional, social, and cognitive well-being of children and young people. Learners develop practical skills to foster an environment that values creative expression, encourages participation in diverse activities, and models imaginative engagement in everyday routines. The focus is on empowering practitioners to recognise and celebrate each child's unique creative contributions while integrating creativity into daily practice.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understanding How to Promote Play and Learning in the Early Years

This element explores the critical role of play in early childhood learning from birth to five years, emphasising how practitioners can support diverse play needs and overcome barriers. It examines the principles of risk management in play settings to foster safe yet challenging environments. Assessment requires demonstrating practical strategies for facilitating play-based learning that aligns with individual developmental stages.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Work with the families of children and young people in residential childcare

This element focuses on understanding the profound emotional, social, and practical impacts that a child's placement in residential care has on families, and the key principles of working respectfully and collaboratively with them. Practitioners will learn how to actively support families to sustain meaningful relationships with their child, and how to build effective partnerships that promote the child's wellbeing. The practical application involves implementing family-inclusive practices, maintaining clear communication, and navigating complex family dynamics to achieve positive outcomes.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Understand Child and Young Person Development.

This element provides essential knowledge of child development from birth to 19 years, covering physical, cognitive, emotional, and social milestones. It equips practitioners to recognise factors affecting development, monitor progress, intervene appropriately, and support transitions, with a strong emphasis on early speech and language intervention.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Working Within a Social Pedagogic Framework With Children

This subtopic focuses on embedding a social pedagogic framework into early years practice, where children's holistic wellbeing and happiness are paramount. It equips practitioners to apply key principles such as the ‘common third’ and relationship-based practice, creating environments where every interaction becomes a supportive learning opportunity tailored to the unique child.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Lead and manage a community based early years setting.

This subtopic equips learners with the skills to lead and manage a community-based early years setting, emphasizing collaborative leadership, parental partnership, and integrated service delivery. It focuses on the unique features of community provision—such as local governance, co-production with families, and responsiveness to neighborhood needs—to foster inclusive, sustainable childcare services. Learners will develop practical strategies for engaging parents in decision-making, supporting their learning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and financial requirements.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Manage induction in health and social care or children and young people’s settings

This subtopic focuses on the effective management of induction programmes within health, social care, and childcare settings. It equips learners to understand the legal and professional significance of induction, and to plan, implement, monitor, and improve induction processes to ensure new staff are safely and competently integrated into the workforce. Practical application includes tailoring inductions to individual needs, meeting regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People.

This subtopic equips learners with the essential knowledge to safeguard children and young people effectively within a work setting. It covers understanding key legislation like the Children Act, recognising types of abuse, and the importance of multi-agency working to ensure prompt intervention. Learners explore practical responses to concerns about abuse or bullying, ways to promote safety and wellbeing, and the critical role of e-safety in protecting children from online risks.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Practise as a Foster Carer

This element focuses on the practical and professional competencies required to effectively prepare for and support children and young people in a foster care setting. It encompasses the initial accommodation process, creating a safe and nurturing home environment, aiding the child's integration, supporting birth families and significant others through the transition, and collaborating within a multi-agency framework. Mastery of these skills ensures the foster carer can meet the complex needs of looked-after children and promote their well-being, stability, and development.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand How to Support Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People.

This element focuses on the ecological factors that shape children's outcomes, emphasizing the practitioner's role in mitigating negative influences and fostering resilience. It examines how social, economic, and cultural contexts intersect with disability and additional needs to affect life chances, and underscores the importance of embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in everyday practice to promote holistic development.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Principles for implementing duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings

This subtopic explores the legal and ethical obligation of practitioners to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people while balancing their rights and autonomy. It addresses how duty of care underpins safe practice in health, social care or early years settings, and guides professionals in managing conflicts between safeguarding responsibilities and individual preferences. Learners will gain practical strategies for handling complaints effectively, ensuring that the welfare of the child remains paramount while respecting the rights of families and carers.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand Partnership Working in Services for Children and Young People

This element explores the collaborative nature of children's services, emphasizing how integrated working between professionals, agencies, and families improves outcomes. Learners will examine legal frameworks, communication protocols, and the pivotal role of information sharing in delivering holistic care. Practical application involves demonstrating partnership approaches in real-world early years settings to support children's development and safeguard their welfare.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand the needs of children and young people who are vulnerable and experiencing poverty and disadvantage.

This subtopic explores the multifaceted impact of poverty and disadvantage on children and young people, examining how socio-economic factors, family circumstances, and environmental influences can affect developmental outcomes and life chances. It emphasises the critical role of early intervention, integrated support, and multi-agency partnership working to mitigate risks and promote resilience. Practitioners learn to identify vulnerability, implement supportive strategies, and advocate for children's needs within the framework of safeguarding and inclusive practice.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Professional practice in children and young people’s social care

This subtopic focuses on the essential professional standards and legislative knowledge required for effective practice in children and young people's social care. It covers understanding the legal framework, fulfilling professional responsibilities through reflective practice, building effective working relationships with colleagues, and embedding equality and diversity into daily work. Mastery of these elements ensures that practitioners can provide safe, inclusive, and person-centred support to vulnerable children and families.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Professional practice in early years settings.

This element focuses on the professional responsibilities of early years practitioners in fostering inclusive, participative, and legally compliant settings. It examines the breadth of the early years sector, the impact of statutory frameworks and policies, and the imperative to critically reflect on and improve personal practice to champion diversity and ensure every child’s full engagement.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Understand the speech, language and communication needs of children and young people with behavioural, social and emotional difficulties.

This subtopic explores the intricate connections between communication difficulties and behavioural, social, and emotional challenges in children and young people. It equips learners with strategies to foster positive development and adapt interventions holistically, emphasizing collaborative practice with families and professionals to address individual needs effectively.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Professional Practice in learning, development and support services

This element examines the professional practice expectations for learning, development and support services (LDSS) practitioners working with children and young people. It explores the legislative frameworks, core principles, and values that guide effective service delivery, while emphasising the need to incorporate service user perspectives and engage in continuous improvement through supervision and critical reflection.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Use Signing to Advance Speech, Language and Communication

This element explores how using sign supported English (SSE) with children and young people enhances speech, language and communication development. It covers the integration of signs and fingerspelling to support early literacy, promote inclusive learning environments, and foster positive behaviour. Practitioners will learn practical techniques to embed signing into daily interactions, aligning with developmental milestones and individual needs.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Partnership working in early years settings

This element explores the essential principles and practices of partnership working in early years settings, aligned with current statutory frameworks such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Working Together to Safeguard Children. It covers collaboration with parents/carers, colleagues, and multi-agency professionals to support children's development, while addressing challenges and ensuring lawful information sharing.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Lead and develop practice to support the wellbeing and resilience of children and young people in residential childcare

This subtopic focuses on equipping leaders in residential childcare with the knowledge and skills to foster well-being and resilience in children and young people. It explores theoretical frameworks, practical support strategies, and the leader's role in shaping a trauma-informed environment. Learners will develop the ability to lead and improve practice, ensuring that both children and staff are supported to thrive.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Plan, lead and review play opportunities which support children’s learning and development

This element focuses on the practitioner's role in designing, facilitating, and evaluating play-based learning experiences for young children. It integrates understanding the statutory early years curriculum (such as the EYFS), children's rights, and developmental benefits of various play types. The overarching goal is to enable practitioners to lead meaningful play that promotes holistic development and to critically reflect on their practice to enhance future provision.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Contribute to promoting nutrition and hydration in early years and childcare settings

This element focuses on the practitioner's crucial role in promoting healthy eating and drinking habits in early years settings. It covers the components of a balanced diet for children of different ages, strategies for encouraging hydration, and the identification and management of special dietary needs, including infant feeding. Learners will develop the skills to work collaboratively with families and professionals to prevent malnutrition and monitor nutritional intake effectively.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Participate in teams to benefit children and young people in residential childcare

This element focuses on the collaborative skills required to effectively participate in teams and multi-agency networks within residential childcare settings. Learners must demonstrate an understanding of team dynamics, local service provision, and the critical role of integrated working in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. Practical application involves building professional relationships, contributing to team meetings, and communicating with partner agencies to safeguard and promote welfare.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Contribute to Effective Team Working in Health and Social Care or Children's Settings

This subtopic focuses on developing the knowledge and skills to function effectively as a team member in early years and care settings. It covers classic team development theories like Tuckman's stages, principles such as shared goals and psychological safety, and practical techniques for collaboration, peer support, and team self-evaluation. The learning is directly applied to improve outcomes for children through cohesive, multi-agency working.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Caseload management

This element focuses on the systematic organisation, prioritisation, and review of cases within the children and young people's workforce. Effective caseload management ensures that each child or young person receives appropriate support and intervention, while practitioners maintain accountability and meet organisational standards. It underpins multi-agency working and the delivery of person-centred care by balancing competing demands and safeguarding responsibilities.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Working as part of a team in health and social care or children and young people’s settings

This element focuses on the essential knowledge and skills required to function effectively as a team member in health, social care, and children’s settings. It covers the nature of teams, principles of collaboration, conflict management, and the ability to demonstrate teamwork in practice, all vital for delivering safe and effective care to children and young people.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote children’s welfare and well being in the early years.

This unit provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to ensure the holistic welfare of young children in early years settings. Learners will explore statutory frameworks, safeguarding procedures, health promotion, hygiene practices, nutritional requirements, and physical care routines that collectively support children’s safety, health, and development. Mastery of these elements is essential for meeting regulatory standards and fostering an environment where children can thrive.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Working in partnership with parents and carers

This topic covers the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers, including sharing information and building relationships. It also involves supporting parents in their role and reflecting on own practice.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings

This element explores the pivotal role of communication in fostering a safe, inclusive, and effective care environment for children and young people. It covers identifying and adapting to individual communication needs, overcoming barriers, and ensuring confidentiality in line with legislation and best practice. Mastering these skills is essential for building trust, supporting development, and safeguarding welfare.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Working Together for the Benefit of Children and Young People.

This element focuses on the collaborative approaches essential for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It covers the principles of integrated and multi-agency working, effective professional communication between practitioners and agencies, and the correct procedures for recording, storing and sharing information in line with legal and organisational requirements.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings

This unit covers the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion in children's and young people's settings. Learners must understand key concepts, work inclusively, and promote equality and inclusion in practice.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote learning and development in the early years.

This subtopic focuses on the principles and practices underpinning the promotion of learning and development in early years settings, as outlined in the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. It enables practitioners to plan, implement, and evaluate play-based activities that support holistic child development across the three prime and four specific areas of learning. Emphasis is placed on involving children in planning, using observational assessments to tailor learning, and critically reflecting on one’s own professional practice to enhance outcomes for every child.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote nutrition and hydration in early years and childcare settings

This subtopic equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills to foster optimal nutrition and hydration in early years settings. It covers the planning and promotion of balanced diets, the principles of infant feeding, and the identification of special dietary requirements. Learners will also explore strategies for preventing malnutrition and monitoring nutritional intake effectively.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote nutrition and hydration in health and social care settings

This element equips learners with the knowledge and skills to promote optimal nutrition and hydration in health and social care settings, covering the principles of a balanced diet, national guidelines, and strategies to prevent malnutrition. It focuses on practical application, including nutritional screening, monitoring fluid and food intake, and accommodating special dietary requirements to support individual wellbeing and recovery.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote positive behaviour

This subtopic equips learners with the knowledge and skills to promote positive behaviour in children and young people, integrating legislative frameworks such as the Equality Act 2010 and settings' policies. It focuses on proactive strategies to prevent challenging behaviour, and reactive strategies to de-escalate incidents when they occur. Learners will also develop the ability to support individuals and teams after incidents, and to systematically review and improve behaviour management approaches.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote Signing to Advance Speech, Language and Communication

This element explores the theoretical and practical application of Sign Supported English (SSE) to foster speech, language and communication development in children and young people. It examines how SSE can be integrated into early years practice to enhance learning outcomes, promote inclusive environments, and strengthen partnerships with families. Learners will investigate the impact of signing and fingerspelling on early literacy, pro-social behaviour, and inclusive practice.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote the well being and resilience of children and young people

This subtopic explores the critical role of early years practitioners in fostering the emotional, social, and physical well-being of children and young people. It emphasises building resilience and a positive self-identity, enabling young individuals to navigate challenges and thrive. Learners will develop practical skills to support health needs and instil a hopeful outlook, integrating theory with hands-on approaches in childcare settings.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Lead and manage a service that supports children or young people who have experienced harm or abuse

This subtopic focuses on equipping leaders in residential childcare to establish a protective and therapeutic environment for children who have experienced abuse. It covers the leader's statutory responsibilities, the preparation of staff to handle disclosures safely, and the dual focus on safeguarding and promoting holistic wellbeing. Effective leadership ensures that all team members are competent in trauma-informed practice and able to manage the emotional challenges inherent in this work.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Contribute to the support of child and young person development

This element focuses on the practitioner's role in actively supporting the holistic development of children and young people, including assessing individual needs, facilitating growth across developmental domains, managing transitions, promoting positive behaviour, and critically reflecting on one's own practice to enhance contribution. Practical application involves working under supervision in real childcare settings, observing and recording development, implementing planned activities, and adapting support strategies based on reflective evaluation to meet the unique needs of each child or young person and their family.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Coordinate Special Educational Needs Provision

This unit develops the learner's ability to coordinate special educational needs (SEN) provision within an early years setting, encompassing the statutory role of the SENCO. Learners will gain practical skills in assessing individual needs, planning targeted support, engaging with families, and leading colleagues to ensure inclusive practice. It is designed for those pursuing the Early Years Educator qualification, aligning with national occupational standards.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Promote effective communication and information handling in residential childcare settings

Effective communication in residential childcare is fundamental to safeguarding, building therapeutic relationships, and ensuring the well-being of children and young people. This element develops the learner’s ability to adapt communication methods to meet individual needs, overcome barriers, and de-escalate conflict, while adhering to strict confidentiality and information-handling protocols essential in regulated care settings.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Promote children’s creative and imaginative play and experiences

This element examines the practitioner's pivotal role in nurturing children's creative and imaginative play, enabling them to make sense of the world through self-expression and exploration. It covers the design of rich, enabling environments and the planning of open-ended activities that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and holistic development, directly linking to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Context and principles for early years provision.

This subtopic explores the statutory and philosophical foundations of early years provision in England, primarily the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Learners examine how its guiding principles shape practice, including the creation of inclusive, stimulating environments that promote holistic development. The focus extends to building effective partnerships with parents and carers to ensure consistency between home and setting, enhancing outcomes for children.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote young children’s physical activity and movement skills.

This element focuses on equipping practitioners with the skills to promote young children's physical activity and movement skills, recognising their profound impact on holistic development, health, and well-being. It covers creating safe, stimulating environments, planning purposeful activities, integrating movement into daily routines, and critically evaluating provision to enhance outcomes for children.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Provide information and advice to children and young people

This subtopic equips practitioners with the skills to effectively provide information and advice to children and young people, enabling them to make informed choices. It covers the practitioner's role, methods for identifying individual needs, and communication techniques tailored to the child's age, understanding, and circumstances. The focus is on fostering autonomy while ensuring safeguarding and ethical practice.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Provide support to children or young people who have experienced harm or abuse

This element focuses on the critical role of practitioners in providing immediate and ongoing support to children and young people who have disclosed or experienced harm or abuse. It covers understanding professional boundaries, effective communication techniques, and multi-agency working to ensure holistic safeguarding. Practitioners will learn to apply trauma-informed approaches to promote safety, resilience, and recovery while adhering to legal and ethical frameworks.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Provide support to continue recommended therapies

This element focuses on the role of the childcare practitioner in facilitating the continuation of prescribed therapeutic activities for children and young people. It covers the rationale behind therapy adherence, strategies to encourage participation, methods of providing physical and emotional support, accurate observation and reporting, and collaborative evaluation with therapists and other professionals.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Recognise indications of substance misuse and refer individuals to specialists

This element equips childcare practitioners with the skills to recognise signs of substance misuse in children and young people, assess and monitor associated risks, handle sensitive information appropriately, and make timely referrals to specialist services. It emphasises safeguarding, multi-agency working, and compliance with legal frameworks including data protection and confidentiality. Learners must demonstrate competence in early intervention to protect vulnerable individuals from harm and promote their well-being.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support Care within fostering services for vulnerable children and young people.

This subtopic explores the role of support care as a short-term, planned intervention within fostering services, offering respite and stability to vulnerable children, young people, and their foster carers. Learners will develop the competence to deliver person-centred support that strengthens placements, promotes well-being, and adheres to legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and trauma-informed practice principles.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support children and young people to achieve their education potential

This element focuses on empowering children and young people to reach their educational potential through person-centred support, underpinned by legal frameworks and professional values. It emphasises identifying individual learning needs, setting meaningful goals, and reviewing progress collaboratively. Practitioners learn to apply key legislation and principles to remove barriers and promote inclusive education.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support children and young people to achieve their learning potential

This element focuses on the practitioner's role in enabling children and young people to reach their learning potential through understanding relevant legislation, fostering self-directed learning, and leveraging collaborative practice. It covers key educational policies such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, alongside practical strategies for person-centred planning and multi-agency working, ensuring children are active participants in shaping their learning journeys and achieving meaningful outcomes.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support children and young people to have positive relationships

This element explores the critical role of supportive relationships in fostering emotional resilience, social competence, and overall well-being among children and young people. Learners examine practical strategies for enabling positive interactions, guiding conflict resolution, and intervening effectively when relationships break down, ensuring inclusive and nurturing environments aligned with safeguarding principles and professional standards.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support children and young people to make positive changes in their lives

This subtopic focuses on equipping learners with the skills to empower children and young people to initiate and sustain positive changes in their lives. It covers understanding developmental needs, applying person-centred approaches, goal-setting, and overcoming barriers, while ensuring the child's voice remains central. Assessment requires demonstrating practical competence in supporting change and critically reviewing interventions to enhance outcomes.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support attachment and positive relationships for children and young people in residential childcare

This topic covers the importance of positive attachments and relationships for children in residential childcare. It includes supporting attachments, developing relationships, and addressing concerns.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Contribute to the support of children's communication, language and literacy

This element focuses on the practitioner's role in fostering children's communication, language, and literacy development within early years settings. It emphasizes understanding the critical link between these skills and overall learning, implementing developmentally appropriate activities, and critically reflecting on one's own practice to enhance outcomes.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in early years settings

This element equips early years practitioners with essential knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures to protect babies and young children. It covers statutory guidance, including child protection and online safety, whistleblowing protocols, and appropriate responses to concerns about harm or abuse. The focus is on collaborative working and accessing support to ensure the welfare of children in early years settings.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Lead and manage a team within a residential childcare setting

This element focuses on the practical application of leadership and management theories specifically within residential childcare settings. Learners will explore how to cultivate a positive team culture, align staff with a shared vision, and drive performance improvement while safeguarding children's welfare. Effective leadership in this context requires balancing regulatory compliance with compassionate people management to achieve outstanding care outcomes.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Develop Effective and Informed Professional Practice in Early Years Settings

This subtopic focuses on equipping early years practitioners with the skills to communicate effectively in various workplace contexts, understand the value of lifelong learning, and systematically manage their own professional growth through reflective practice. It underpins the ability to deliver high-quality childcare by ensuring educators continuously improve their knowledge and adapt to the evolving needs of children and families.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Contribute to effective team working in health and social care or children and young people’s settings

This element focuses on the practical application of team working theories and principles within health, social care, or children's settings. It requires learners to demonstrate how effective team collaboration directly enhances the quality of care and support for service users, integrating models such as Tuckman's stages and Belbin's team roles into everyday practice.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Promote children’s physical development

This subtopic focuses on the holistic physical development of children from birth to five years, encompassing gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance, and healthy physical growth. Practitioners must understand typical developmental milestones and apply this knowledge to create inclusive, active learning environments that foster movement, exploration, and physical confidence. The practical application involves observing children, planning play-based activities, and embedding physical development into daily routines to support lifelong health and well-being.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Support children with special educational needs and disabilities

This element focuses on the essential knowledge and skills required to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in early years settings, in line with statutory guidance such as the SEND Code of Practice. It emphasizes understanding individual needs, implementing inclusive practices, and collaborating effectively with families and other professionals. The ultimate goal is to promote development and learning through tailored planning and partnership working.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Coordinate special educational needs provision.

This element focuses on the coordination of special educational needs (SEN) provision within early years settings, emphasising the SENCO's pivotal role in overseeing observation, assessment, and individualised planning to meet the unique requirements of children with SEN. It involves collaborative engagement with children, their families, and a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that practitioners are supported and advised to deliver effective, inclusive practice in line with the SEND Code of Practice.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Contribute to the support of children’s creative development

This element focuses on the practitioner's role in fostering children's creativity, emphasising its impact on holistic development including cognitive, social, and emotional growth. It covers practical strategies for planning and facilitating open-ended, child-led creative experiences, as well as the importance of reflective practice to continually improve the quality of support provided.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Lead and manage group living for children and young people in residential childcare

This element focuses on the leadership and management skills required to oversee group living in residential childcare settings. It covers theoretical models underpinning group dynamics, the legal and rights framework governing practice, and practical strategies for promoting positive outcomes, planning daily activities, managing the living environment, and ensuring robust safeguarding. Learners will develop the ability to critically apply these aspects to enhance the lived experiences of children and young people.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Promote children’s speech, language, communication and literacy

This element focuses on equipping early years practitioners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to foster children's speech, language, communication, and literacy. It integrates understanding of key developmental frameworks with the ability to plan, lead, and evaluate rich, inclusive activities that scaffold progress and lay the foundations for lifelong learning.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Support children and young people in residential childcare to achieve their learning potential

This element focuses on equipping residential childcare workers with the skills to support children and young people in overcoming barriers to learning, understanding their individual educational contexts, and collaborating with professionals to maximize outcomes. It emphasizes practical strategies for engagement, advocacy within the education system, and creating enriching learning environments in the residential setting. The ultimate goal is to ensure that each child achieves their full learning potential, despite any challenges they may face.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Early Years Settings

This element focuses on embedding diversity, equality, and inclusion into everyday early years practice, ensuring all children and families are respected and valued. Practitioners must demonstrate an understanding of how cultural differences, family circumstances, and additional needs shape a child's experience, and actively challenge discrimination. Practical application includes adapting environments, activities, and policies to promote equal opportunities and support every child's unique development.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Contribute to the support of children’s physical development through activities

This element focuses on the practitioner's role in fostering children's physical development through carefully planned activities. It explores how physical skills underpin cognitive and social learning, and it requires learners to implement, evaluate, and improve their contributions to promote holistic development.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Lead and manage positive relationships with children and young people

This subtopic examines the critical role of the residential childcare leader in building and sustaining positive relationships with children and young people, recognizing the profound interconnection between relational dynamics and behavioural outcomes. It equips learners with advanced skills to lead and model relationship-based practice, implement robust behaviour management strategies, and safely manage physical interventions, all while prioritising children’s safety, dignity, and long-term wellbeing.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies

This subtopic focuses on establishing and maintaining productive partnerships with professionals from external agencies, such as health, social care, and education services, to ensure integrated support for children and young people. It covers the legal and ethical frameworks underpinning collaborative practice, effective communication strategies, and methods for resolving conflicts while keeping the child's welfare central. Practical application involves joint assessments, shared planning, and consistent information exchange to promote holistic development and safeguarding.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Implementing Early Years Foundation Stage

This unit focuses on the effective implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework within early years settings, ensuring practitioners can deliver the statutory learning and development requirements while maintaining robust safeguarding and welfare practices. Learners will develop the skills to plan and provide a stimulating, inclusive environment that supports each child's unique progress across the seven areas of learning, using observation and assessment to inform practice and promote school readiness. The unit equips practitioners to work in partnership with parents and other professionals to achieve the best outcomes for all children.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Promote the development of children’s mathematical skills

This element focuses on the early years practitioner's role in fostering children’s mathematical understanding through everyday experiences and play. It explores how numeracy is embedded in routines, activities, and the environment, and how planned and spontaneous opportunities can scaffold emergent mathematical thinking. Practitioners learn to observe, assess, and plan to effectively support children’s progression in counting, shape, space, measures, and problem-solving.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Support daily routines to meet babies and children’s physical care routines

This subtopic focuses on the essential daily physical care routines for babies and young children, including nappy changing, potty training, rest, sleep, and physical activity. Practitioners must understand how these routines directly impact a child’s wellbeing and adapt them according to developmental stages. Effective implementation ensures children’s health, safety, and emotional security while promoting independence and healthy habits.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Support children and young people in residential childcare to manage their health

This element equips learners with the skills to support children and young people in residential childcare settings in understanding and managing their health. It covers knowledge of local health service provision, addressing health concerns proactively, and empowering young individuals to take age-appropriate responsibility for their health and lifestyle choices.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Promote the development of positive behaviour in children

This element focuses on equipping early years practitioners with the knowledge and skills to create a supportive environment that encourages positive behaviour through understanding relevant legislation and frameworks. It emphasises practical strategies for helping children understand and regulate their own behaviour, while also building their self-esteem and resilience. Ultimately, it ensures practitioners can promote a holistic approach to behaviour management that aligns with best practice and statutory requirements.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Develop interviewing skills for work with children and young people

This element focuses on the systematic development of interviewing skills specifically tailored for engaging with children and young people in a care setting. It covers the essential preparation stages, ethical considerations, and practical techniques to create a safe environment that encourages open communication. Mastery of these skills is vital for gathering accurate information, building trust, and supporting the well-being and development of young individuals.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Lead and Manage a Community Based Early Years Setting

This element focuses on the practical leadership and management of a community-based early years setting, emphasising the unique benefits of such provision including local accessibility, parental involvement, and integrated support for children and families. It equips learners with skills to coordinate teams, engage parents as partners in both learning and governance, and manage resources, regulatory compliance, and finances in line with community needs and statutory requirements.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

Support the nutrition and hydration of babies and young children

This subtopic equips learners with essential knowledge and skills to promote healthy nutrition and hydration in early years settings. It covers understanding how balanced diets and adequate fluid intake directly influence children's physical growth, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. Practitioners learn practical strategies to support babies and young children in consuming appropriate meals and drinks, while fostering positive eating habits and adhering to safeguarding and dietary requirements.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Lead and manage quality and improvement in residential childcare

This element equips senior leaders with the expertise to drive excellence in residential childcare through robust quality assurance, evidence-based practice and strategic resource management. It focuses on interpreting statutory frameworks and commissioning requirements to ensure services meet regulatory standards while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ability to lead change, make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively is central to delivering high-quality outcomes for children and young people.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Support group living in residential childcare

This element focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of facilitating harmonious group living for children and young people in residential care. It emphasises the application of key theories (such as social learning, attachment, and group dynamics) to daily routines, the collaborative planning of shared activities, and the intentional development of positive peer relationships. Continuous improvement is achieved through reflective practice, involving young people in evaluating and enhancing their living environment.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Contribute to the Support of Positive Environments for Children and Young People

This subtopic equips learners with the knowledge and skills to create and maintain safe, stimulating, and inclusive environments for children and young people. It covers regulatory frameworks such as the EYFS, practical strategies for adapting settings to individual needs, supporting personal care routines with dignity, and promoting healthy eating in line with current guidelines.

iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Lead and manage the safe use of technology and online activity

This subtopic equips residential childcare leaders with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate how digital, internet and mobile technologies shape children's lives, both positively and negatively. It focuses on developing robust safeguarding strategies, promoting digital literacy and resilience, and managing associated risks for staff and young people in a residential setting. Practical application of policies, risk assessments and multi-agency collaboration underpins the leadership role in fostering a safe and enabling online environment.

iCQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)

Promote the health and safety of children

This subtopic equips early years educators with the essential knowledge and skills to safeguard children's wellbeing through robust health and safety practices. It covers statutory legislation, setting-specific policies, and practical risk management that enables challenging yet safe play. Learners must demonstrate competence in recording incidents, responding to illness or injury, and following correct procedures for the administration and storage of medicines, ensuring a secure environment without unnecessarily restricting children's development.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Support risk management in residential childcare

Supporting risk management in residential childcare involves understanding health and safety requirements, helping children manage risk, and responding to emergencies. It balances safety with developmental needs.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Develop Positive Relationship with Children, Young People and Others Involved in Their Care

This subtopic focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required to form and maintain effective, professional, and supportive relationships with children and young people, as well as with parents, carers, and other professionals involved in their care. It covers communication strategies, understanding of child development, and the importance of trust and respect in collaborative care environments.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce, iCQ Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes

This subtopic explores the critical distinction between adult-led and child-initiated play, and how practitioners must adhere to statutory frameworks like the EYFS while using the observation, assessment, and planning cycle to support children's holistic development. It equips learners to design and facilitate purposeful play activities and educational programmes that cater to the individual needs of babies and young children, ensuring inclusive and developmentally appropriate practice.

iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Make Accurate and Productive Use of Assessment in Early Years Settings

This subtopic equips learners with the skills to conduct meaningful assessments within the early years framework, using observational techniques to identify children's developmental stages, interests, and needs. It emphasizes the productive use of assessment data to plan personalized next steps and effectively communicate progress to parents and colleagues, ensuring that assessment directly informs practice and supports children's holistic development.

iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children's Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)