Expanding My Knowledge
Expanding My Knowledge: Completing the CACHE Level 3 Award in Working with Babies and Young Children Under 2 Years
I am delighted to share that I have recently completed the CACHE Level 3 Award in Working with Babies and Young Children Under 2 Years through Bristol College and the Bristol Early Years Hub.
The course ran over 10 weeks and provided an excellent opportunity to further develop my professional knowledge and skills. Each Wednesday morning, I attended college sessions alongside completing reflective accounts, a written assignment, and expert witness testimonies.
Having held my Level 3 qualification for over 10 years, I was keen to update and expand my understanding of current research and best practice within early years education. The course offered a wealth of valuable insight into the unique needs of babies and young children during their earliest stages of development.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the programme was learning about the latest research into brain development and how early experiences shape a child's future. We explored the impact of social and economic disadvantage on babies and families, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges some children face from the very beginning of life.
The importance of the first 1001 days was a key focus throughout the course. This critical period, from conception to a child's second birthday, lays the foundations for lifelong health, learning, and wellbeing. Understanding the significance of these early years has reinforced the importance of providing nurturing, responsive, and high-quality care.
Another particularly meaningful area of learning was advocating for non-verbal babies. The course highlighted the importance of recognising and responding to babies' cues, ensuring their needs, feelings, and rights are understood and respected, even before they can communicate through words.
As part of the course, I also had the opportunity to visit St Paul's Nursery School in Bristol. Seeing high-quality interactions and exemplary early years practice in person was incredibly inspiring. It was valuable to observe how practitioners build strong, responsive relationships with babies and young children, creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and supported to thrive. The visit brought many of the theories and research discussed throughout the course to life and provided practical examples that I can reflect on and apply within my own practice.
Overall, this qualification has been an amazing opportunity to build upon my existing knowledge and strengthen my practice. I am excited to apply what I have learned and continue supporting babies and young children during the most important stages of their development. Continuing to develop professionally ensures that I can provide the very best experiences for children and their families, helping to give every child the strongest possible start in life.