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Improve your understanding caring for children and young people - study for a free Level 2 Certificate
Posted on behalf of: Learning and Development
Last updated: Monday, 13 April 2026
Do you want to develop a good understanding of childcare and education, parenting and babysitting. If so, this course will also help you make an informed choice about working with children and young people, why not study with a free course and qualification in Understanding Caring for Children and Young People.
If one of your goals for 2026 is personal or professional development, there’s a simple and meaningful way to get started.
East Sussex College Group is offering a free, fully online Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Caring for Children and Young People, allowing adults to develop knowledge that is increasingly essential in the modern world.
Why caring for children and young people?
In today’s world, understanding Caring for Children and Young People isn’t just about care and compassion — it’s about how we, support one another, and create a nurturing home and environment fit for the future. This nationally recognised NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Caring for Children and Young People explores:
- Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
- Importance of play for early learning
- Use food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet
- Introductory awareness of sensory loss
- The value of play to young children
- Young children's development
- Accident prevention and fire safety when babysitting
- Caring for young children in a babysitting environment
- Craft activities with young children
- Rights and responsibilities in relation to parenting
- Parenting and healthy lifestyles
- Parenting a young baby
- Respecting and valuing children
- Sharing learning experiences with children
- Children's play and leisure activities in the community
Whether you’re developing yourself, your career, supporting family or friends, working with the public, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding, this course offers practical insight you can use straight away.
Flexible Learning That Fits Around You
The course is delivered entirely online, allowing you to study at your own pace and fit learning around work, caring responsibilities and other commitments. You’ll be supported throughout your learning journey, with guidance available as you progress through the course.
On completion, you’ll gain a Level 2 qualification and certificate from NCFE CACHE, a nationally recognised awarding body, strengthening your CV and demonstrating your commitment to inclusive values and lifelong learning.
A Small Step That Can Make a Big Difference
The Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People will give learners a good understanding of childcare and education, parenting and babysitting. It will also help them to make an informed choice about working with children and young people.
How to enrol
Getting started is easy:
- Visit the free online courses page:
https://adult.escg.ac.uk/online-courses/free-elearning/ - Select the Caring for Children and Young People course
- Complete the short online application. Please register using your @sussex.ac.uk email address.
If your thirst for knowledge includes learning something new, strengthening your professional skills, or gaining an understanding of caring for children and young people, this free course could be the perfect place to start.