Level 2, 3, 4 Early Interventions

About the qualification

Qualification Number: 603/1055/8, 603/1057/1, 603/1058/3

SFJ Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Early Interventions Work
SFJ Awards Level 3 Professional Certificate in Early Interventions Work
SFJ Awards Level 4 Professional Certificate in Early Interventions Work

Operational Start Date: 1st February 2017

Early intervention is a public policy approach which encourages preventative intervention in the lives of children or their parents, to prevent problems developing later in life. Early intervention policy areas include health, educational development, social development, benefits and financial assistance. Early interventions work therefore covers a range of sectors and professions, including early years, education, policing and health.

These qualifications have been developed to support the professionalisation of the early interventions workforce and to provide a flexible progression route for those who work, or aspire to work, in the sector.

The objective of the SFJ Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Early Interventions Work is to provide learners with the underpinning knowledge required for working in early interventions.  This qualification does not require any work experience. Learners will cover topics on: early interventions work; child development; health and safety in the context of early interventions work; and communication skills required for early interventions work.

Total Qualification Time: 140 hours
Guided Learning: 100 hours

For more information, download the qualification specification here:

The SFJ Awards Level 3 Professional Certificate in Early Interventions Work aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and skills required by practitioners who manage an early interventions caseload or work directly with families. Learners will cover topics on: early interventions theory and practice; communication skills for early interventions work; working in early interventions; developing and maintaining relationships with families in early interventions work; and professional practice in early interventions.

Total Qualification Time: 260 hours
Guided Learning: 122 hours

For more information, download the qualification specification here:

This qualification is eligible for Advanced Learner Loans.

The SFJ Awards Level 4 Professional Certificate in Early Interventions Work aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and skills required by practitioners who manage a complex early interventions caseload. Learners will cover topics on: social justice, legislation and policy in early interventions; early interventions theory and practice; working in early interventions; partnership working in early interventions.

Total Qualification Time: 235 hours
Guided Learning: 112 hours

For more information, download the qualification specification here:

This qualification is eligible for Advanced Learner Loans.

Further information on Loans is available on the Skills Funding Agency Advanced Learner Loans web pages.

What are the pre-entry requirements for the Early Interventions qualifications?

There are no pre-entry requirements for enrolling to complete the SFJ Awards Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Early Interventions Work.

Learners wishing to undertake the SFJ Awards Level 3 Professional Certificate in Early Interventions Work should have knowledge and understanding of the stages of child development or have completed the unit Understand child development from the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Early Interventions Work prior to undertaking the qualification.

Learners wishing to undertake the SFJ Awards Level 4 Professional Certificate in Early Interventions Work should have knowledge and understanding of the stages of child development or have completed the unit Understand child development from the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Early Interventions Work prior to undertaking the qualification.

As this qualification builds on the knowledge and skills in the Level 3 Professional Certificate in Early Interventions Work, learners will be expected to have either already achieved this qualification or be able to demonstrate the understanding and competence through experience and/or previous study.

Please contact us for more information.