Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare
The awarding body's facts for this programme: level, credits, hours, units and entry criteria, with links to the specification and the Ofqual register. Our own notes on who it suits and how LSPM teaches it are still being written.
Facts compiled by Education adviser, LearnLoom ConsultantsChecked against the Qualifi specification and the Ofqual register · Reviewed September 2026
At a glance
Level
RQF 5
Credits
120
Total qualification time
— Stated in the specification, not on the web listing
Guided learning hours
— Stated in the specification, not on the web listing
9 months (standard) or 6 months (fast track) Set by LSPM; confirmed at application
Study modes
Online, Blended, Evening classes
Fees
From £999 (9 months, standard) or £1,299 (6 months, fast track) See fees
Next intake
Rolling intake — course starts when the fee is paid
Level, credits, hours, units and Ofqual number are taken from the Qualifi specification and the Ofqual register. Duration, study modes, fees and intake dates are set by London School of Planning and Management (LSPM), the approved centre.
Commentary in preparation
Every fact on this page comes from Qualifi and Ofqual. The parts we write (who the programme suits, how LSPM sequences the units, what the assignments involve, where graduates go) are not yet written for this programme, so the page is not offered to search engines. If you are considering it, ask us directly and we will answer the same questions from what we know of LSPM's delivery.
Diploma vs Extended Diploma in this subject
Same awarding body, same sector, same Level 5 outcome. The Extended Diploma includes the Level 4 stage; the Diploma assumes you already hold it.
DiplomaThis programme
Level 5 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare
Credits
120
Levels covered
5 only
Total qualification time
—
Guided learning hours
—
Units
10
Usual entry
Level 4 qualification or equivalent
Ofqual number
610/0226/4
Choose this if you already hold a Level 4 qualification in a related subject and only need the Level 5 stage.
Choose this if your highest qualification is at Level 3 and you want one enrolment that ends at year-two equivalence.
Units
10 mandatory.
Units of the Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare
#
Unit title
Credits
01
Management of children’s care
—
02
Children’s well-being and resilience
—
03
Positive behaviour in early years
—
04
Child development and communication skills in early years
—
05
Managing children’s holistic development in early years
—
06
Developing children’s literacy skills
—
07
Developing children’s mathematical skills
—
08
Safeguarding in early years
—
09
Health and safety in early years
—
10
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) in early years
—
Total credits
See specification
Unit titles and credit values from the Qualifi specification. Individual unit credits are not on the awarding body's web listing; the specification lists them.
Entry requirements
Qualifi's published criteria, quoted as data. London School of Planning and Management (LSPM) checks each applicant against them before registration.
The qualification has been designed to be accessible without artificial barriers that restrict access and progression. Entry to the qualification will be through centre interview and learners will be assessed on an individual basis.
This qualification is designed for learners aged 19 and above. There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 4 Certificate in Education and Teaching. Centres are responsible for ensuring that this qualification is appropriate for the age and ability of learners. Applicants need to demonstrate the potential to study at minimum academic Level 5 – the same level of study as the second year of a degree course. There is also requirement for a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice which must include working with groups and different practice requirements for each unit in this qualification
Each unit is assessed by written work set against that unit's learning outcomes. There are no timed examinations. Units are recorded as achieved rather than graded. See how LSPM teaches and assesses for the marking and verification process.
Marked by LSPM, verified by Qualifi
LSPM's tutors mark and give written feedback. Qualifi samples marked work before results are ratified. A referred submission can be reworked after feedback.
Where it leads
On completion you hold Level 5 credit in education and teaching. The usual next steps are a Level 6 diploma from the same awarding body or a final-year university top-up, subject in every case to the receiving institution's decision. See top-up routes.