CACHE under new ownership

CACHE qualifications will continue to be available through NCFE.

The charitable arm of CACHE will now operate as a standalone charity. It will be re-named in due course.

CACHE said the move follows a broad strategic review by the trustees 'in light of changes to the awarding organisation's operating environment'.

CACHE was first set up in 1945 by the Ministry of Health as the National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB). The board set the syllabus for the first national childcare examinations, which took place in 1947.

In a statement issued by CACHE, the trustees said that the acquisition by NCFE would secure the awarding body’s future.

It states, ‘The CACHE board of trustees has been considering how best to safeguard the future for our centres and learners in this environment. We believe that NCFE’s new ownership will ensure that qualifications of the highest standard and rigour will continue to be developed, to support learners to improve the skills level and professional standards of the care, health and education sector.’

Marilyn Hawkins, chair of the board of trustees at CACHE, said, ‘This is an exciting new chapter in CACHE’s long and prestigious history with significant benefits and opportunities for the future.

‘CACHE is market leader in Childcare and it is the intention that NCFE’s stewardship will provide a level of investment that will ensure the qualifications CACHE is renowned for thrive. NCFE and CACHE share the same values and ambitions and ultimately we both have learners at the heart of everything we do.’

David Grailey, chief executive of NCFE (pictured), added, ‘We are delighted to be incorporating the CACHE brand into NCFE. We were keen to acquire the brand because not only is it highly respected in the care sector, but crucially it also shares our values and ambitions, placing strong emphasis on learner success and exceptional customer service.’