Early Years Practitioner, Apprenticeship

The role of an early years practitioner is both rewarding and essential in shaping the future of our youngest learners. If you have a passion for nurturing children's development, fostering their curiosity, and providing a supportive environment for their early educational journey, then an Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career.

Through this apprenticeship, you will gain the necessary knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience to become a proficient professional in the field. As an apprentice, you will actively contribute to the growth and well-being of children during their formative years, making a lasting impact on their lives and laying a strong foundation for their future success.

An apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to acquire industry-specific qualifications and valuable hands-on experience while earning a salary. You’ll have the chance to work closely with experienced professionals, meaning you’ll gain practical skills that make you highly employable and give you a head start in your career.

You’ll be working as part of a team, so communication skills both with your colleagues and the children will be crucial. This apprenticeship will allow you to build the skills you’ll need to progress to the Level 3 programme and full early years educator status.

You will become a member of our Education Career Excellence Hub. Through our extensive network of partnerships with schools and nurseries, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, applying what you've learned in a real-world setting.

You will also be offered a range of guest lectures and workshops delivered by industry professionals. Our unrivalled exposure to employers will enable you to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring you are well-prepared to secure your first post, or take the next step in your career.

What Does This Course Invole

You must be employed a minimum of 30 hours a week and attend college for coaching, college-taught sessions, and end-point-assessment preparations.

You will attend College one day a week to gain vital background knowledge in a variety of sector-related subjects. Topics you will study include child and young person development, safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, supporting positive behaviour, partnership working in services for children and young people, health and safety, supporting positive environments, child development, practical planning and implementing activities, and observation.

As part of this study programme, you will develop your maths and English skills and you will need to pass Level 1 functional skills and have attempted Level 2 by the end of the apprenticeship. All aspects of your study programme will be discussed at your interview.

Assessment Method

We’ll assess your practical skills, projects and workplace performance. There will be an end-point assessment consisting of a professional discussion, a workplace observation and a knowledge test.

Future Opportunties

• You could progress to The Early Years Educator Apprenticeship, Level 3.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade 9-2 with at least two at grade 4 or qualification at Level 1. You will also need to be in relevant employment - we can assist. On enrolment your employer will require you to undertake an DBS check.