Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 2)

An apprenticeship is a real job with an accompanying skills development programme. It is a way to earn and learn, gaining valuable skills, knowledge and behaviours whilst in a specific job role.

This role is found in a range of private and public settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, out of school environments and local authority provision.

The broad purpose of the role is to work and interact directly with children from birth to five on a day to day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting.

An Early Years Practitioner works as part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children. They are also responsible for supporting child initiated and adult-led activities ensuring each child feels safe and secure.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours

• Baby and child development

• Safeguarding and child protection

• Observation, assessment and planning cycle

• Use of play to encourage health life choices.

Gateway

Before moving to end point assessment, apprentices must meet the gateway requirements. These include:

• Maths and English functional skills.

Completion and certification

Upon successful completion of the end point assessment, the apprentice will have fully demonstrated their competence in the subject area and be awarded with their apprenticeship certificates at either a pass or distinction.

End point assessment

Apprentices will be assessed via an independent end point assessment organisation (EPAO) to confirm competence. This will be arranged in advance and will consist of:

• Professional discussion on evidence portfolio

• Knowledge test.

Progression opportunities

Discussions will take place with all apprentices to help them plan the next steps on their career path. Completion of the apprenticeship can help progression to higher levels of apprenticeships, further training or promotion and businesses will benefit from high performing staff.