Early years practitioner apprenticeship

About the course

We’re confident that this apprenticeship will provide you with the core skills that you need to work effectively within an early years setting.

The programme is 12 months of learning, followed by the End Point Assessment (EPA). This ensures you have enough time to learn everything you need and you’ll have the confidence to successfully pass the apprenticeship.

During the apprenticeship, you’ll receive frequent teaching sessions as well as being able to join engaging remote webinars and complete independent tasks. Your trainer will support you and be on hand at all times so that you get the very best support when you need it.

All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check with their employer as part of our safer recruitment process.

Is this course right for you?

We know that a career in early years can be extremely rewarding. We also understand how important it is for you to get the right skills to help you progress in the sector and have the capability and expertise to make a positive difference to children.

The early years practitioner level 2 programme is an ideal apprenticeship for those with job titles such as Nursery Assistant, Early Years Practitioner or Nursery Practitioner.

Our flexible and blended approach to training means that activities can be scheduled around needs. All learning is either on a 1-2-1 basis or small group webinars which can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection.

Throughout the programme we will meet with you to ensure you understand your programme, to report on your development and progress as well as making sure your programme requirements are being met.

What you’ll learn

Over the course of the apprenticeship you’ll develop the essential skills and behaviours that you would expect to see in an exceptional employee.

Key learning topics covered during the apprenticeship include:

• Roles and responsibilities of the early years practitioner
• Effective communication
• Safeguarding
• Child development
• Early Years Foundation Stage
• Health & safety
• Health & wellbeing
• Equality & diversity
• Partnership working

Apprentices need to have functional skills level 1 in English and maths and attempt level 2 before the final >End Point Assessment to complete their apprenticeship. But don’t worry, we use a great online tool to help with English and maths learning, making it as easy as possible for apprentices. We also have a dedicated and friendly team of highly skilled specialist English and maths tutors who can provide additional support, if needed, alongside the support of the apprenticeship trainer.

How you’ll learn

Our highly skilled and knowledgeable staff share their experiences of working in the sector to support and develop the knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be a great practitioner.

All learning is either on a 1-2-1 basis or in small group webinars so that you have the best experience possible with sector experts.

We are delivering the programme remotely to provide as much flexibility as possible. You will benefit from a mix of on and off-the-job training.

Our typical delivery model includes:

• 1-2-1 sessions (or remote sessions)
• Webinars (including external expert guest speakers)
• Remote support including Zoom, telephone and e-mail
• Independent learning
• Ongoing mentoring, coaching, advice and guidance
• Specialist English and maths support (if needed)
• Impartial Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG)
• EPA preparation and support, including Gateway Readiness Check and mock tests