Early Years Practitioner
Apprenticeship
Our exciting level 2 early years apprenticeship provides the head start you need to work in the childcare and early years sector. If you’re working in early years or looking for a career to support young children our programme may just be what you need.
Downloadable Content
The programme in brief
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard
Duration - 12 months & 3 months End-Point-Assessment
Blended approach to delivery which could include webinars, face-to-face, Skype, telephone and online learning
Level 1 Functional Skills where appropriate
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
Non-levy employer contribution (5%) - £200
Levy paying employer contribution - £4000
About the course
This occupation is found in a range of private and public settings including; full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, home based provision, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments and local authority provision to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to work and interact directly with children 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 EYP works as part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional the Early Years Workforce.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with parents, children, colleagues and wider multi agency professionals and partners such as health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists. Individuals will undergo all checks as per the EYFS requirements to ensure suitability to work with children. Due to the nature and level of responsibility it is not anticipated that the role would have any budgetary or leadership responsibilities.
They will be responsible for supporting child initiated and adult led activities based around the needs and interests of each individual child, supporting children’s learning through planned, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes and working as part of a team to ensure each child feels safe and secure. An EYP will also support the observation and assessment of each child and contribute to their learning experiences and assist with the care needs of the individual child such as teeth, skin, hair, feeding, changing nappies and toileting under direction of a more senior member of the team. They will also work in partnerships with other colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals, with support from a more senior member of the team, to meet the individual needs of each child. They will also have a responsibility for ensuring that they recognise when a child is in danger and/or at risk of serious harm or abuse and contributing to the health and safety of the children, staff and others on the premises.
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 will 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:
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Roles and responsibilities of the early years practitioner
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Effective communication
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Safeguarding
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Child development
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Early Years Foundation Stage
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Health & safety
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Health & wellbeing
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Equality & diversity
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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 will I learn?
Our sector expert staff will support you to achieve the apprenticeship. We have highly skilled and knowledgeable staff with significant experience of working in the industry who will be able to share their experiences and support you.
We deliver the programme throughout the year providing you with the flexibility to start the apprenticeship when it meets your needs. All learning is either on a 1-2-1 basis or small group webinars so you have the best experience possible with sector experts.
We have designed a flexible programme which is typically delivered on a 1-2-1 basis and includes:
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Assessment and induction
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Face-to-face sessions (or remote delivery)
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Regular 1-2-1 support (face to face and/or remote)
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Assignments
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Observations
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Ongoing mentoring, coaching and support (including information, advice and guidance)
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Specialist English and/or Maths support (if needed)
You will also record and track your learning progress through your e-portfolio, helping to support and evidence your journey.
There will be an external assessment at the end of the programme, once the apprentice has achieved the ‘gateway’ requirements. This includes achieving the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care. End-point assessment methods, timescales and location
The end-point assessment consists of two distinct assessment methods:
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Observation of leadership
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Professional discussion
The end-point assessment must be completed over a maximum period of three months after the apprentice has met the EPA gateway requirements.
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Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care.
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Level 2 English and Maths (If not completed prior to starting the programme). For those with an education, health and care plan, or a legacy statement, the apprentice’s English and Maths requirement is Entry Level 3 at a minimum. For those whose primary language is British Sign Language (BSL), the qualification BSL is an alternative and viable qualification.
Progression
Having successfully completed this qualification, learners will have the opportunity to progress to the following:
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Senior Leader at Level 7
View Full Job Description On Institute For Apprenticeships
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Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
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Level 1 English and Maths (If not completed prior to starting the programme). For those with an education, health and care plan, or a legacy statement, the apprentice’s English and Maths requirement is Entry Level 3 at a minimum. For those whose primary language is British Sign Language (BSL), the qualification BSL is an alternative and viable qualification.
Progression
Our students and apprentices have gone on to do amazing things! Qualification and experience in childcare can lead to so many different things. Roles they have progressed into include:
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Nursery Practitioner
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Room Assistant
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Childminding Assistant
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Nanny or Early Years Worker
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Nursery Nurse
Your education may progress on to:
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Early Years Educator at level 3
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Teaching Assistant Supporting Teaching & Learning (level 3)
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Early Years Lead Practitioner (level 5)
View Full Job Description On Institute For Apprenticeships
Achievements and progression
End Point Assessment
To achieve this apprenticeship standard, the employer, training provider and apprentice will agree when the apprentice is ready and competent to undertake the independent end point assessment.
The End-Point Assessment will include:
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Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
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Knowledge test