Please note, to enrol on an apprenticeship you must be working in a relevant sector for at least 16 hours per week. If you are not currently employed, you can view our apprenticeship vacancies here. You do not need to be employed to apply for these and new vacancies are added regularly.
The Level 5 Early Years Senior Practitioner apprenticeship is for responsible, proactive and influential practitioners who work directly with children in early years settings, from day nurseries and playgroups to primary schools, hospitals and social care settings. You’ll take an operational lead for the care, learning and development of young children, provide inclusive and holistic provision, and act as a role model who supports others to develop their practice.
You learn while you work in an early years setting. Your training follows the national apprenticeship standard published by Skills England. To finish, you’ll complete an end point assessment made up of an observation with questions, a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence, and a case study with a report, presentation and questioning. Your performance decides your overall grade. If you don’t yet have Level 2 English and maths, you’ll achieve them before your end point assessment.
To enrol, you must be working in a relevant sector, such as an early years setting, for at least 16 hours per week. Not currently employed? You don’t need a job to apply for our apprenticeship vacancies, and new roles are added regularly. If you don’t yet have Level 2 English and maths, you’ll need to achieve them before your end point assessment. Not sure this applies to you? Get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship is an advanced work based programme for experienced Early Years professionals ready to take on leadership responsibilities. It is designed for senior practitioners, room leaders, and deputy managers looking to develop leadership skills and improve outcomes for children, colleagues, and families.
A Lead Practitioner combines direct work with children with a leadership role within the setting. Responsibilities include mentoring and coaching staff, promoting inclusive practice, contributing to safeguarding, supporting quality improvement, and working with families and external professionals.
The apprenticeship typically takes around 24 months to complete. Apprentices remain employed throughout, receive support from a dedicated tutor, and complete off the job training during paid working hours while developing advanced leadership and professional practice skills.
You must be employed in an Early Years setting and hold a recognised full and relevant Early Years qualification as defined by the Department for Education. Functional Skills Level 2 Maths is highly desirable, as DfE requires Early Years managers appointed on or after 4 January 2024 to hold a Level 2 maths qualification within two years of appointment.
The apprenticeship leads to senior roles such as Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, Area Manager, and curriculum leadership positions. It also provides a progression route to the Level 6 Early Years Teacher Apprenticeship, enabling practitioners to gain Early Years Teacher Status.
