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.
Learners who undergo the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner will be responsible, proactive, and influential practitioners within the workplace. This standard can be found in a range of Early Years settings, from day nurseries, playgroups to primary schools, hospitals, and social care settings. Learners who undergo this apprenticeship will work directly with children, helping to deliver at an operational level.
As active practitioners’, learners are effective role models within their setting, helping to support others to develop their own practice. They are highly skilled professionals who take an operational lead for the care, learning and development of all young children within their care, adapting to individual needs providing inclusive and holistic provision. This apprenticeship standard will help support the quality of learning and development within the setting. Learners who complete this apprenticeship will usually report directly to the head of the setting (The Manager, The Leader, The Director).
Learners without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this prior to taking their End Point Assessment.
Here is the Skills England Page that details the full standard for this apprenticeship including the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that learners must demonstrate.
The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship consists of three discrete assessment methods:
The performance in the Learners End Point Assessment will determine their overall apprenticeship standard and grade.
After completion, learners will be equipped with the necessary skills to work in senior roles within the Education & Childcare sector.
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.
