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.
Early Years Practitioners play an important role in supporting the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.
Working as part of a professional Early Years team, practitioners interact directly with children on a day-to-day basis, supporting the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes.
Early Years Practitioners can work across a variety of settings including nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes, children’s centres, playgroups, home-based provision, hospitals, social care settings, family hubs and out-of-school environments.
Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support children safely and effectively while working under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified Early Years professional.
The role involves working closely with children, parents and carers, colleagues and wider professionals to support the individual needs, wellbeing and development of every child.
Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work confidently within an Early Years environment.
Areas of learning include:
This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals who are working within an Early Years setting and want to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to support children from birth to 5 years old.
It is ideal for those beginning their career within the Early Years sector or those already working in a supporting role who would like to gain a recognised qualification and develop their professional practice.
Typical job roles may include:
Learners must be employed within a suitable Early Years role that allows them to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard.
Maths and English GCSE Grades 9-4 or equivalent are preferable. Where required, learners may be supported to develop their English and maths skills alongside their apprenticeship in line with current apprenticeship funding requirements.
Learners must also meet the appropriate suitability requirements for working with children within an Early Years environment.
The apprenticeship typically takes 12 months to complete, followed by an End-Point Assessment period which typically lasts 3 months.
Throughout the programme, apprentices will undertake training and development activities both within their workplace and through structured learning with Professional Training Solutions.
Once the apprentice has completed their training and their employer is satisfied that they have developed the required occupational competence, they will progress to their End-Point Assessment.
The End-Point Assessment is independently carried out and provides apprentices with the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have developed throughout their programme.
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner End-Point Assessment consists of two assessment methods:
An independent assessor will observe the apprentice carrying out their normal work within an Early Years environment. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate their practical skills and how they apply their knowledge when working directly with children.
The observation lasts at least one hour and includes a minimum of five questions from the assessor.
The apprentice will take part in a 60-minute professional discussion with an independent assessor.
The discussion will be supported by a portfolio of evidence developed throughout the apprenticeship and will allow the apprentice to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and understanding of their role.
The assessor will ask a minimum of ten questions during the professional discussion.
The overall apprenticeship grades available are:
Successful completion of the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for continued development within the Early Years sector.
Learners may choose to progress onto further training and apprenticeships including:
With further training and experience, learners can continue developing their careers and take on greater levels of responsibility within an Early Years setting.
Successful completion of this apprenticeship aligns with the Department for Education requirements for full and relevant status at Level 2.
The maximum funding available for the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship is £5,000.
Apprenticeship funding will depend on the individual learner and employer’s circumstances and current government funding rules. Our team can provide guidance on available funding and support employers through the apprenticeship funding process.
At Professional Training Solutions, we work closely with both apprentices and employers throughout the programme to ensure training is relevant, supportive and directly applicable to the learner’s role.
Our experienced tutors provide ongoing guidance throughout the apprenticeship, helping learners build their confidence, develop their professional skills and apply their learning within the workplace.
We understand that every learner is different, which is why we can provide additional learning support and reasonable adjustments where required to help learners successfully progress through their programme.
