Early Years Lead Practitioners are highly skilled professionals who play a key role in leading high-quality early years education and care. They work with children from birth to five years old, supporting their learning, development and wellbeing while leading practice within an early years setting. The broad purpose of the role is to act as a role model for best practice, support colleagues, engage with families and professionals, and ensure that children receive inclusive, nurturing and stimulating learning experiences that help them achieve the best possible outcomes.
On completion of the apprenticeship standard, you would gain knowledge within the following areas: Child Development, Safeguarding and Child Protection, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Curriculum Planning, Assessment and Observation, Leadership and Management, Health and Wellbeing, Inclusive Practice, Partnership Working, and Statutory and Regulatory Frameworks.
The skills that are developed include: Leading Early Years Practice, Planning and Delivering High-Quality Learning Experiences, Supporting Children’s Development, Assessing Progress, Coaching and Mentoring Colleagues, Building Effective Relationships with Families, Promoting Inclusion, Managing Safeguarding Responsibilities, Reflective Practice, and Continuous Improvement.
The behaviours that are developed include: Professionalism, Compassion, Integrity, Personal Accountability, Resilience, Adaptability, Leadership, Collaborative Working, Commitment to Equality and Diversity, and a Child-Centred Approach.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a career in early years leadership, enabling apprentices to lead practice within settings, support the development of colleagues, and contribute to improving outcomes for children and families. The programme also supports progression into more senior leadership, management and specialist early years roles.
You must be employed in a relevant role, or have a confirmed job offer with a start date, before you can begin your apprenticeship. Apprenticeship training cannot commence until your employment is in place.
The College can support you in identifying suitable apprenticeship vacancies. However, opportunities are limited and highly competitive, so we strongly encourage you to be proactive in approaching local employers directly. If you secure your own employment, we can then support you through the apprenticeship enrolment process.
Entry requirements:
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 2 hours. They will ask you at least 7 questions.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Completing a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship can lead to a range of senior practitioner and leadership opportunities within nurseries, pre-schools, children’s centres, schools, and other early years settings.
An apprenticeship is a real job, with hands-on experience, a salary and the chance to train while you work. You would be treated just like all the other employees, with a contract of employment, holiday leave and employee benefits. You would receive support from a dedicated assessor who regularly visits apprentices in the workplace.
Becky Painting
Email: bpainting@halesowen.ac.uk
Level: 1
Study mode: Full time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 2
Study mode: Full time
Level: Level 3
Study mode: Full Time
Level: 3
Study mode: Full time
Level: 2
Study mode: Full time
Level: 2
Study mode: Full time
