Early Years Lead Practitioner (Apprenticeship)

You will spend most of your time in the workplace gaining hands on experience working with babies/children, their parents/carers, wider professionals and supporting the development of colleagues. You may also begin to take on more managerial responsibilities as you progress giving you the opportunity to develop these leadership skills further. Your employer will provide a minimum of 6 hours learning time each week which can include a range of different types of learning that you record via a learning journal to support your progression.

In addition, monthly 1 day learning sessions at Newbury College will focus on the themes of the apprenticeship to assist you in building your online Portfolio of Evidence. You will also be supported by a Development Coach throughout the apprenticeship who will meet with you individually to help set goals, track your progress, provide personalised feedback and encouragement as well as preparing for the End Point Assessment.

You will need support from your employer to complete the apprenticeship and be working in a setting directly with children/babies up to 5 years old following the EYFS Statutory framework.

• Level 3 Early years Educator qualification or equivalent / extensive early years experience
• You need to have been resident in UK for a minimum of three years and eligible for funding
• GCSE Grade C/4 English minimum and GCSE Grade C/4 Maths minimum if under 19 years old.

If you are over 19 years old and do not have Maths you will have the opportunity to work towards Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths if you wish to do so as it is a requirement within EYFS for managers in early years settings to have a Maths Level 2 qualification or achieve it within 2 years of being appointed to their post.

You'll need to have experience in an Early Years setting and work directly with children in a supervisory or senior role.

Apprenticeship Standard: ST0551 Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner

This apprenticeship provides an entry level into management roles in the early years sector. It is equivalent academic level to a Foundation Degree and it may be possible to complete a 1 year top up to a full degree.

The qualification is assessed through an End Point Assessment supported by a Portfolio of Evidence created during the on programme element of the apprenticeship. There are two elements and apprentices must pass both to achieve the qualification; your Development Coach will support you in preparing for these. They are carried out by an Assessor from the Awarding body (NCFE)

1. Observation with Questioning in the workplace
2. Professional Discussion typically carried out remotely via Teams

In addition to monthly College study days and the Off the job learning time provided by your employer you should expect to spend some time working on research and building your portfolio as homework. Your Development Coach can guide you with this.

This is a work based apprenticeship and you will typically be working in a full time role in an early years setting.

If your employer does not work with under 2 years olds it is recommended that you have a short work placement in an alternative setting to gain some experience working with babies. This will be discussed and agreed with your Development Coach and employer, and the College can support with seeking an appropriate placement provider.

There is typically no cost to an apprentice for their training as this is usually covered by the government and the employer. The cost of training an apprentice is dependent on their age and whether or not the organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy. There are a range of different grants and incentives available to employers. Contact us for up-to-date information and advice on the funding support available.