Programme overview
What is the Early Years Lead Practitioner (Level 5) apprenticeship?
It’s a work-based programme for proactive practitioners who lead day-to-day quality of care, learning and development in their setting, supporting and role-modelling best practice for others; the programme is stated as equivalent to a Foundation degree. bestpracticenet.co.uk
How long does it take and when can I start?
You’ll spend around 18 months on programme with up to a further 3 months for End-Point Assessment (so typically 18–24 months overall), and there are start dates throughout the year. bestpracticenet.co.uk
How is the training delivered and supported?
Learning is blended and employer-friendly: work is submitted via the Bud online platform (with employer logins to track progress), you’ll have monthly face-to-face or online training events, weekly check-ins with your Apprenticeship Tutor, and 6-weekly reviews with your tutor and employer, alongside access to BPN Boost wellbeing webinars and resources. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What will I learn?
The curriculum is organised around seven themes: the unique child; implementation of legislation and guidance; learning and development; promoting development, health and wellbeing; leading practice; child development, observation and planning; and administration. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Does this qualification count towards staff:child ratios?
This apprenticeship is best suited to someone who has a level 3 EY qualification already, however there are exceptional circumstances in which we will accept an applicant without this- in this case it will count towards ratio. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Entry & eligibility
Who is it for?
It suits someone already employed in an early years childcare or education setting who is taking, or ready to take, operational leadership of provision—typically leading other practitioners and modelling effective play-based learning to drive quality across the setting. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What are the entry requirements?
You need your employer’s support and agreed funding, to be working daily with children from birth to five in a setting delivering the EYFS, and to have either a Level 3 Early Years Educator (or equivalent/ extensive experience); you also must have lived in the UK for the last three years. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Do I need English and maths?
If you don’t already have GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), you’ll have the option to complete maths and English on programme- your suitability for this should be discussed and decided between you and your employer. Regardless of whether you complete maths and English on programme, you'll need to pass an initial maths and English assessment as part of the application. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Funding, pay & employer options
How much does it cost and who pays?
The training price is £9,000, but apprentices pay £0. The apprenticeship can be up to 100% funded via the Apprenticeship Levy. For non-levy employers, government co-funding usually means the employer pays 5% of the training cost (for Level 5, the maximum employer fee is £450+VAT). Additional incentives may apply for small employers or younger apprentices. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Are there incentives or levy-transfer options for employers?
Eligible employers can receive a £1,000 incentive for new apprentices aged 16–18 or under 25 with an EHCP, and levy-paying employers can transfer up to 25% of unspent funds to another employer to cover full programme costs. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Will I be paid while training?
Yes—apprentices are paid at least the Apprentice Minimum Wage, and Best Practice Network indicates many roles offer higher salaries depending on the setting. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Training time & on-the-job learning
What is Off-the-Job training and how much time is required?
Off-the-job training refers to guided learning that takes place during paid working hours and focuses on developing new knowledge and skills. For the LeveL 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship, this must total a minimum of 326 hours over the course of the programme. During your enrolment meeting, we’ll confirm the most realistic duration for your apprenticeship, based on your contracted working hours, to ensure you can successfully meet this requirement. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Assessment
What does the End-Point Assessment involve and how is it graded?
EPA is delivered by an external organisation and includes a 50-minute observation in the workplace with 30 minutes of questioning, plus a 90-minute professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio; outcomes are graded fail, pass, merit or distinction, and resits are possible by agreement (with any associated employer costs). bestpracticenet.co.uk
Applying & next steps
How do I apply if I’m already employed in a setting?
Check your employer is supportive and apply directly via Best Practice Network; when you submit your application with employer details, an employer declaration is sent automatically for completion. bestpracticenet.co.uk
What if I’m not currently employed in early years?
Browse current vacancies and complete an online screening; if successful, your details are shared with employers for interview/trial, and if you can’t find a nearby vacancy you can still apply and the team will help you locate a local setting. bestpracticenet.co.uk
Can I progress to a degree or EYITT after this?
Best Practice Network signposts a 12-month online top-up BA (Childhood and Education Studies) with Nottingham Trent University for Level 5 holders, after which you can apply to EYITT with BPN to become an Early Years Teacher. bestpracticenet.co.uk