The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship, equivalent to a Foundation degree, is for experienced early years practitioners leading childcare quality. It requires a Level 3 qualification or equivalent, employer support, and involves 18-24 months of blended learning with assessments. Apprentices are paid, and funding options include the Apprenticeship Levy. Graduates can progress to a BA in Childhood and Education Studies and Early Years Initial Teacher Training.
The Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship is a Level 5, work-based programme for practitioners who lead the quality of care, learning and development in an early years setting. Best Practice Network (BPN) states that it is equivalent to a Foundation degree.
Who is the apprenticeship for?
The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship is for proactive practitioners who are already employed in an early years childcare or education setting. You should be taking, or ready to take, operational leadership of the provision.
You will typically lead other practitioners, support and role-model best practice, and demonstrate effective play-based learning to improve quality across the setting.
What are the entry requirements?
To apply for the Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship, you must:
- have your employer’s support and agreed funding
- work daily with children from birth to five in a setting delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- have a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, an equivalent qualification or extensive experience
- have lived in the UK for the last three years.
Do you need English and maths qualifications?
If you do not have General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) English and maths at grade 4 or C or above, or equivalent qualifications, you can choose to complete maths and English during the programme. You and your employer should discuss and decide whether this is suitable.
Whether or not you complete maths and English during the programme, you must pass an initial maths and English assessment as part of your application.
Does the apprenticeship count towards staff-to-child ratios?
The apprenticeship is best suited to someone who already has a Level 3 early years qualification. In exceptional circumstances, BPN may accept an applicant without this qualification; in this case, the apprenticeship will count towards staff-to-child ratios.
How long does the programme take?
You will spend around 18 months on the programme, followed by up to a further three months for the End-Point Assessment. The overall timescale is typically 18 to 24 months.
Current start dates are available on the BPN programme page.
How is the training delivered and supported?
The apprenticeship uses blended learning designed to work around your employment. You submit work through the Bud online platform, and your employer receives a login so they can track your progress.
Support and training include:
- monthly face-to-face or online training events
- weekly check-ins with your Apprenticeship Tutor
- reviews with your tutor and employer every six weeks
- access to BPN Boost wellbeing webinars and resources.
What will you learn?
The Early Years Lead Practitioner 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
- administration.
What is off-the-job training?
Off-the-job training is guided learning completed during your paid working hours. It focuses on developing new knowledge and skills and must total at least 326 hours during the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship.
During your enrolment meeting, BPN will confirm the most realistic programme duration based on your contracted working hours. This is to make sure you can meet the off-the-job training requirement successfully.
How is the apprenticeship assessed?
The End-Point Assessment is delivered by an external organisation. It includes:
- a 50-minute workplace observation followed by 30 minutes of questioning
- a 90-minute professional discussion supported by a portfolio.
The available grades are fail, pass, merit and distinction. Resits may be possible by agreement, and the employer may have to pay associated costs.
How much does the apprenticeship cost and how is it funded?
Funding may be available through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-funding for non-levy employers. Additional incentives may also apply to some employers or apprentices.
See the BPN programme page for the current training price, apprentice and employer contributions, Value Added Tax (VAT), funding amounts and incentive details. [VERIFY: add the link to the page that holds the current figures]
Can employers transfer Apprenticeship Levy funds?
Levy-paying employers may be able to transfer unspent funds to another employer towards the programme costs. See the BPN programme page for current levy-transfer limits and funding arrangements.
Will you be paid while training?
Yes. Apprentices are paid at least the Apprentice Minimum Wage, although BPN indicates that many roles offer higher salaries depending on the setting.
How to apply if you are already employed in a setting
- Check that your employer supports your application.
- Apply through the BPN programme page.
- Include your employer’s details in your application.
- Ask your employer to complete the employer declaration that is sent to them automatically.
How to apply if you are not employed in early years
- Browse the current vacancies.
- Complete the online screening.
- If your screening is successful, BPN will share your details with employers for an interview or trial.
If you cannot find a nearby vacancy, you can still apply. The team will help you find a local setting.
What can you progress to after the apprenticeship?
BPN signposts a 12-month online top-up Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Childhood and Education Studies with Nottingham Trent University for people who hold the Level 5 qualification.
After completing the degree, you can apply for Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) with BPN to become an Early Years Teacher.