The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship is a 12-14 month paid, work-based program combining employment and structured training in early years settings. It covers health, care routines, equality, and educational support for children aged 0-5. Apprentices receive tutor support, complete off-the-job training, and are assessed via a professional discussion and a multiple-choice test. The qualification supports EYFS staffing requirements and offers progression to higher-level apprenticeships or teaching.
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner (EYP) apprenticeship is a paid, work-based programme in which you learn on the job and complete structured training towards the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner standard. It typically takes 12 to 14 months, followed by an End-Point Assessment window of up to two months.
What is the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship combines employment, hands-on experience and structured training. You study while working in an early years setting, with support from a dedicated tutor.
You are an employee while completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship. You will earn at least the Apprentice Minimum Wage, although your employer may choose to pay more.
Who is the apprenticeship for?
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship is suitable if you want to start or develop a career in a role such as:
- Early Years Practitioner
- Nursery Practitioner
- Classroom Assistant in an early years setting
Who can apply?
To meet the basic entry and eligibility requirements, you must:
- Be aged 16 or over.
- Meet the residency and funding rules for apprenticeships in England. This typically means having lived in the United Kingdom for at least three years.
- Have an employer that agrees to support and fund your apprenticeship.
Best Practice Network can advise your employer and help with the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-funding arrangements.
What will you learn?
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship covers three main themes:
- Health and wellbeing.
- Supporting care routines for babies and young children.
- Equality, diversity, inclusive practice, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
You will also learn how to support the planning and delivery of educational programmes for children from birth to age five. The programme covers safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.
How long does the programme take?
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship typically takes 12 to 14 months. This is followed by an End-Point Assessment (EPA) window lasting up to two months.
Programme starts are bi-monthly rather than being tied to the academic year.
Where and how will you study?
Training for the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship takes place primarily in your workplace. You do not need to attend college.
Delivery includes:
- Monthly tutor visits.
- One-to-one taught lessons.
- Monthly online knowledge sessions and other online training events.
- Half-termly review meetings with your tutor.
- Regular workplace observations.
- Employer or mentor witness statements.
You upload your work through Bud, an online platform. Your employer can also use Bud to view your progress.
How does off-the-job training work?
Your employer must give you time during your normal working hours each week to complete activities and learning towards your apprenticeship. This is called off-the-job (OTJ) training.
If you work 30 hours or more, off-the-job training averages six hours each week. The time can be arranged in any way that suits you and your setting.
Off-the-job training can include:
- Training events.
- Online learning.
- Coaching or mentoring.
- Shadowing.
- Reflective study.
You can also read the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship brochure.
What are the English and maths requirements?
The English and maths requirements for the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship depend on your age and existing qualifications.
- If you are aged 16 to 18: if you do not already have General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) English and maths at grade 4/C or above, you will complete Functional Skills Level 1 during the programme. Specialist support is available.
- If you are over 18: if you do not already have GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above, you and your setting will agree whether you should take Functional Skills. Support is available if needed.
How will you be assessed?
When you, your employer and your tutor agree that you are ready, you will pass through the stage known as Gateway. An independent End-Point Assessment organisation will then assess you.
The End-Point Assessment consists of:
- A professional discussion using your portfolio.
- A multiple-choice test.
How much does the apprenticeship cost?
Check the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship programme page for the current training price, apprentice costs, Apprenticeship Levy and government co-funding arrangements, employer contributions, and any incentives for small employers or younger apprentices.
Does the qualification count towards statutory staffing requirements?
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification contributes towards Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory staffing requirements in group settings. Check the BPN website for the current required proportion of qualified staff.
What support will you receive?
You will have regular contact with your tutor through visits, taught lessons and review meetings. Additional learning support is available where needed.
Apprentices also receive access to BPN Boost, Best Practice Network’s enrichment and support programme. BPN Boost offers additional support, guidance and opportunities to help you develop your confidence, wellbeing and career beyond the core apprenticeship curriculum.
Find out more on the BPN Boost page.
Can you change employer during the programme?
You can change employer during the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship. Your new employer must agree to support the apprenticeship and complete the required checks and contracts with the training provider before you transfer.
How to apply if you already have an employer
- Go to the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship programme page and select Apply Now.
- Upload evidence of any qualifications you have already achieved.
- Complete the short initial assessments in English and maths.
- Follow the next steps provided by the Best Practice Network team.
How to apply if you do not work in an early years setting
- View the apprenticeship vacancies currently being recruited for across the country.
- Apply for a suitable vacancy.
- The recruitment team will contact you to arrange an online screening interview.
- If you are successful at the screening stage, your details will be sent to the employer.
- The employer will decide whether to invite you to an in-person formal interview or work trial.
What to do if there are no vacancies in your area
If you cannot find a suitable local vacancy, you can apply directly for the programme. The recruitment team will arrange an online screening interview and, if you are successful at this stage, support you to find a setting near you.
Apply directly for the programme.
What can you do after completing the programme?
After completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship, common progression options include:
- The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.
- The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship.
- A degree top-up.
- Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT).