Early Years Practitioner - Intermediate Apprenticeship

Summary

Are you passionate about nurturing young children and making a positive impact during their formative years? Our Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to support the development of children from birth to 7 years, focusing on the early years (0-5 years). This qualification meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 2 criteria, ensuring you are well-prepared to enter the workforce as a competent Early Years Practitioner. With in-depth knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and the importance of play, along with hands-on placements, this apprenticeship is ideal for those new to the field and looking to build a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
Anytime	Employer's Premises		Enquire now
Anytime	Employer's Premises		Enquire now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship opens doors to a variety of rewarding careers in the early years sector. As a qualified Early Years Practitioner, you can work in nurseries, preschools, and other early years settings, providing essential support to young children during their critical developmental stages. This apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for those new to the field, offering a solid foundation in early childhood education.

For those looking to advance their careers, this qualification can lead to further opportunities such as the Level 3 Early Years Educator and the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner. These advanced qualifications enable you to take on more responsibility, including supervisory and leadership roles, and deepen your expertise in early years education. Whether you aim to become a senior practitioner, a nursery manager, or an early years consultant, this apprenticeship sets you on the path to achieving your career goals in the early years sector.

Next steps at B&FC

Upon successful completion of the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship, students can progress to the following courses at Blackpool and The Fylde College:

Level 3 Early Years Educator
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner

These advanced qualifications will further enhance employability and provide opportunities for career progression within the early years sector

Employment Opportunities

The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship opens doors to a variety of rewarding careers in the early years sector. Suitable employment opportunities include:

Nursery Assistant
Preschool Assistant
Early Years Practitioner
Nanny
Childminder
Early Years Worker

This qualification prepares you for a fulfilling career, providing essential support and care to young children in various settings

Key information

Entry Requirements

To enroll in the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship, applicants must meet the following technical entry requirements:

Age: Must be at least 16 years old.

Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 or above, or be prepared to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths while undertaking the apprenticeship

Additional Requirements:

DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required, typically obtained through employment.

Commitment: Ability to commit to the full length of the programme and meet the programme modules through your job role.

Qualification obtained

Generic code to identify ILR programme aims

Fees and funding

As per course file/funding rules

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this course.

What will I learn?

The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship covers a comprehensive range of topics essential for supporting the development of young children. The mandatory units include:

Roles and Responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner
Health and Safety of Babies and Young Children in Early Years Settings
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusive Practice in Early Years Settings
Safeguarding, Protection, and Welfare of Babies and Young Children in Early Years Settings
Understand How to Support Children's Development
Support Care Routines for Babies and Young Children
Support the Planning and Delivery of Activities, Purposeful Play Opportunities, and Educational Programmes
Promote Play in an Early Years Setting
Support Well-being of Babies and Young Children for Healthy Lifestyles
Support Babies and Young Children to be Physically Active
Support the Needs of Babies and Young Children with Special Educational Needs and Disability
Understand How to Work in Partnership
Understand the Value of Play in Early Years
Use Observation, Assessment, and Planning to Support Children's Development

These units are designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in early years settings, ensuring you can create safe, stimulating, and inclusive environments for young children.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

To enrol on the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship, you must be employed in a suitable early years setting. This ensures you gain the necessary hands-on experience and can apply your learning in real-world environments.

Guest Speakers: The programme is enriched by guest speakers from the industry, providing valuable insights and real-world perspectives. These industry experts share their experiences and knowledge, enhancing the learning experience and offering students a unique opportunity to engage with professionals in the field.

How will I learn?

Our courses are taught in hybrid teaching rooms, allowing learners to attend live sessions either in person or online. The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that students can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion.

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.

These varied teaching methods ensure a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience, preparing students for future employment with children and young people.

Expert tutors

Lisa Strachan – Programme Leader for Early Years

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.

End-Point Assessment (EPA) Methods:

Observation: Apprentices will be observed in their workplace by an independent assessor, demonstrating their practical skills and competencies in a real-world setting.
Professional Discussion: This is a structured discussion between the apprentice and the assessor, focusing on the apprentice's portfolio of evidence and their experiences during the apprenticeship.
Knowledge Test: A test to assess the apprentice's understanding of the theoretical knowledge required for the role.