Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

About this course

Apprenticeships are a popular choice for people aged 16 or above, looking for on the job training and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

The broad purpose of the standard is to work and interact directly with children on a day to day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting. An EYP works as part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional the Early Years Workforce.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with parents, children, colleagues and wider multi agency professionals and partners such as health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists. Individuals will undergo all checks as per the EYFS requirements to ensure suitability to work with children. Due to the nature and level of responsibility it is not anticipated that the role would have any budgetary or leadership responsibilities.

What will the course involve?

To gain the full apprenticeship standard you will need to complete the following qualifications and End Point Assessment:

• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Qualification

• Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment.  For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirements are Entry Level 3, and the British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for apprentices for whom this is their primary language.

Apprentices will be coached/mentored on their skills, knowledge and behaviours which will include: 

Knowledge:

• The importance to children’s holistic development of, speech, language and communication, personal, social and emotional development, physical development and literacy and numeracy.

• How babies’ and young children’s learning and development can be affected by their stage of development, well-being and individual circumstances.

• The significance of attachment, the key person's role and how transitions and other significant events impact children.

Skills:

• Implement and review activities to support children’s play, creativity, social development and learning and clear up after activities.

• Observe children, assess, plan and record the outcomes, sharing results accurately and confidentiality in line with expected statutory framework and setting’s requirements.

• Use learning activities to support early language development.

Behaviours:

• Care and compassion - provide the very best childcare to every child every day combined with the ability to identify opportunities for development.

• Honesty, trust and integrity - develop trust by working in a confidential, ethical and empathetic manner with a common sense and professional attitude.

• Positive work ethic – maintains professional standards within the work environment providing a positive role model for children.

What qualifications will I need?

• Working in a setting that follows the EYFS curriculum that also has an OFSTED rating of Good or Outstanding.

• If the learner does not currently hold the above qualifications an assessment will be conducted to evaluate their potential to achieve the above or suitable Level 2 qualifications.

• All applicants applying for an apprenticeship will be required to complete a Skill Scan and undertake initial assessments before the start date.

How will I be assessed?

The learning for this standard is mainly through on-the-job experience in an early year setting. Apprentices start a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the on-programme stage, and then go on to complete an End Point Assessment.

Apprentices will need to progress with a training plan in order to attain appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviours with the support of a coach/mentor in the workplace. Progress targets will be set to ensure timely completion of the apprenticeship. In addition to the assessment 20% ‘off-the-job’ training is incorporated throughout the apprenticeship and is planned and agreed with the employer, provider and apprentice.  

In agreement with the employer, provider and apprentice, provided that all qualifications and assessment are completed the apprentice will undergo an End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment is a synoptic assessment of the skills, knowledge and behaviours that have been developed and supported throughout the apprenticeship.

Next Steps

By the end of the apprenticeship the candidate will have satisfied the requirements for 

• Level 3 Early years Educator