Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship

Course Overview

Institute of Apprenticeships Reference Number: ST0888

Apprentices will 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 Early Years Practitioner works as part of a professional team under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional in the Early Years Workforce.

Job roles may include Early Years Practitioner/Assistant, Nursery Assistant, Childcare Care Worker/Assistant, Assistant Youth Support and Community Worker

Course Content

On the Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship standard the apprentice will learn about the development and care of children from birth to aged five, in both indoor and outdoor environments across a range of childcare settings. Students will also work with parents, colleagues, and wider agency professionals/partners such as health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists, to support the development of young children.

Some of the core competencies the apprentice will learn include: using play to support children to understand and encourage healthy life choices, identifying issues of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring that the welfare and safety of children is promoted and safeguarded, using knowledge of child development to work with parents and carers to improve children outcomes and well-being, and communicating/engaging with children to support their learning and development.

The apprentice will also complete a Level 2 Diploma in Early Years. To gain this qualification, learners must achieve a total of 37 credits from all 14 mandatory units and once completed they will count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce.

Support to achieve the required level of English and maths or to upskill current qualifications

Entry Requirement

The apprentice will need to be employed, or find employment, in a relevant childcare setting with an age range from birth to 5.
A good standard of education which includes English and maths grade E/3

Assessment

As part of the Early Years Practitioner qualification the apprentice will be assessed entirely in the workplace to achieve evidence towards their portfolio. This may include being observed, writing assignments, looking at work products, having a professional discussion.

At the end of the qualification, once all of the required components, standard, diploma, maths and English have been achieved the learner will be assessed by an independent end point assessment organisation chosen by their employer using the following methods:

Assessment method 1: Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio
Assessment method 2: Knowledge Test

And will achieve an overall outcome of fail, pass or distinction.

Where does this course lead to

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, with the transferable skills gained, the apprentice can progress into a number of career paths in the Educational sector including Early Years Educator Level 3, Classroom Assistant, and Nursery Support.

The apprentice may also progress their training further and undertake the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, or work towards other relevant qualifications related to their role in the workplace.