Early Years Apprenticeships
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Specialist Early Years apprenticeship training in Greater Manchester
Apprenticeships help nurseries, preschools and childcare providers build skilled, dedicated teams. From entry-level practitioners to future leaders, our programmes develop knowledge and confidence, supported by government funding.
We work with employers across Greater Manchester and the North West to meet regulatory requirements and create a positive workplace culture that attracts and keeps great staff.
To make it even more accessible, employers can benefit from up to 95%* government-backed funding to help cover the cost of apprenticeships.
Skills developed through our funded training programmes
Safeguarding and child protection best practice.
Supporting learning through purposeful play.
Working in partnership with parents and professionals.
Inclusive practice for children with SEND.
Quality you can trust
95% of learners* say learning coaches know their subject very well
96% of learners agree* that they are developing the skills knowledge and behaviours to progress in their career
92% of employers** would recommend us to others.
“If you’re thinking about taking on apprentices, I’d say Total People are the ones to work with. They make the whole process straightforward and keep everything running smoothly.”
Vicki Foy, Dunky's Day Nursery.
Specialist apprenticeships we offer
We currently offer:
This programme is for those new to the early years sector, or existing staff wishing to upskill who don’t already hold a level 2 in Early Years.
It includes 12 months of practical training, followed by a 3-month gateway period for final assessment.
It prepares an apprentice for a career in early years education by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support children from birth up to age seven. It aligns with the Department for Education’s criteria for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner.
The apprenticeship covers:
- Ensuring children’s health, safety, safeguarding and welfare
- Promoting equality, diversity and inclusive practices
- Supporting children’s development, care routines and well-being for healthy lifestyles
- Planning and delivering purposeful play, activities and educational programmes
- Encouraging physical activity and supporting positive behaviour
- Working with children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Fostering partnerships with parents/carers and helping children prepare for school.
The programme combines blended theory teaching, practical training, work shadowing and supported learning time for completing assignments and questions.
This programme is for existing staff in a supervisory capacity who want to upskill to a full and relevant Level 3 qualification (*Supervisory capacity: working without direct supervision, taking responsibility for leading activities and experiences).
It includes 18 months of practical training, followed by a 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA).
It prepares an apprentice for a career in early years education by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support children from birth up to age five. It aligns with the Department for Education’s criteria for a Level 3 Early Years Educator.
The apprenticeship covers:
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Supporting children’s learning, development and well-being through observation, assessment and planning
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Ensuring children’s health, safety, safeguarding and welfare
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Promoting equality, diversity and inclusive practices
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Collaborating with families, colleagues and external organisations to improve outcomes
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Using technology to maintain records and meet statutory framework requirements
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Engaging in reflective practice and continuous professional development
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Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The programme combines blended theory teaching, practical training, work shadowing and supported learning time for completing assignments, evidence portfolios and assessment questions.
This programme is for experienced practitioners working in a supervisory or leadership role, room leaders, deputy managers, assistant nursery managers, or early years officers looking to formalise and enhance their leadership skills.
It includes 24 months of practical training, followed by a 5-month End Point Assessment (EPA).
It is designed for experienced early years professionals aiming to step into leadership roles, this apprenticeship equips people with the skills to lead and manage day-to-day practice in early years settings. You will work directly with children aged 0–8 years, guiding and mentoring teams while ensuring high standards of care, learning and development.
The apprenticeship covers:
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Leading and managing day-to-day practice in early years settings
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Promoting children's health, well-being and resilience
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Supporting deep learning through playful interactions
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Overseeing planning and assessments for development
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Ensuring inclusion and support for all children
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Complying with safeguarding laws and policies
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Reflecting and improving professional practice
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Maintaining compliance with Health and Safety policies
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Keeping accurate records and reports.
The programme combines blended theory teaching, practical training, work shadowing and supported learning time for completing assignments and questions.
This is for early years practitioners who support safeguarding processes but are not necessarily the designated safeguarding leads and room leaders or deputies who want to deepen their safeguarding knowledge and contribute to creating a whole-setting safeguarding culture.
It includes 18 months of practical training, followed by a 4-month gateway period for final assessment.
This apprenticeship prepares individuals to support Designated Safeguarding Leads in identifying, triaging and responding to safeguarding concerns. It's ideal for those in roles such as safeguarding assistants, coordinators, or advisors seeking to formalise their experience with a nationally recognised qualification.
The apprenticeship covers:
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Safeguarding principles and legislation
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Data management and recording
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Effective communication and collaboration
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Developing and supporting others
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Safeguarding practice and policies
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Personal development.
The programme combines blended theory teaching, practical training, work shadowing and supported learning time for completing assignments and questions.
For more information
complete our form or call one
of our Qualifications Advisors.
* Source: Apprentice on programme survey 24/25.
** Source: Total People quality survey 24/25.