Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
Duration: 18 months (plus 5 months EPA)
Start date: ongoing
Trusted by leading employers
Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship
Shaping the future of early years practice
This Level 5 apprenticeship is designed for experienced early years professionals who want to lead practice, support colleagues and drive high standards across their setting.
As a developing lead practitioner, they will learn how to lead, mentor, coach and support colleagues, model excellent practice and help others to develop professionally. They will strengthen their understanding of safeguarding, inclusion and SEND, observation and assessment, curriculum and pedagogy, partnership working with families and multi-agency professionals, health and wellbeing, and creating effective learning environments.
Every apprentice is supported by a dedicated Learning Coach who maintains regular contact at least every four weeks through progress reviews, coaching and support sessions. This helps keep learning on track, provides tailored support and gives employers clear visibility of progress and achievement.
Topics, units and assessments
Supporting career development and business success
As part of this apprenticeship, learners will develop knowledge and skills in:
1
The Unique Child
Understand individual needs and support every child to thrive.
2
Learning and Development
Support children’s learning through observation, assessment and planning.
3
Leadership Practice
Develop effective leadership and support high-quality early years practice.
4
Legislation and Guidance
Understand and apply key legislation, guidance and statutory requirements.
5
Health and Wellbeing
Promote children’s health, safety and overall wellbeing.
6
Professional Development
Reflect on practice and continually develop your professional knowledge and skills.
Customised training available
Flexible delivery to suit your business or schedule
Career progression
Career progression that drives personal growth and business success
Deputy Nursery Manager
A Deputy Nursery Manager supports the overall leadership and day-to-day running of an early years setting. They may lead staff practice, support safeguarding and quality improvement, and help ensure that children receive high-quality, inclusive care and education.
Nursery Manager
Progression into nursery management provides the opportunity to take greater responsibility for the overall quality and operation of an early years provision. This can include leading the staff team, developing practice and creating a culture where children, families and practitioners are supported to thrive.
Early Years Coordinator / EYFS Lead
An Early Years Coordinator or EYFS Lead takes responsibility for developing and improving early years practice across a setting or area of provision. They may support colleagues with curriculum development, assessment, inclusive practice and improving children's learning experiences. Early Years Coordinator and Early Years Foundation Stage Lead or Coordinator are recognised job titles associated with the Level 5 occupation.
Early Years Specialist / Quality or Practice Lead
An experienced Lead Practitioner could progress towards a more specialist role focused on developing the quality of early years practice. This could involve mentoring and coaching practitioners, supporting improvements to teaching and learning, and specialising in an area such as SEND, safeguarding, communication and language, curriculum or inclusion. This is a suggested progression route that builds particularly well on the apprenticeship's focus on leading others and specific areas of provision.
I would describe Total People as amazing, welcoming and supportive.
Faye, Early Years Apprentice.
How training works
Designed to minimise disruption while supporting real-world learning
Off the job training is a critical and important element; it must deliver new skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and can include:
Teaching of theory via blended delivery methods
Practical training
Work shadowing
Supported learning and time spent writing any assignments/questions.
Apprenticeship solutions for employers
Invest in your workforce
Whether you're recruiting new staff, developing existing employees or exploring apprenticeship opportunities for your organisation, discover our Early Years and Education apprenticeship programmes.
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