EARLY YEARS LEAD PRACTITIONER

Level 5

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Early Years Lead Practitioners are advanced practitioners responsible for supporting the quality of education and care in early years settings. They work directly with children, leading effective practice, and act as mentors to colleagues. This apprenticeship develops skills in leadership, mentoring, and specialist areas such as special educational needs, ensuring high standards of learning and development for all children.

EARLY YEARS LEAD PRACTITIONER

  • Advanced child development theories and research
  • Leadership and management principles in early years
  • Strategies for mentoring and coaching staff
  • Approaches to inclusive education and supporting children with additional needs
  • Methods for evaluating and improving educational practice
  • Leading and inspiring high-quality educational practice
  • Mentoring and supporting the professional development of colleagues
  • Implementing and evaluating inclusive practices
  • Engaging with families and communities to support children’s learning
  • Conducting research to inform practice improvements
  • Managing change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
  • Leadership and initiative
  • Commitment to excellence in education
  • Ethical and reflective practice
  • Advocacy for children and families
  • Collaboration and partnership working
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Typically completed within 24 months, including off-the-job training
  • End-Point Assessment typically completed within 5 months following on-programme learning
  • Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent experience.
  • Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end-point assessment.

Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship

  • Early Years Manager, Early Years Consultant, or Specialist Practitioner.
  • Further study in early years leadership or education.
  • Early Years Lead Practitioner
  • Nursery Manager
  • Early Years Coordinator
  • Early Years Consultant
  • Observation of Leadership: Demonstration of leadership in practice.
  • Case Study Presentation: Presentation and questioning on a completed case study.
  • Professional Discussion: Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
  • Grading: Pass, Merit, or Distinction.