Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5

Overview

This apprenticeship is aimed at those who work under their own initiative, planning and organising their own workload and supervising others, e.g., manager, deputy manager, preschool leaders, early years co-ordinators or room leaders.

The broad purpose of the occupation of Early Years Lead Practitioner is to be a proactive and influential practitioner, working directly with children and skillfully leading day-to-day practice at an operational level. Demonstrating being an effective role model of play-based learning, supporting others to develop their own practice. As highly skilled professionals who take an operational lead for the care, learning and development of all young children within their care, adapting to individual needs and providing inclusive and holistic provision.

A learner in this occupation will engage with sector developments both locally and nationally, with a commitment to developing their own professional and educational competencies. In their daily work, the learner will interact with children 0 to 8 years, families, practitioners, other professionals and appropriate agencies. They will be responsible for supporting the quality of learning and development in their setting.

What is covered on the course?

The learner will be expected to complete the 10 mandatory diploma units below:

Learning and development
Leaderful practice
Effective implementation of legislation and guidance
Effective promotion of the development of health and wellbeing
Continual professional development
Child development
Planning for observations and assessments
Reflective practice
The unique child
Administrative

The individual will also work towards Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English, if applicable.

Key info

Course duration

18 months with up to 3 months EPA.

Entry requirements

The individual must be at least 16 years old and will be required to undertake a DBS check. They must be employed, working more than 16 hours per week and hold a level 3 in an Early Years qualification. They must have a good working knowledge of the early years sector and hold Maths and English GCSE or equivalent.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

Observation with questions
Professional discussion underpinned by a showcase portfolio
Case study with report, presentation and questioning

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, the apprentice will be awarded the following:

Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard

I have recently completed my Level 2 Early Years Practitioner with Aspiration Training. After initially starting at a Preschool as their housekeeper with no prior experience in the Early Year Sector, this was a great opportunity for me to develop my knowledge. As a mother of two, it was also manageable to complete around my family and home life. I hope to progress and complete a Level 3 in Early Years in the near future and thank the staff at Aspiration Training for their support.

Jemma Davis Early Years Practitioner

I found my Level 3 qualification to be a really insightful and interesting course that has definitely helped me improve in the field I work in. It gave me lots of information that helped improve my practice and the quality of care I give to children.

Alex Cooper Early Years Educator

What happens after my apprenticeship?

At Aspiration Training, we provide every learner with a career pathway. This is a plan with clear, practical steps our learners can take to achieve the career of their dreams.

Our career pathways show typical routes through the various stages of learning, the knowledge and skills that will be learnt along the way and the career options that may be available as a result.

Career Progression is available across a number of levels, meaning, with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit.

Explore the pathways below to find out more about the typical job titles associated with each career.

Want to see our current Early Years vacancies?

Early Years Vacancies