Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5

Early years lead practitioners are found across a wide range of settings, including:

• day nurseries
• playgroups
• nursery schools
• pre-schools
• kindergartens
• primary schools
• hospitals
• social care settings
• out-of-school environments
• local authority provision.

The broad purpose of the role is to be a proactive and influential practitioner, working directly with children and skilfully leading day-to-day practice at an operational level. As active practitioners, early years lead practitioners are effective role models of play-based learning, supporting others to develop their own practice.

They are highly skilled professionals who take an operational lead for the care, learning, and development of all young children in their care, adapting to individual needs and providing inclusive, holistic provision. They also engage with sector developments both locally and nationally, with a strong commitment to developing their own professional and educational competencies.

This apprenticeship will help you become a confident and knowledgeable Early Years Lead Practitioner, capable of inspiring others and shaping outstanding practice within your setting. You’ll develop a deep understanding of how young children learn and grow, build advanced leadership and reflective skills, and gain the confidence to guide teams in creating nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environments for every child.

Your learning is built around key Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) defined in the apprenticeship standard.

Knowledge

• How children learn and develop from conception to age 8 (K2)
• Theories of attachment, self-regulation and wellbeing (K6–K7)
• The importance of play and creativity in early learning (K9–K10)
• How to promote inclusion, equality and diversity in early years settings (K16)
• Leadership and reflection in professional practice (K17–K18)

Skills

• Observe, assess and plan for children’s individual development (S1–S4)
• Create safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environments (S5–S6)
• Support children’s communication, language and emotional wellbeing (S8–S9)
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers and external professionals (S11–S12)
• Lead, mentor and inspire colleagues to deliver high-quality early years practice (S22–S23)

Behaviours

• Ethical, professional and child-centred approaches (B1)
• A caring, empathetic and reflective mindset (B3–B6)
• Creativity, curiosity and flexibility to adapt to children’s needs (B7–B8)
• Confident, positive leadership that motivates others (B2–B5)

Benefits of completing the Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 apprenticeship

• Gain leadership responsibility – Develop advanced skills to lead teams, design high-quality learning environments and influence early years practice.
• Achieve a recognised qualification – Earn a nationally respected Level 5 credential while working and learning in a real-world setting.
• Broaden your career opportunities – Be qualified to work in diverse early years contexts (nurseries, primary schools, hospitals, local authority provision) and progress toward senior roles.
• Enhance your professional development – Build deep expertise across child development, safeguarding, inclusion and reflective practice, positioning you as a trusted practitioner and advocate for children.

• 12 group sessions consisting of 8 webinars and 4 on-campus sessions over 18-24 months
• Regular workplace visits for observations and one-to-ones with your college Instructor-Mentor

How you are assessed

• Portfolio of evidence that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and behaviours gained
• Professional discussion
• Workplace observation with questions

You will:

• have GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above or an equivalent qualification.
• have suitable employment where you will be able to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out in the standard.
• ideally have prior qualifications up to level 3 or equivalent experience in the workplace.
• need to complete a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) as part of your employment. You will be supported to complete this if needed.
• have the right to work in the UK and have been a resident in the UK for the prior 3 years.

Apprenticeships are funded by either the employer or the government; apprentices do not pay for their training.

Contact

Business Gateway

• Email: businessgateway@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: 0800 001 5500