Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship - Education and Early Years

Course description

The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship is a higher-level programme designed for experienced early years professionals who want to develop advanced leadership, pedagogical, and management skills within early years settings. It prepares practitioners to take responsibility for leading practice and improving outcomes for children aged birth to five.

This apprenticeship develops advanced leadership, teaching and management skills for those working in early years settings. You will lead practice, support staff, monitor quality and contribute to strategic planning. It prepares you for senior practitioner or room-leader roles with responsibility for improving outcomes for children and supporting team development.

How the apprenticeships works

You will combine workplace leadership responsibilities with structured training consisting of; 12 group sessions consisting of 8 webinars and 4 on-campus sessions over 18-24 months.
You will develop a portfolio showing how you apply leadership skills in practice.

Structure, certificates and assessment

This apprenticeship has a learning period of 18 – 24 months, consisting of 10 modules. Each module begins with either a face-to-face session or a webinar, followed by assessment activities to support in developing the knowledge skills and behaviours required by the role of a Early Years Lead Professional. Face to face sessions will take place at our Buxton or Derby Campus depending on where the majority of the cohort are based.

What you will do

Lead high-quality teaching and learning aligned with the EYFS.
Plan, deliver and evaluate activities that support children’s development.
Coach, mentor and guide colleagues in effective practice.
Contribute to operational planning including staffing, resources and routines.
Ensure safe, inclusive environments and uphold safeguarding procedures.
Build relationships with families, professionals and external partners.
Use observations and data to support assessments and improvements.
Support continuous improvement within your setting.

What you will learn

Leadership and management in early years settings.
Child development, curriculum planning and high-quality pedagogy.
Safeguarding, inclusion, equality and professional standards.
Team leadership, coaching and performance improvement.
Working with families, communities and external agencies.
Operational processes including resources, data, and quality assurance.

Modules you will study

How you are assessed

The Level 5 Early Years Lead Professional programme uses a range of assessment methods designed to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical application within early settings. Assessments are structured to support the development of advanced professional practice and critical reflection aligned with the responsibilities of an Early Years Lead Professional.

The End Point assessment is made up of two assessment methods:

Assessment method 1: Observation with questioning
Assessment method 2: Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Benefits

Why choose this apprenticeship?

Gain a recognised Level 5 leadership qualification while working in early years.
Build strong leadership, coaching and organisational skills.
Improve outcomes for children and contribute to quality across your setting.
Develop confidence in leading teams, communicating professionally and influencing practice.
A clear pathway into senior roles or higher education.

After completing this apprenticeship you may progress into:

Senior Early Years Practitioner, Room Leader or Deputy Manager roles
Level 6 degrees in Early Years, Education or Leadership
Senior leadership or specialist roles within early years provision

Entry requirements

You will need a minimum of GCSE Grades 4/C, or Level 2 Functional Skills, in maths and English.
You will also need to be employed in a trade/industry related to the apprenticeship.

Fees and funding

Employers: The cost of the apprenticeship will normally be in line with the funding band £9,000.
Apprentices: Fees will be paid by your employer with government funded support or through the apprenticeship levy.

Contact us

Apprenticeship Hub

Email: apprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
Phone: 01332 593092

Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 5)

Course details