L5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship
95% Government Funded + £450 Employer Contribution
4.9
Apprenticeship Overview
Blended Learning
Apprenticeship Organisation
Duration 8 - 24 months
What Will You Learn:
Reflective Practice/CPD/PDP
Develop reflective skills to improve practice and support ongoing professional development.
Health, Well-being & Self-Regulation
Analyse children’s health, wellbeing, and self-regulation, considering curriculum, pedagogy, and the 3 I’s.
Legislation, Guidance and Sustainability
Understand and apply inclusion, safeguarding, and sustainability to meet children’s needs.
Child Development
Examine child development from conception to 8, supporting families and fostering collaborative partnerships.
Case Study Report
Produce a workplace-based case study using observation, assessment, and planning documentation.
Leadership and Management
Demonstrate leadership by inspiring, motivating, and modelling innovative, aspirational practice.
Observation, Planning and Assessment
Explore planning cycles and assessments for effective early intervention and individual child needs.
Apprenticeship Assessment
Showcase knowledge, skills, and behaviours through observation, questioning, and professional discussion.
Entry Requirements
- Working in a Leadership or Management position within an Early Years setting.
- Have lived in the UK or EEA/EU for the last 3+ years (with a valid form of ID).
- 16 years of age and over and not receiving other government funding (e.g. for college or university).
- There are no specific entry requirements however learners should have a minimum of level two in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.
- There is not a requirement for learners to have GCSE grades A*–C in English prior to commencing this qualification however learners should be aware that this is an EYFS requirement to attain EYE status.
Online Learning
Ongoing Support
Off-the-job training
Apprenticeship Assessment
During your apprenticeship, you’ll use our e-Portfolio system, Bud. This personalised platform provides easy access to your assessment plans and supports an enjoyable, interactive learning experience.
We have included a wide range of engaging resources, including videos, case studies, quizzes, and interactive tools, designed to keep you motivated and track progress every step of the way.
As an apprentice, you’ll be supported by a dedicated Development Coach who will guide you throughout your learning journey. They’ll deliver monthly teaching sessions both online and through in-person visits to your nursery.
You’ll also have regular progress reviews with your Development Coach and employer to set goals, track your development, and ensure you’re progressing in your role and personal growth.
Your Development Coach will set and assess your work, provide personalised feedback, and help you prepare for your End Point Assessment (EPA).
Off-the-job training is a government requirement and must take place during your normal paid working hours. It’s an essential part of your apprenticeship, designed to help you build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role and further career progression.
This training includes a wide range of planned learning activities, such as online teaching sessions, in-house training, workplace assessments, supervisions, work-based tasks, and projects. The idea is to gain new experiences and develop professionally beyond your day-to-day duties.
The Apprenticeship Assessment is the final stage of your apprenticeship. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate everything you’ve learnt. It’s a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you’ve developed throughout your apprenticeship.
The Assessment includes:
- An observation of practice with a Q&A session
- A professional discussion with an Independent Assessor
- Case study report and presentation
You’ll be fully supported and well-prepared for this stage, including mock assessments to help you feel ready for success.
Apprenticeship Funding
- The government will pay 95% of the cost.
- Non-Levy employers (under 50 staff members) will need to pay the remaining 5% employer contribution (£450)
Meet Our Development Coaches
What Our Students Say
Great Opportunity
They have CPD short courses on different topics which are a great way of achieving personal skills and professional development. I really recommend it as already enrolled some of my nursery staff to help my business develop in a modern way.
Raul Barbucean
Early Years Setting
Highly Recommend!
Great training company. We train all of our staff here. The trainers/ tutors are excellent. They are the best!
Montessori Minds
Early Years Setting
Fantastic
From the moment we made contact about training they were superb. Communication has been great and the advice through the whole process.
Timothy Stephens
Acorns Preschool
Frequently Asked Questions
To enrol in the apprenticeship, you must be working in a senior or leadership role in an Early Years setting. The employer will need to complete a few forms to have everything in place, ready to take on an apprentice!
Once the employer has completed this, we will send a self-registration link to the learner, where they add all their details to our E-portfolio. After this we will arrange an onboarding meeting with the employer, learner and ourselves, where we confirm all the details are correct and everyone understands the requirements & expectations.
Our Early Years apprenticeships can be started at any time.
Yes, there a few requirements to keep in mind:
- Working in an Early Years setting to be able to meet work experience requirements for the ages of 0-5 years
- Have lived in the UK or EEA/EU for the last 3+ years (With a valid form of ID)
- 16 years of age and over and not receiving other government funding (e.g. for college or university).
- There are no specific entry requirements however learners should have a minimum of level two in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.
- There is not a requirement for learners to have GCSE grades A*–C in English prior to commencing this qualification however learners should be aware that this is required to attain Early Years Educator status.
To enter gateway to completion you must also hold a valid EYFS-recognised Paediatric First Aid certificate, however, this can be completed during your apprenticeship.
If you or a staff member is brand new to Early Years, then the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship may be what you’re looking for. It serves as an entry point, offering hands-on experience, structured training, and a nationally recognised qualification.Â
Apprentices benefit from mentorship and support while contributing to children’s development in Early Years settings. This apprenticeship opens doors for career progression and provides a solid foundation for further growth within the sector.
Our students and apprentices have demonstrated remarkable career trajectories. Notable roles our graduates have transitioned into includes:
- Nursery Manager
- Deputy Manager
- Early Years
- Coordinator/Team
- Leader
- Early Years Consultant
- Nursery Owner
- Early Years Special
- Educational Needs
- (SEN) Coordinator
If you are aged 16 – 18 years old and do not have GCSE English & Maths grade C/4 or Functional Skills equivalent, it is a government requirement to study L2 Functional Skills English & Maths, we will support you alongside the apprenticeship to achieve your functional skills English & Maths.
If you are 19+ years old and don’t have GCSE English & Maths grade C/4 or Functional Skills equivalent, you will have the opportunity to study Functional Skills English & Maths, but is not an apprenticeship requirement.
However, as English is a requirement by the EYFS to be fully qualified, we recommend you study English as part of your programme.
The standard time the L5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship takes is between 8 – 24 months, this fluctuates based on when you enter gateway to completion.
You can enter gateway to completion at 3 months
The apprenticeship works in tandem with your everyday job. The employer has a responsibility to provide sufficient off-the-job hours, where you can take time to develop skills outside of your job role. There will be an expectation of outside learning in your personal time as this is a L5 which is equivalent to a foundation degree.
Understand the Benefits of Apprenticeships for Your Setting
Our guide shows you how apprenticeships boost staff morale, support your Ofsted preparation, receive government funding, and promote career progression.
