Early Years Practitioner- Standard (ST0888)

If you’re passionate about making a difference in children’s lives and want to build a rewarding career in childcare and education, this apprenticeship is for you. Designed for those working, or aspiring to work, in nurseries, pre-schools and other early years settings, the course develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing from birth to five years.

You’ll learn in a real working environment, gaining valuable hands-on experience while earning a wage. Working alongside experienced practitioners, you’ll develop practical skills in supporting children’s learning through play, promoting safeguarding and wellbeing, and building positive relationships with families and professionals.

As part of the apprenticeship, you’ll also continue to develop your maths and English skills, helping you succeed in your role, future career progression and everyday life.

Successful completion of the programme provides a strong foundation for progression to the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship and a range of careers within the early years sector.

To apply for the Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship (ST0888), applicants should be employed in, or have access to, a suitable early years setting where they can work with children from birth to five years and complete the practical requirements of the programme.

Essential requirements:

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 3/D or above (or equivalent) are desirable.
• Applicants without these qualifications may still be considered and will be supported to develop their maths and English skills alongside the apprenticeship.
• A satisfactory enhanced DBS check and any other sector-specific checks required for working with young children.
• The support of an employer who can provide appropriate workplace experience.

Personal qualities and skills: We are looking for applicants who are:

• Passionate about supporting children’s learning and development.
• Caring, patient and professional.
• Reliable, motivated and committed to learning.
• Able to communicate effectively with children, families and colleagues.
• Organised and able to work as part of a team.

The Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship combines practical workplace experience with taught sessions, helping you develop the knowledge and skills required to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing from birth to five years.

Key topics include:

• Child development and how children learn through play
• Planning and delivering activities that support learning and development
• Safeguarding, health, safety and wellbeing
• Supporting children’s communication and language development
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
• Building positive relationships with children, parents and carers
• Observation, assessment and record keeping
• Supporting children’s physical, emotional and social development
• Working effectively as part of an early years team
• Professional practice and reflective learning

Work-based Learning

As an apprentice, you will learn within a real early years setting, applying your knowledge directly to practice. You will gain valuable experience working with children, supporting daily routines, planning activities and contributing to high-quality early years provision under the guidance of experienced practitioners.

Maths and English

To support your apprenticeship, future career progression and life skills, you will continue to develop your Maths and English skills throughout the programme where required. These skills are essential for communicating effectively with children, families and colleagues, maintaining records and supporting children’s learning.

Progression Opportunities

Successful completion of the programme can lead to progression onto the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship and a wide range of careers within the early years and childcare sector.

This apprenticeship is delivered through a combination of workplace learning, one-to-one support and online delivery, allowing you to develop your skills while working in an early years setting.

You will receive regular support from a dedicated assessor who will meet with you and your employer to review your progress, set targets and help you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the role. Reviews and learning sessions can take place face-to-face in the workplace or remotely via Microsoft Teams, providing flexibility around your work commitments.

Learning activities may include:

• One-to-one coaching and support from your assessor
• Workplace observations
• Professional discussions and progress reviews
• Online learning and independent study
• Practical activities completed in your setting
• Portfolio-building and evidence collection
• Guidance and preparation for end-point assessment

As an apprentice, you will apply your learning directly in the workplace, gaining valuable hands-on experience with children while being supported by both your employer and Derby College. This blend of practical experience and professional development helps you build the confidence and competence needed for a successful career in the early years sector.

Assessment is carried out throughout the apprenticeship and is designed to ensure you can apply your knowledge and skills confidently in a real early years environment.

During the programme, you will complete a range of assessment activities, including:

• Workplace observations
• Professional discussions
• Knowledge checks and written assignments
• Reflective accounts
• Portfolio of evidence demonstrating your competence in the workplace
• Progress reviews with your assessor and employer

At the end of the apprenticeship, you will complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA).Assessment is predominantly work-based, with evidence gathered throughout the programme alongside the final End-Point Assessment.

Maths and English

Where required, apprentices will also work towards Functional Skills Maths and English. Functional Skills qualifications are assessed through a controlled assessment, while GCSE Maths and English are assessed through a final examination.

Your assessor will provide support and guidance throughout the programme to help you prepare for all assessment activities and achieve success.

Successful completion of the Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 2) provides a strong foundation for further study and career progression within the childcare and education sector.

You may progress to:

• Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
• Other higher-level childcare, education and health-related qualifications offered by Derby College
• Further professional development in specialist areas of early years practice

Career opportunities include:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Nursery Assistant
• Preschool Practitioner
• Childcare Assistant
• Classroom Support Assistant
• Playworker

With further qualifications and experience, you could progress into roles such as:

• Early Years Educator
• Room Leader
• Senior Practitioner
• Nursery Manager
• Teaching Assistant

Students will also continue to develop their skills in Maths and English, supporting future study, career progression and everyday life. These essential skills enhance communication, problem-solving and professional practice, preparing you for a wide range of opportunities within the education and childcare sector.