Level 4 Apprenticeship – Lead Practitioner in Adult Care

This apprenticeship offers an ideal progression route from Level 3. It entails a theory-based six-unit qualification.

It is ideal for anyone with some experience working in early years – whether on an employed or voluntary basis.

You should be aged 19+, should have a good standard of English and need a Level 3 qualification as an Early Years Practitioner. You should have a DBS if working in the early years environment.

Unit 1: The Importance of the Early Years and Adopting a Child-Centred Approach

• Legal Requirements for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• The Importance of Addressing Discrimination
• Legislation
• Inclusive Practice in the Early Years
• Benefits of a Child Centred Approach
• How Practitioners Create a Personalised Approach
• Removing Barriers to Communication
• Multi-Agency Teams and Child-Centred Environments
• Supporting Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Unit 2: Supporting Children and Families in Creating an Enabling Environment

• Characteristics and Principles of an Enabling Environment
• Emotional Development and Enabling Environments
• Features of a Positive Environment for Children and Families
• Planning Stimulating, Interesting and Appropriate Indoor and Outdoor
  Environments
• The Indoor and Outdoor Environments
• Engaging with Families to encourage their involvement in Children’s Learning
  and Development.
• The Role of the Early Years Practitioner

Unit 3: The Importance of Good Communication

• Principles of Good Communication
• How to Develop Communication Skills
• Communication Methodology
• Developing Effective Listening Skills
• Types of Communication in Early Years Settings
• The Importance of Communication Between Early Years Provision and Home
• Barriers to Communication
• Positive Relationships in the Early Years
• SEN Children and Communication Support

Unit 4: Education in the Early Years

• Implementing Learning and Development in the Early Years
• The Seven Areas of Education
• Theoretical Perspectives on Children’s Learning and Development
• How Theoretical Perspectives have Influenced Current Early Years Practice
• Assessing Progress in the Early Years
• The Benefits of a Multi-agency Approach to Learning and Development
• Curriculum Planning

Unit 5: A Safe Environment to Learn

• Policies and Procedures
• Role of the Early Years Practitioner
• The Importance of Staff Training
• Reducing Risk
• Health and Safety Policies in an Early Years Setting
• Essential Information for Early Years Providers
• Childhood Illnesses

Unit 6: Leadership in The Early Years

• Effective Communication Skills
• The Role of the Early Years Leader
• Monitoring and Supporting Team Performance
• Conflict Resolution and Effective Leadership
• Personal Development
• Journaling and Documenting
• Feedback from Teaching Staff

There is classroom attendance on a Tuesday at the Roundhouse to gain the knowledge required. This is not mandatory but advisable.

You will also have 1-1 support from your assessor. 

You need a laptop. 

• Underpinning knowledge questions
• Professional discussion
• Products of work

You could advance to a Level 5 programme, depending on your job role within early years.

You could also consider university studies or working as an assessor or tutor. 

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

A student loan of £800 may be available. This can be discussed with your assessor who will support you in making the application.