Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is designed to support those new to the early years sector, or those with limited experience, by combining practical, on-the-job training with structured learning and assessment. It offers a pathway to gaining a nationally recognised qualification while earning a wage and gaining valuable experience in a real-world childcare environment.​

 

Eligibility Criteria

To access government funding for this apprenticeship, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria.

Before an apprenticeship place can be confirmed, it must be agreed between the Training Provider and the Employer that the apprenticeship is the most appropriate and beneficial training route for the applicant.

As part of this process, the applicant will be required to complete an Initial Assessment, which will evaluate their existing knowledge, experience, and prior learning. This assessment helps ensure that the apprenticeship is a suitable match and that the correct level of support can be provided.

The Initial Assessment must be completed as soon as possible to avoid delays in the enrolment process.

 

Occupation Summary

Work and interact directly with children on a day-to-day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities.

This occupation is found in a range of private and public settings including; full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, home based provision, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments and local authority provision to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 in both indoor and outdoor environments.

 

Apprenticeship Components 

  • Apprenticeship Standard – Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s).
  • Level 1 Functional Skills in English (where applicable)
  • Level 1 Functional Skills in Maths (where applicable)
  • 20% Off the Job Training – 6+ hrs per week
  • End Point Assessment (EPA) – Professional Discussion underpinned by portfolio & Knowledge Test

 

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Apprentices are required to work towards the KSB’s throughout their Apprenticeship qualification, they must undertake learning, complete work, and demonstrate competency in the KSB’s, in their final stage.

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End Point Assessment

The EPA consists of 2 assessments methods.​

 

  1. The Professional Discussion is done remotely – In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
  2. Questions (30 mins) at placement in person – The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

 

What is Off the Job Training?

  • Whilst on programme an Apprentice  must spend a minimum of 20% of their working day conducting ‘Off the Job Training’ towards their qualification. This equates to a minimum of 6 hours per week.
  • This could include; lectures, role-playing, simulation exercises, online learning, manufacturer training, practical training such as; mentoring, shadowing, industry visits and attendance at shows/conferences/competitions.
  • This could also include time spent writing assignments/assessments.
  • This does not include; English, Maths, progress reviews, on programme assessment, or training which takes place outside the apprentice’s paid working hours.

For more information, please get in touch!