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Skill Overview

Early Years Practitioners play a vital role in supporting the learning and care of children from birth to age 5, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). They work in a variety of settings, including nurseries, preschools, reception classes, children’s centres, and family hubs.

Your apprentice will:
•	Support engaging activities – both child-led and adult-led
•	Assist with observation and assessment to track progress
•	Provide essential care such as feeding, changing, and toileting
•	Work collaboratively with parents, carers, and professionals
•	Promote health, safety, and safeguarding at all times

Hiring an apprentice helps you develop skilled, committed staff who understand your setting’s ethos and contribute to high-quality care and education.



Duration: 12 Months plus EPA

Funding Band: £5,000

Delivery Location: North West

Progression
On successful completion, apprentices can progress onto higher-level apprenticeships, or supervisory roles within childcare.

Learning Objectives

Apprenticeship details
The Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship. equips apprentices with the core skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for a successful career in childcare.

What it covers:

Knowledge
•	How babies and young children learn and develop from birth to 7 years
•	The importance of speech, language, communication, and holistic development
•	Safeguarding and child protection, including Prevent and online safety
•	Health and safety requirements, risk management, and infection control
•	Nutrition, wellbeing, and promoting healthy lifestyles
•	Observation, assessment, and planning for learning
•	Equality, diversity, inclusion, and supporting children with SEND
•	Partnership working with parents, carers, and professionals
•	The statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework

Skills
•	Plan and deliver purposeful play and learning activities
•	Support care routines such as feeding, hygiene, and toileting
•	Communicate effectively with children and families
•	Observe and assess development to inform planning
•	Work collaboratively with colleagues and multi-agency teams
•	Promote safeguarding, health, and safety at all times

Behaviours
•	Caring and compassionate
•	Professional and responsible
•	Inclusive and respectful
•	Committed to continuous development

Delivery
This programme combines on-the-job experience with off-the-job training, giving your apprentice practical skills and structured learning.
They will:
•	Complete the required off-the-job training hours
•	Attend mandatory monthly tutor-led sessions
•	Record independent study in a reflective learning log to capture progress and achievements
•	Receive regular support from a Skills Development Tutor, who works closely with your workplace mentor to monitor development
This approach ensures apprentices gain real-world experience while building the knowledge and skills your setting needs.

Funding Option

Funding Eligibility

This apprenticeship is available to employers and employees looking to upskill in their organisation. We cannot support applications from unemployed individuals.

Sole traders or self-employed individuals cannot enrol themselves but may enrol a new employee.

For apprentices aged 16-21 the training costs are fully funded by the government. For apprentices aged over 21, there is a 5% co-investment which would be paid by the employer. Alternatively, the training costs can be covered by utilising the Apprenticeship Levy Fund. Submit an enquiry to find out more.

Skill Price ex VAT (£)

Skill Length

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Skill Eligibility (Prerequisites for skill/software requirements)

For apprentices aged 16–18:
•	If they do not have Level 1 English and maths, they’ll need to achieve these qualifications as part of the apprenticeship.
•	If they already hold Level 1, they must attend sessions and complete the Level 2 tests.

For apprentices aged 19+:
•	Functional Skills is no longer mandatory.
•	However, if an apprentice chooses to opt out, employer approval is required.

Additional Requirement:
•	An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is essential for anyone working in this industry.

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