About the course

As an Early Years Practitioner you will work and interact directly with children on a day to day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting. An EYP works as part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional the Early Years Workforce.

As an Apprentice you will work collaboratively with parents, children, colleagues and wider multi agency professionals and partners such as health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists. 

You will be responsible for supporting child initiated and adult led activities based around the needs and interests of each individual child, supporting children’s learning through planned, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes and working as part of a team to ensure each child feels safe and secure. As an EYP you will also support the observation and assessment of each child and contribute to their learning experiences and assist with the care needs of the individual child such as teeth, skin, hair, feeding, changing nappies and toileting under direction of a more senior member of the team. You will also work in partnerships with other colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals, with support from a more senior member of the team, to meet the individual needs of each child. You will also have a responsibility for ensuring that if a child is in danger and/or at risk of serious harm or abuse and contributing to the health and safety of the children, staff and others on the premises.

Entry Requirements

To be accepted on this apprenticeship you will take part in the Themis interview process, which includes an initial assessment for Maths and English (BKSB). Ideally you will already have achieved a grade 4/5 in GCSE in Maths and English to increase your opportunities to secure employment, however, there is opportunity for you to achieve Functional Skills level 1 whilst on programme. You will need to secure employment with an Early Years provider and will then need a current Enhanced DBS.

Assessment

As an apprentice you will be on programme for a minimum of 12 months – you will receive training to develop the occupation standard’s knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs). You will compile a portfolio of evidence to enter gateway. You will also work towards English and maths at level 1 Functional Skills. Gateway – Once your Employer is satisfied you are consistently working at, or above, the level of the occupational standard by completing the following • Early Years Practitioner Qualification (level 2) • English and mathematics at Level 1 you will be ready for End Point Assessment. • At End point Assessment (which will typically take 3 months) - apprentices must submit: • a portfolio of evidence, from this evidence a Professional discussion will take place with an external assessor. In addition, you will also complete a multiple choice knowledge test The outcome of these assessments will be Distinction/Pass /Fail

Careers & Progression

On successful completion of this course you may progress to the Advanced Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship.