Home Our programmesEarly Years EducatorEarly Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 5)

Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 5)

Programme overview

The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship develops skilled early years professionals who drive highquality practice, shape enriching learning environments, and nurture children’s development and wellbeing.

Apprentices gain the expertise to lead on pedagogy, curriculum implementation, staff development, and family engagement - making a lasting impact during the most vital stage of a child’s learning journey. 

First days of learning - Spring schedule: 1 June.

 

Key details

Funding
Duration
Delivery
On-the-Job / Study split

Funding

Maximum funding: £9,000

Cost to schools/settings: free - funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.

No cost for levypaying employers or learners. 

Duration

  • 20–21 months of active learning
  • Up to 12 weeks for the End Point Assessment (EPA) 

Delivery

A comprehensive blend of structured professional learning and workplacebased application:

  • Monthly live online workshops
  • Guided tasks and reflective activities
  • A small number of inperson development days
  • Regular tutor support and review meetings 

On-the-Job / Study split

Apprentices spend approx. 6.5 hours per week on off-the-job training, including:

  • Online and facetoface workshops
  • Independent study and research
  • Observations and practical skills development
  • Assignments and professional reflection
  • Evidence gathering for the final assessment 

 

Modules

Leading with purpose in Early Years
Safeguarding & CP leadership
Excellence in SEND & inclusion
Child development & wellbeing leadership
Play, creativity & curriculum design
SEMH for early learning & Life
Observation & assessment
Family & agency partnerships
Leading & inspiring teams in Early Years
Enabling indoor & outdoor environments
Gateway to completion

Leading with purpose in Early Years

This module helps apprentices understand their strengths and development needs as leaders. Learners explore how to set the tone for their setting by modelling what high‑quality practice looks and feels like.

Safeguarding & CP leadership

Apprentices develop confidence in embedding safeguarding into everyday practice, not just policy. The module focuses on building strong partnerships with families to create a safe and supportive environment for children.

Excellence in SEND & inclusion

This module ensures inclusion is visible in all aspects of provision and partnership. Apprentices learn how to lead SEND support that is proactive, child‑centred, and aligned with best practice.

Child development & wellbeing leadership

Apprentices deepen their understanding of how children grow, connect, and express themselves from birth. The module focuses on leading practice that nurtures the whole child — head, heart, body, and voice.

Play, creativity & curriculum design

This module explores play as the golden thread that ties learning and joy together. Apprentices learn to design creative learning experiences that foster curiosity and meet individual developmental needs.

SEMH for early learning & Life

Apprentices recognise the importance of social, emotional, and mental health in early years development. The module focuses on creating environments where children feel safe to explore, fail, and flourish.

Observation & assessment

This module develops skills in using observations to inform planning and provision. Apprentices learn how to lead assessment that is purposeful, respectful, and supports effective decision‑making.

Family & agency partnerships

Apprentices learn to work alongside families as true partners and collaborate confidently with professionals. The module includes contributing to multi‑agency plans and holding the child at the centre of all decisions.

Leading & inspiring teams in Early Years

This module prepares apprentices to lead with calm, clarity, and compassion. Learners build strong, reflective teams committed to children’s development and joy, using strategies that inspire and motivate others.

Enabling indoor & outdoor environments

Apprentices explore how to use both indoor and outdoor spaces as powerful learning environments. The module focuses on creating areas that promote curiosity, movement, and creativity.

Gateway to completion

Apprentices review progress, prepare their portfolio, and confirm readiness for End Point Assessment. The final stage includes a professional discussion and a project demonstrating impact on early years practice.

How it works

Programme Structure
Assessment
Eligibility criteria
Who it is for
Support during the apprenticeship
What employers need to do
After the apprenticeship

Programme Structure

1. Practical period (On Programme Learning) 

Apprentices build the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours through workshops, tasks, and immersive practice in their early years setting. They are supported by a Programme Lead and a workplace mentor.

2. Gateway

Once the apprentice has completed all learning, demonstrated competence, and developed a full evidence portfolio, they progress to Gateway with agreement from their employer and Programme Lead.

3. End Point Assessment (EPA)

Conducted by an external assessor, the EPA includes:

  • A professional discussion
  • A practical observation within the setting 

Assessment

Assessment throughout the programme includes written tasks, professional reflections, workplace application, and evidence logs.

The EPA determines the final apprenticeship result. 

Eligibility criteria

  • No formal qualifications required
  • Level 3 qualification is beneficial but not essential
  • No age limit
  • Apprentices must be working in a role that provides opportunities to lead on early years practice 

Who it is for

Ideal for professionals in roles such as:

  • Deputy Manager
  • Early Years Practitioner
  • Lead or Senior Practitioner
  • Nursery Officer
  • Pastoral Assistant / Manager 

Support during the apprenticeship

  • Dedicated Programme Lead
  • Workplace mentor
  • Regular progress reviews
  • Access to specialist early years learning resources
  • Collaborative learning with peers 

What employers need to do

  • Provide an appropriate early years role that supports leadership of practice
  • Allow time for offthejob learning
  • Support evidence collection and professional development
  • Approve Gateway readiness once all criteria are met 

After the apprenticeship

Graduates go on to progress into roles such as:

  • Early Years Lead Practitioner
  • Setting Deputy Manager
  • Room Leader / Senior Practitioner
  • Early Years Specialist roles

It also supports progression to higherlevel qualifications in early years leadership and education. 

Apply now