Your pathway to a career
in Early Years
Start a rewarding career supporting young children to learn, develop and thrive. The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship combines practical experience with structured learning, helping you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to work within an Early Years setting.
This apprenticeship is ideal for those starting their career in childcare or working in a supporting role who want to develop their practice. You will work alongside experienced colleagues, supporting children’s care, learning and development in nurseries, pre-schools and other Early Years environments.
About the Course
Early Years Practitioners play an important role in giving children the best start in life. Working under the guidance of a qualified professional, you will support daily care routines, purposeful play and learning activities that respond to each child’s interests and needs.
The programme develops your understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a focus on children from birth to five. You will learn how to create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments, build positive relationships with families and contribute to children’s progress.
The typical training duration is 12 months, followed by end-point assessment. Your individual training plan will take account of your existing knowledge, skills and experience.
What You Learn
Supporting Children’s Learning and Development
Understand how babies and young children develop and how to support their communication, physical, social and emotional skills through everyday interactions and play.
Planning, Observation and Assessment
Support child-led and adult-led activities, contribute to observations and use information about children’s interests and development to help plan meaningful learning experiences.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Recognise safeguarding concerns, understand reporting procedures and contribute to a safe environment where children’s welfare comes first.
Care Routines and Healthy Lifestyles
Develop the practical skills to support children’s personal care, nutrition, hygiene and rest, promoting their growing independence with sensitivity and respect.
Inclusive Practice and SEND
Understand how to adapt your support to meet individual needs, including those of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Working with Families and Colleagues
Build positive relationships with parents, carers and colleagues, sharing information appropriately and working together to support each child.
Opportunities
This apprenticeship supports roles such as:
- Early Years Practitioner
- Nursery Assistant
- Nursery Practitioner
- Assistant Childminder
- Early Years Worker
With further training and experience, you can progress towards more advanced practitioner responsibilities and higher-level Early Years programmes.
Here’s What You Can Expect
Hands-on Training and Experience
Apply your learning directly within your workplace, developing practical skills while earning a wage.
Personalised Training and Support
Receive guidance and feedback to help you build confidence, strengthen your practice and work towards your apprenticeship goals.
Learning That Connects to Your Role
Combine workplace experience with dedicated training that helps you understand why effective Early Years practice matters and how to put it into action.
Opportunities to Progress
Build a foundation for continued employment and further learning, including progression towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.
Off-the-job Training
Off-the-job training takes place during your normal paid working hours and develops new knowledge, skills and behaviours linked to the apprenticeship. This may include taught sessions, practical training, guided learning and relevant development activities.
Training Plan
Your training plan will explain how this learning fits alongside your workplace responsibilities.
What are the entry requirements for the Apprenticeship?
You will need to be employed, or secure employment, in a suitable Early Years role that provides opportunities to develop the skills required by the apprenticeship.
Your starting point, previous learning and support needs will be assessed before enrolment. English and maths requirements will be discussed as part of this process. Working with children also requires the appropriate suitability and safeguarding checks.
Eligibility includes:
- Age: Must be 16 years or older.
- Education: Generally, a minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, typically grades 4 (C) or above.
- Experience: Some experience in childcare or working with children is beneficial but not always required.
- DBS Check: An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure suitability for working with children.
- Interest in Childcare: A genuine interest in early childhood development and education.
- Right to Work in the UK: Must have the legal right to work in the UK.
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