Higher Apprenticeship (Level 5) Early Years Lead Practitioner

Role overview
The Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship is designed for experienced early years professionals who want to develop leadership skills and expertise in delivering high-quality education and care for children aged 0 to 5.
This advanced-level programme focuses on enhancing your ability to lead teams, implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework effectively, and drive continuous improvement within your setting.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will gain in-depth knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, safeguarding, and inclusive practice, alongside leadership and management skills tailored to early years environments.
You will learn to mentor and support colleagues, engage with families and external agencies, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements and Ofsted standards.
This apprenticeship equips you to take on senior roles such as Early Years Lead Practitioner, Room Leader, or Deputy Manager, contributing strategically to the success and quality of your early years provision.
Entry requirements
A level 3 Early Years qualification is not essential but an advantage.
GCSE English and Maths at grade 3/C or above is desirable.
Applicants without level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
English at grades C/4 or above must be achieved to be counted in ratios.
Qualifications obtained
Peadiatric First Aid.
L5 Apprenticeship Standard for the Early Years Lead Practitioner (Pass, Merit, Distinction)
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition: Criteria for Level 3 Early Years qualifications for Early Years Educator
Programme includes
There are 16 Duties that will be covered throughout the 24month practical period. These include:
Health and well-being of all children,
Play, learning and development including observations and planning
Personal care and daily routines.
The effective key person and advocate for the child
Facilitate equality and diversity for all
Safeguarding
Lead and be acountable for best practice
Reflect on best practice
Establish engaging, inclusive and collaborative relationships and participate in multiagency meetings.
Initiate continuing professional development opportunities in response to identification of strengths and weaknesses both personally and within your team.
Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety legislation, policies and strategies at a national, local and setting based level.
Carry out effective administrative tasks
Work in collaborative partnership with parents and carers
To lead and manage across the area, aspect or environment for which they are responsible for.
Where can you work?
Successful completion will enable you to work in the childcare and education sector in any of the following roles:
- Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Room/Team Leader
- Deputy/Assistant Manager
- Secilaist Roles e.g. SENDCO
Key information
- Enrolment is roll on roll off all year round, primarily based in the workplace.
Awarding organisation
NCFE
Progression opportunities
Degree in Early Years
Additional information
This Apprenticeship consists of blended learning in the workplace