Are you ready to take your career in early childhood education to the next level? Launching with Storyy Group in January 2025, the Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity for seasoned professionals to advance their skills, deepen their understanding of child development, and make a profound impact on the young lives they touch.
What You’ll Learn
This programme covers seven core themes, each designed to equip you with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills that will set you apart in the early years field:
- The Unique Child: Understand the individuality of each child and how to cater to their unique developmental needs.
- Legislation & Guidance: Gain expertise in applying current legislation and early years guidance effectively.
- Learning and Development: Foster an environment that supports every child’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
- Health & Wellbeing: Learn how to create a nurturing environment that promotes children’s health and well-being.
- Leading Practice: Become a role model who can inspire and elevate practice among colleagues.
- Child Development, Observation & Planning: Master the art of observing, assessing, and planning to support each child’s developmental journey.
- Administration: Develop the skills necessary to manage your role’s essential administrative responsibilities.
Key Skills You’ll Develop
This course is designed for those who want to play an active role in guiding young learners. Here’s a glimpse of the skills you’ll refine and develop:
- Plan & Facilitate Play Opportunities: Implement curriculum-aligned play experiences tailored to children’s individual needs.
- Dynamic Environment Creation: Craft evolving, stimulating spaces that support varied interests and foster growth.
- Child-Centred Interaction: Maintain a balanced, respectful dynamic to encourage children’s active participation and exploration.
- Language & Communication Support: Employ strategies that boost children’s speech, language, and communication abilities.
- Safety & Protection: Learn to observe, respond, and safeguard children with an acute awareness of their wellbeing.
The Benefits of Upskilling Existing Staff Through Apprenticeships
Investing in the growth of your current staff can offer significant advantages over hiring new employees. Here’s why upskilling through apprenticeships like the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner is a strategic choice for any early years setting:
- Foster Loyalty and Morale: Showing a commitment to employees’ professional development can boost job satisfaction and loyalty, creating a more positive and cohesive workplace.
- Leverage Existing Relationships: Current staff already have a rapport with children, families, and colleagues, allowing them to transition seamlessly into leadership roles with minimal disruption.
- Promote Consistency and Stability: When staff members are familiar with organisational values and policies, they bring continuity to the environment, which is particularly beneficial in early years settings.
- Cost-Effective Talent Development: Training existing employees is often more cost-effective than external recruitment, especially with available government funding and incentives for apprenticeships.
- Customise Skills to Meet Your Needs: Upskilling allows you to tailor training to meet specific organisational needs, ensuring staff develop the precise skills that benefit your unique setting.
Upskilling through the Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 apprenticeship not only enriches individual careers, but enhances the quality and consistency of care that your team can provide to young learners.
Measuring Success
Graduates of the Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 course emerge as well-rounded, adaptable professionals capable of making impactful contributions. Your success will be measured by your growth as a:
- Reflective Practitioner: Continuously refine your approach, embracing curiosity and innovation.
- Inspirational Leader: Lead by example, inspire others, and foster a culture of aspirational practice.
- Adaptable Professional: Respond fluidly to the spontaneous and diverse needs of children, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
- Advocate for Diversity: Demonstrate fairness, consistency, and a commitment to diversity within professional settings.
Who Should Apply?
This course is ideal for proactive, influential early years practitioners who interact daily with children. Whether you’re taking the next step in your career or want to deepen your skills, this course will empower you to lead with confidence and skill.
Entry Requirements:
- Completion of the Early Years Educator Level 3 course.
- Residency in the UK for at least three years.
- For those without a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above, completion of Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths is required.
Course Funding
- Funding: Funded either by your apprenticeship levy or government funding.
- Employer Incentive: A £1,000 incentive for learners aged 16-18 or under 25 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan.
How the Course Ends
Your training will culminate in an End Point Assessment, involving a workplace observation with questioning, and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence.
Interested in finding out more?
Get in touch with our Partnerships Manager, Lisa Parkinson by emailing [email protected] or calling 07523 277566 to find out more details about this apprenticeship or sign up for this incredible opportunity. Let’s shape the future of early years education together in 2025!
