All Early Years Practitioners will demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours:

•  Work in partnership with other colleagues, parents or carers or other professionals to meet the individual needs of each child in line with the provision’s policies and procedures and statutory guidance.
• Use play to support children to understand and encourage healthy life choices.
• Identify issues of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring that the welfare and safety of children is promoted and safeguarded and to report any child protection concerns to the person in charge.
• Carry out self-reflection and use continuous professional development opportunities to improve practice.
• Undertake specific tasks related to the health, safety and hygiene of the children and the cleanliness of the provision.
• Use their knowledge of child development theories to work with parents and carers to improve children’s outcomes and wellbeing, including those with disabilities and additional needs.
• Contribute to the observation, planning and organise activities and children’s individual experiences which support and extend their learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Role model effective communication to promote and support children’s overall learning and development.
•  Support the collection of accurate and up-to-date records which identify children’s individual needs, abilities and progress and use these as a basis for future planning.
• Support the development of an inclusive environment that promotes the well-being of all children.

We must ensure that an apprentice spends the required minimum of contracted working hours developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours illustrated on the Standard. This is achieved via a flexible approach and also by using learning that occurs as part of the job role within the workplace:

• Regular Trainer visits at the workplace
• Reviews in the workplace with Line Manager 8 – 10 weeks
• Online workshop sessions once a month

End-Point Assessment is the final test for apprentices during their apprenticeship. It is designed to be an objective and impartial assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours developed during the course of their apprenticeship programme. At the end of an apprenticeship, the apprentice will go through a ‘gateway’ process where they are signed-off by their employer as ready for a final assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. The assessment will be conducted and graded by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation.

The test will consist of:

• Professional discussion – supported by a portfolio of evidence
• Observation with questions

The entry requirement for this apprenticeship will be decided by each employer.

Learners will hold a GCSE Grade 4/3 or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English. Maths and English are a vital part of your apprenticeship and can really support your progression on your chosen course.

If you do not already hold these levels of Maths and English, we have a friendly and experienced team of lecturers; who can support you throughout and will arrange exams once you are ready. We deliver Functional Skills in a variety of ways; including classroom based and online study.

After successfully completing this apprenticeship, you can progress to study the Level 3 standard to become an Early Years Educator. Additional experience afterwards will enable you to become the manager of an Early Years setting,