We currently offer the following apprenticeship standards:
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner – Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Early Years Educator – Apprenticeship Standard
Who is an apprenticeship suitable for?
Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study. The level 2 and 3 early years apprenticeship standards are suitable for those wishing to work alongside experienced staff to receive hands-on training, gaining job specific skills and be able to put this into practice. Current staff who require training to complete their roles can access training through the apprenticeship programmes.
How is the apprenticeship programme structured?
All apprenticeship standards include a practical training period and an end point assessment (EPA). The level 2 apprenticeship standard currently also includes a full and relevant early years practitioner qualification.
Functional skills form a mandatory part of the apprenticeship training programme for 16- to 18-year-old apprentices (if they don’t hold a prior GCSE grade 4 or above in those subjects). We can also offer Functional Skills to apprentices who are aged 19+ at the start of their apprenticeship programme if required and subject to diagnostic assessments.
The EPA process consists of the following:
- Level 2 standard – portfolio of evidence, professional discussion and a multiple-choice exam
- Level 3 standard – portfolio of evidence, professional discussion and an observation visit from an end point assessment assessor. We use NCFE as our end point assessment organisation.
The apprenticeship programme is delivered through a blend of work-based learning, monthly virtual classroom sessions, online learning, written tasks, and assessment visits.
How is it assessed?
The knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard will be internally assessed using a range of methods, including direct observation within the workplace and written evidence.
The multiple-choice exam and EPA professional discussion will take place online and the EPA observation visit will be externally assessed by an independent assessor from the end point assessment organisation
Do you need to be working to enrol on an apprenticeship?
Yes, an apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.
Apprentices should be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week and be able to become fully involved in all activities, particularly the observation of children. The programme requires assessment in real working situations.
Apprentices must be given off-the-job study time each week across the duration of the apprenticeship programme. This is a compulsory funding requirement. Our delivery programme requires a minimum of six hours each week for apprentices who are contracted for the full year and seven hours per week for those on term-time contracts.
For candidates who are employed for less than 30 hours per week, please contact the Training Centre to find how this would affect the duration of the apprenticeship programme.
What are the entry requirements?
- Applicants must have been UK resident for more than three years and have the right to work in the UK
- Applicants should be employed for 30+ hours per week- this can be term time or full time
- To have regular access to a pc or laptop which will allow you to access the on-line portfolio system (iPads/tablets/smart phones are not suitable)
- To be able to surf the internet, send and receive emails with attachments, complete written work using a computer (with Microsoft Word) and be generally IT literate.
How long will it take?
Duration is tailored to the candidate, based on number of hours worked and prior experience- usually:
- Level 2 – 13 months (plus 3 months end point assessment i.e. 16 months)
- Level 3 – 18 months (plus 3 months end point assessment i.e. 21 months)
How will the training be delivered?
We have a personal development programme for all learners to support wellbeing, mental health, safeguarding, and the Prevent duty, as well as information advice and guidance on progression opportunities.
We build a positive working relationships with employers, so the apprentice is supported in all areas of their training, offering:
- 12-week progress reviews to look at progress and set next targets.
- Monthly End-Point Assessment (EPA) surgeries for managers on different topics to build confidence supporting apprentices, as well as an opportunity to ask questions.
What is involved in the enrolment process?
- Application forms – to be completed in full by both the employer and candidate and returned.
- Online English and maths assessments – to check the qualification level is appropriate and to ascertain any additional support needed.
- Training interview and skills scan – to discuss the training delivery, additional support requirements (if required) and complete a skills scan to check for prior knowledge and skills.
- Training programme – individualised to the applicant based on outcome of skills scan, apprenticeship duration and cost advised.
- Apprenticeship Service Account – employers access and manage apprenticeship funds through their account.
- Apprenticeship paperwork finalised – a copy of the Training Plan and Apprenticeship Agreements will be issued for signatures prior to the apprentice’s induction/first day of learning
- Formal start – attend the induction/first day of learning online session.
What related qualifications can you progress to?
Level 2 qualified members of staff can progress to the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship or the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years sector qualification
Level 3 qualified members of staff can progress to the NCFE CACHE Level 5 for the Early Years Senior Practitioner qualification
Looking for apprenticeship vacancies?
Visit the Alliance jobs portal or visit the government’s apprenticeship web page.
Interested in more information on the our apprenticeships programmes?
Not sure which qualification is right for you?
Our advisors and assessors are here to help you choose the right training.