This qualification is suitable for learners already working in the early years sector in a managerial role, as well as learners that may wish to develop their career or increase understanding through professional development.
The aim of the apprenticeship is to support leadership and management skills in early years and the knowledge and skills relating to the early years practice.
The candidate will be a positive role model for the team. Through clear leadership and effective management, they will support and promote best practice within legislative requirements to enable quality provision. Working collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and parents/carers they will engage and motivate all involved for improved outcomes for babies and children.
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
You should have prior experience of the sector and be employed in a position whereby you would be able to demonstrate the competencies required at this level.
You will be required to undertake the Disclosure and Barring Service process and provide the result.
You will be working towards the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard (Knowledge and Understanding, Skills and Behaviours)
· English and maths Level 2 (if not already achieved)
The areas covered include:
Quality provision in the early years
Research project
Safeguarding
Health and well-being
Health and safety
Care routines
Child Development
Supporting emergent Maths and Literacy
Leading observation, assessment and Planning
Equality, Diversity, inclusion and SEND
Equality, diversity, inclusion and Behaviour Management
Leading and managing a team
Partnership working
CPD
Qualifications are delivered in the workplace. You will be allocated a personal Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator and will have access to our online study area where you will find all your learning materials. Your Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator will provide you with personal tutorial support and assessment at pre-arranged times.
This is a 18 month course with an additional 5 months End Point Assessment.
Assessment is through a variety of methods including observations in the workplace, witness testimonies, product evidence, professional discussions, assignments, projects and case studies. All evidence will be logged to your electronic portfolio.
End point assessment by an independent assessment organisation. The synoptic End-Point Assessment will consist of three components. In order to pass the apprenticeship, the Apprentice is required to pass each component:
Observation with Questions
The End-Point Assessor will observe the Apprentice undertaking their normal duties in the workplace. The Apprentice must be observed interacting with a group of children, leading/supervising colleagues, and communicating with parents/carers/guardians. The observation period will last 60 minutes (+10%), followed by a question and answer session lasting 30 minutes (+10%).
Professional Discussion
This is a structured, two-way discussion between the Apprentice and their End-Point Assessor. The Professional
Discussion is underpinned by a portfolio of evidence submitted at Gateway. The portfolio will not be directly assessed.
Questions will relate to the KSBs assigned to this assessment method. The Professional Discussion will last 60 minutes (+10%).
Case Study Report and Presentation
The Apprentice will submit a case study scope at Gateway. On approval of the scope, the Apprentice will then have 12
weeks to complete the case study, which must have a real benefit to the children and/or setting. The Apprentice will produce a 4,000 word (+/-10%) report and a 20-minute (+10%) presentation on their case study. The presentation will be followed by a 20-minute (+10%) questioning session.
Grading
Once the three assessment components are completed, the Apprentice will be provided with an overall grade for their apprenticeship using the following grading table:
Observation with questions | Professional Discussion | Case Study Report and Presentation | GRADE |
Pass | Pass | Pass | |
PASS | Distinction | Pass | |
Distinction | Pass | Pass | |
Distinction | Merit | ||
Pass | Pass | Pass | |
DISTINCTION | Distinction | Merit | |
Distinction | Pass | Merit | |
Distinction | Distinction | ||
Upon successful completion, learners can work as an Early Years Senior Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce across the private, voluntary and independent sector or progress to Higher Education in a relevant subject area.
It is anticipated that learners will be able to progress within the workforce or to Higher Education in a relevant subject area.