Early Years Practitioner
Key Information
Level - 2
Typical duration – 12 months (not including EPA period)
Delivery model – one-to-one support from assessor
Delivery Location – mainly workplace occasional attendance at college may be required
Start date – flexible throughout the year
Programme Summary
An Early Years Practitioner will work and interact directly with children on a day-to-day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities.
The practitioner may work in a range of private and public settings, for example, children’s centres, pre-school, reception classes, nursery schools, home based provision, hospitals delivering the EYFS requirements set by government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years in both indoor and outdoor activities. The practitioner will interact with children on a day-to-day basis, supporting the planning of and delivery of activities, purposeful play and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting, part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional in the early year’s workforce. The practitioner will also interact with parents, colleagues and other professionals e.g. Health Visitors and Social Workers. The practitioner will also support observation and assessment of each child and assist with care needs e.g. teeth, hair, skin, feeding, changing nappies under the direction of a more senior member of the team. They will have a responsibility to recognise when a child is in danger and or risk of harm or abuse, and will contribute to the health and safety of the children, staff and others on the premises.
What will you learn?
- The roles and responsibilities of the early years practitioner
- Health and safety of babies and young children
- Equality diversity and inclusive practice, safeguarding
- Protection and welfare of babies and young children
- Supporting children’s development
- Supporting care routines
- Support for the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play and educational programmes
- Promote play
- Support healthy lifestyles for babies and children
- Support babies and young children to be physically active
- Supporting the needs of babies and young children with special educational needs and disability
- Promoting positive behaviours, partnership working, support the needs of children preparing for school, all linking to the Early Years Practitioner standard.
How is it delivered and assessed?
Elements of learning can be face-to-face tutorials by visit or remote digital means, directed study and research, learning in the workplace via practical demonstration, shadowing, instruction, or simulation or by way of courses and reflection.
Assessment methods may include Q&A, work products, observations of practice, witness accounts, recognition of prior learning, and professional discussions.
Mandatory Qualifications:
- Early Years Practitioner level 2
- Functional Skills Level 1 in English (unless previously achieved)
- Functional Skills Level 1 in maths (unless previously achieved)
- If previously achieved at level 1, or on initial assessment it is indicated you will work to achieve level 2, if not once level 1 is achieved you will work towards the achievement of level 2.
End Point Assessment
Entry Requirements
- English and maths at entry level 3
- Apprentices must be in suitable employment have the opportunity to develop all required knowledge, skills and behaviours aligned to this apprenticeship standard