Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5

Overview

Early Years Lead Practitioners are experienced professionals who take an operational lead in early years settings, ensuring the highest standards of care, learning and development for children from birth to eight years.

They lead day-to-day practice across areas such as safeguarding, planning and assessment, communication and language, and health and wellbeing. They model effective, play-based pedagogy, mentor colleagues, and drive continuous improvement through reflective practice.

Working closely with families, professionals and agencies, they act as key influencers within their setting, ensuring inclusive, child-centred provision that meets individual needs and supports positive outcomes.

This apprenticeship is aimed at people who work under their own initiative, planning and organising their own workload and supervising others, for example, a manager, deputy manager, preschool leaders, early years co-ordinators or room leaders, etc.

What is covered on the course?

Reflective practice and professional development
Health, wellbeing and safety
Safeguarding and protection
Child development and theoretical perspectives
Inclusive and ethical practice
Play and enquiry-based learning
Communication and the home learning environment
Planning and assessment for progress
Working with families and partnerships
Transitions and personal care
Enabling environments and curriculum design
Leadership and teamwork
Equality, diversity and SEND
Pedagogy and theoretical integration
Data, documentation and digital literacy
Sustainability and professional responsibilities

Key info

Course duration

16 months with up to 3 months Assessment.

Funding Options

Levy employers: £9,000
Non-levy employers: £450

Entry requirements

The apprentice must be employed and typically be working at least 30 hours per week and not less than 16 hours. They must have a good existing knowledge of early years and hold Maths and English GCSE or equivalent. They will be required to undertake a DBS check.

This apprenticeship covers the Department for Education criteria for Level 3 Early Years qualifications (Early Years Educator) and is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for registration as a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner.

Apprenticeship Assessment Period

Observation with questions
Professional discussion underpinned by a showcase portfolio

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, the apprentice will be awarded the following:

Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard

I have recently completed my Level 2 Early Years Practitioner with Aspiration Training. After initially starting at a Preschool as their housekeeper with no prior experience in the Early Year Sector, this was a great opportunity for me to develop my knowledge. As a mother of two, it was also manageable to complete around my family and home life. I hope to progress and complete a Level 3 in Early Years in the near future and thank the staff at Aspiration Training for their support.

Jemma Davis Early Years Practitioner

I found my Level 3 qualification to be a really insightful and interesting course that has definitely helped me improve in the field I work in. It gave me lots of information that helped improve my practice and the quality of care I give to children.

Alex Cooper Early Years Educator

What happens after my apprenticeship?

At Aspiration Training, we provide every learner with a career pathway. This is a plan with clear, practical steps our learners can take to achieve the career of their dreams.

Our career pathways show typical routes through the various stages of learning, the knowledge and skills that will be learnt along the way and the career options that may be available as a result.

Career Progression is available across a number of levels, meaning, with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit.

Explore the pathways below to find out more about the typical job titles associated with each career.

Want to see our current Early Years vacancies?

Early Years Vacancies