The programme runs for either 13 months (standard route) or 8 months (fast track) on-programme, followed by a 3-month End-Point Assessment period.

Fast Track is subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.

Early Years Practitioners work directly with children on a day-to-day basis, supporting the delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes while ensuring children feel safe, secure, included and supported. They work under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional.

They can work across a wide range of early years environments, including nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes, children's centres, playgroups, family hubs, home-based provision and out-of-school environments.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Supporting the learning and development of babies and young children
• Providing purposeful play opportunities
• Supporting speech, language and communication development
• Supporting children's personal care needs
• Promoting children's health and wellbeing
• Observing children and contributing to assessment and planning
• Identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Working in partnership with parents and carers
• Following workplace policies, procedures and statutory guidance

Typical job roles include Nursery Assistant, Early Years Practitioner, Pre-school Assistant and Childcare Assistant.

Funding: Levy and non-levy employer funding available.

Find out how apprenticeship funding works for your organisation on our apprenticeships for employers page, or speak to our team.

Delivery Model: Remote delivery supported by practical workplace learning and development.

The programme is delivered remotely, providing flexible access to structured tutor-led learning while apprentices develop and demonstrate their practical early years skills within their workplace. Delivery includes:

• Live remote tutor-led training
• Structured off-the-job training
• Individual tutor support
• Workplace-based practical development
• EYFS development
• Safeguarding training and application
• Observation, assessment and planning activities
• SEND and inclusive-practice development
• Professional discussions and reflective practice
• Workplace observations
• Portfolio development
• End-Point Assessment preparation

The programme incorporates 300 off-the-job training hours. Employers must provide protected time during working hours for required apprenticeship training and suitable workplace opportunities for apprentices to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the standard.

Supporting children with SEND: apprentices develop an understanding of:

• Statutory guidance relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• Inclusive early years practice
• The graduated approach to supporting individual needs
• Working alongside other professionals and agencies
• Using appropriate aids, resources and equipment

Partnership working: apprentices develop the ability to:

• Build positive relationships with parents and carers
• Recognise parents and carers as partners in children's learning and development
• Share appropriate information about children's progress and wellbeing
• Support positive home-learning environments
• Respect children's family, social and cultural contexts

Apprentices develop the professional behaviours expected of an Early Years Practitioner, including:

• Caring for and supporting children with compassion
• Working professionally and responsibly
• Being trustworthy and maintaining confidentiality
• Working effectively as part of a team
• Treating children and families with dignity and respect
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
• Being reflective and open to feedback
• Acting in the best interests of babies and young children

The role requires practitioners to be caring, professional, responsible and responsive to the individual needs of every child.

Before entering End-Point Assessment, apprentices must:

• Achieve Level 1 English and Maths and work towards Level 2 (if required in line with current apprenticeship funding rules)
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard
• Complete their on-programme portfolio
• Complete a minimum of 300 off-the-job training hours
• Be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer

The EPA is conducted by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation and typically includes:

• Observation with Questioning: the apprentice is observed carrying out their normal work within an early years environment, providing an opportunity to demonstrate practical occupational competence
• Professional Discussion Supported by a Portfolio of Evidence: a structured professional discussion exploring how the apprentice has applied their knowledge, skills and behaviours within their early years role

The apprentice must successfully pass the EPA to achieve the full apprenticeship standard.

• Employment within a suitable early years setting
• A role involving regular direct interaction with babies and/or young children
• Opportunities to support children's learning, development and care
• Access to observation, assessment and planning activities
• Opportunities to work with parents, carers, colleagues and other professionals
• Suitability to work with children in accordance with relevant statutory and setting requirements
• Motivation to develop a career within the early years sector

Individual English and Maths requirements will be identified during the initial assessment and enrolment process. High Ridge Training will work with the apprentice and employer to ensure the individual's role provides sufficient opportunities to develop and demonstrate the occupational competence required by the standard.

Employers and learners can enquire about enrolling onto this programme.

Successful completion provides a strong foundation for continued development within the early years and childcare sector. Career and training opportunities may include:

• Level 3 Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant
• Early Years Practitioner
• Nursery Assistant
• Nursery Practitioner
• Early Years Worker
• Early Years Assistant
• Assistant Childminder
• Nanny

Longer-term progression can include:

• Senior Early Years Practitioner
• Early Years Educator
• Room Leader
• Early Years SENCO
• Deputy Nursery Manager
• Nursery Manager
• Early Years Lead Practitioner

The apprenticeship provides an important first step towards a rewarding professional career supporting babies, young children and their families.

• Develop practical early years skills within a real working environment
• Benefit from flexible remote training alongside workplace development
• Build a strong understanding of how babies and young children learn and develop
• Strengthen safeguarding and child-protection knowledge
• Develop knowledge of the EYFS and professional early years practice
• Gain an industry-recognised Level 2 apprenticeship
• Access professional Early Years Alliance membership
• Build a strong foundation for progression to Level 3 and more senior early years roles

Explore our early years and childcare apprenticeships or read more about apprenticeships for employers.

Professional Membership: Early Years Alliance Student Membership

Apprentices are supported to access Student Membership with the Early Years Alliance during their programme. The Early Years Alliance is a leading early years membership organisation, supporting early years professionals, providers and learners across England. Membership benefits can include:

• Access to the Alliance's Under 5 membership magazine
• Early years sector news and information
• Access to member-only Connect Sessions
• Updates on developments affecting early years practice, including the EYFS and regulatory changes
• Discounts on selected early years publications and training opportunities
• Access to the Early Years Alliance annual conference

Accredited CPD: Safeguarding in Early Years

Apprentices also complete accredited Safeguarding in Early Years training as part of their wider professional development. The training supports apprentices to:

• Understand their responsibility to safeguard babies and young children
• Recognise potential signs and indicators of abuse and neglect
• Understand how and when to report safeguarding concerns
• Follow appropriate safeguarding and child-protection procedures
• Develop awareness of confidentiality and information sharing
• Contribute to a safe and protective early years environment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. Apprentices receive ongoing pastoral, academic and professional support throughout their programme.

The full Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship standard (ST0888) is published on Skills England. You can also contact our team for advice on eligibility, funding and start dates.