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Early Years Lead Practitioner
ST0551

What is an

Early Years Lead Practitioner?

An Early Years Lead Practitioner is a proactive and influential professional who skillfully guides play-based learning, fostering holistic development for children aged birth to eight, while also leading and mentoring other practitioners, all in a variety of educational and care settings.

Early Years Lead Practitioners emerge as influential leaders in the realm of early childhood education, championing play-based learning and holistic development for children from birth to eight. Their dynamic role extends beyond direct engagement with children and encompasses skillful guidance of fellow practitioners and operational aspects within diverse educational and care settings. Interacting with children, families, professionals, and agencies, they spearhead positive change and stay attuned to sector advancements, committed to their own continuous professional development. They are the driving force behind shaping confident and well-rounded learners, working collaboratively under the leadership of their respective setting heads.

For further information regarding the standard, click here

Funding Band

£8000

Duration

24 Months

Level

5

Boy Playing with Abacus

Entry Requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements, but individuals should have had supervisory responsibility in order to start on this apprenticeship.


•    Level 2 Award in Functional Skills English
•    Level 2 Award in Functional Skills Mathematics
•    18 years or above or at the employer’s discretion due to the nature of the work

The End-Point Assessment Process

 

YOUR APPRENTICE JOURNEY 

(MINIMUM DURATION 24 Months)

  • On and off-the-job training to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours

  • English and Maths Level 2 (if required)

 

GATEWAY (TYPICALLY 2 MONTHS)

  • Employer confirms the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level of the occupational standard

  • Achieved English and Maths Level 2 

  • Complete a portfolio of evidence

 

END-POINT ASSESSMENT (MAXIMUM 2 MONTHS)

Components:

OBSERVATION WITH QUESTIONS

  • (60 minutes observation, 30 minutes questions) Apprentice to observed in their normal working environment.

PROFESSIONAL DISCUSSION​

  • (60 minutes) Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

CASE STUDY WITH REPORT AND PRESENTATION AND QUESTIONING​

  • (4000 words) Report submitted 12 weeks after Gateway

  • (40 minutes) Presentation will be submitted with Report

  • (20 minutes) IEPA will ask a minimum of 4 pre-prepared questions.

Teacher and Pupil

Grading Criteria

Fail Criteria: Apprentices who fail to meet the requirements of the observation, case study, presentation and/or professional discussion.

Pass Criteria: The apprentice must demonstrate all of the pass criteria.

Distinction Criteria: The apprentice must display all of the pass criteria and all of the distinction criteria.

Progression Routes

Successful candidates could consider either an EYTS or a QTS qualification

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