The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship is designed for people supporting the care, learning and development of babies and young children under appropriate guidance.
Who is it for?
It can suit a new nursery assistant, pre-school assistant, early years support worker or someone moving into childcare without a full Level 3 qualification. You need an employed role that gives you enough opportunity to develop and demonstrate the required skills.
What will you learn?
- Safeguarding, child protection and professional responsibilities
- Child development and how children learn through purposeful play
- Care routines, health, hygiene and wellbeing
- Supporting communication, language and positive behaviour
- Working with parents, carers and other professionals
- Observation, planning and reflective practice
How long does Level 2 take?
The exact training period is agreed with the employer and provider and depends on working hours and prior learning. Many programmes are planned over roughly 12 to 15 months, followed by end-point assessment, but you should confirm the current structure with the provider.
Entry requirements
Providers and employers set their own recruitment requirements. They will assess English and maths needs, prior qualifications, right to work and whether the job is suitable for the apprenticeship.
What can you do afterwards?
Successful practitioners may progress into a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship when their role and experience support it. Level 3 can open the route to greater responsibility within an early years setting.