Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship (AFCHD)

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will work and interact directly with children on a day-to-day basis supporting the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting. You will ensure the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, Teacher or other suitably qualified professional the Early Years workforce. In your daily work, you will interact with parents, children, colleagues and wider multi-agency professionals and partners.

You will develop and achieve a range of skills, knowledge and behaviours during your apprenticeship programme as you become a qualified Early Years Practitioner.

You will be meeting the requirements of the occupation duties:

• Work in partnership with other colleagues, parents and/or carers and other professionals to meet the individual needs of each child in line with company policies and procedures.
• Use play to support children to understand and encourage healthy life choices.
• Identify issues of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring that the welfare and safety of children is promoted and safeguarded and to report any child protection concerns to the person in charge.
• Carry out self-reflection and use continuous professional development opportunities to improve practice.
• Undertake specific tasks related to the safety and hygiene of the children and the cleanliness of the setting.
• Use your knowledge of child development to work with parents and carers to improve children’s outcomes and wellbeing, including those with disabilities and additional needs.
• Contribute to the planning and organisation of activities and children’s individual experiences which will support and extend the children's learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Communicate and engage with children to support their learning and development.
• Support the collection of accurate and up-to-date records which identify children's individual needs, abilities and progress and use these as a basis for future planning.
• Support the wellbeing of all children including those with additional needs and disabilities.

You will achieve the Cache Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard.

Units of study include:

• Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner
• Health and safety of babies and young children
• Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in Early Years settings
• Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in Early Years settings
• Understand how to support children’s development
• Support care routines for babies and young children
• Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes
• Promote play in an Early Years setting
• Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
• Support babies and young children to be physically active
• Support the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disability
• Promote positive behaviour in Early Years settings
• Partnership working in the Early Years setting
• Support the needs of the child in preparing for school

You will be assessed by your trainer using an e-portfolio of evidence, observations in the workplace and longitudinal study.

You will go through an End Point Assessment including:

• Assessment method 1: Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio

• Assessment method 2: Knowledge Test

• Level 1 Childcare qualification

• GCSE English and Maths grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths

• Undertake the Disclosure and Barring Service process and provide the result

• You will need to find an employer to employ you as an apprentice.

You can progress onto Higher Level study or secure employment as a: Early Year Practitioner – Nursery Assistant, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Nurse, Assistant Childminder, Nanny and Early Years Worker.

These roles can be found in a range of private and public settings including; full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, home based provision, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments and local authority provision.