You are viewing the details for the course:

Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 2

Marketing Title
01/08/2000
Format
31/07/2099
Format
Level 2
Full-Time
APS20550A (RORO)
Nelson and Colne College / Accrington and Rossendale College
Unable To Enrol Message

Course Information

Course Information
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship provides the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to begin a rewarding career working with children from birth to five years. This apprenticeship is focused on delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by government, supporting the learning, development, and care of young children in both indoor and outdoor environments.

As an apprentice, you will be responsible for supporting both child-initiated and adult-led activities, planned around the needs and interests of each individual child. You will help children learn through purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes, while also developing an understanding of safeguarding, child development, and inclusive practice.

Working as part of a team, you will ensure every child feels safe, secure, and supported, while building strong communication and interpersonal skills. This apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for those passionate about early years education and helping children reach their full potential.
Child Development – understanding how children grow, learn, and develop from birth to five years.

Safeguarding and Welfare – promoting children’s safety, health, and wellbeing at all times.

Supporting Play and Learning – planning purposeful activities that encourage exploration and development.

Adult-Led and Child-Initiated Activities – tailoring experiences to meet the needs of individual children.

Communication and Language Development – supporting children to build vocabulary and express themselves.

Working with Families and Professionals – developing positive relationships with parents, carers, and colleagues.

Inclusive Practice – ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and supported.

Professional Behaviours – teamwork, reliability, and reflective practice in an early years setting
The apprenticeship is delivered through a blend of on-the-job training in an early years setting and off-the-job learning at college. In the workplace, you will gain first-hand experience supporting children’s learning and development, guided by experienced practitioners. At college, you will attend structured sessions on child development, safeguarding, and inclusive practice.

Learning is practical and applied, with opportunities to put theory into practice during daily activities with children. You will also benefit from workplace visits, mentoring, and regular reviews from Trainer Assessors, ensuring you build the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to meet Early Years Foundation Stage standards.
A Level 2 qualification is equivalent to GCSE Grades 4-9 and you will be expected to have achieved at least 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above to enrol on to one of these programmes. Successful completion of this course will pave the way for you to further your studies at Level 3. Minimum GCSE grade 2 for English and maths. If you don’t achieve these, you will need to complete an initial assessment in English and maths to identify your eligibility for the course.

These requirements may alter dependent on the needs of the employer.
Workplace observations to assess practical skills in real settings

Written assignments and knowledge tests to evidence understanding

Portfolio completion showcasing your achievements and progression

Regular reviews with your employer and Trainer Assessor

End Point Assessment (EPA) – independently assessed and including a professional discussion and practical observation of your practice
We are an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ College, with a strong reputation for teaching and learner support.

Apprentices benefit from expert Trainer Assessors with extensive childcare and early years experience.

The programme has been co-created with employers, ensuring training is aligned to sector standards and practice.

Apprentices feel valued, supported, and encouraged, enabling them to thrive and succeed.

Strong links with local nurseries, schools, and early years providers create excellent opportunities for employment and progression.
Completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship prepares you for a range of roles in childcare and education. Typical positions include Nursery Assistant, Playgroup Assistant, or Early Years Practitioner, working in nurseries, pre-schools, or primary schools.

With experience, you can progress into more senior roles or continue your studies through the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship, supporting long-term career development. Many apprentices also choose to specialise in areas such as special educational needs or child safeguarding. This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for those passionate about supporting children’s learning and development in the early years.
As an Early Years Practitioner apprentice, you will benefit from access to specialist childcare and education facilities. These include dedicated classrooms equipped with interactive learning technology, spaces designed for practical childcare training, and resources that reflect real early years environments.

You will also have access to the Learning Resource Centre, providing childcare texts, journals, and online resources to support your studies. Strong employer partnerships and work placements in nurseries, schools, and childcare providers ensure you gain practical, hands-on experience alongside your college training.
ONLINE_LEARNING_IMAGE
ONLINE_LEARNING_IMAGE