COURSE
L2 Apprenticeship Standard for Early Years Practitioner
The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship is designed for individuals who wish to work in childcare settings/childcare services. An Early Years Practitioner (EYP) delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years in both indoor and outdoor environments. This occupation is 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. An Early Years Practitioner (EYP) works and interacts directly with children on a day-to-day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting. An EYP works as part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professionals in the Early Years Workforce.
In their daily work, an EYP also interacts with parents, children, colleagues and wider multi-agency professionals and partners such as health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists.
As an Early Years Practitioner, you will:
- support child-initiated and adult-led activities based around the needs and interests of each individual child
- support the observation and assessment of each child and contribute to their learning experiences
- assist with the care needs of the individual child such as teeth, skin, hair, feeding, changing nappies and toileting under the direction of a more senior member of the team
- recognise when a child is in danger and/or at risk of serious harm or abuse and contribute to the health and safety of the children, staff and others on the premises
Job Roles this qualification is suitable for:
Examples of a job role this qualification is suitable for but not limited to are:
- Assistant Childminder
- Early Years Practitioner
- Nanny and Early Years Worker
- Nursery Assistant
- Nursery Nurse
- Nursery Practitioner
Entry Requirements:
- Apprentices without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to take the tests for this level prior to taking the end-point Assessment.
- For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3.
- A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
How long will it take to complete?
The qualification usually takes around 12 months. However, it is possible to complete earlier depending on existing achievement and individual circumstances. This can be discussed with your tutor.
Aims of this qualification
The aim of this qualification is to support the apprentice’s understanding of the 3 key areas covering Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.
| KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | BEHAVIOUR |
|---|---|---|
|
How children learn and the expected pattern of babies and children’s development from birth to 5 years and their further development from ages 5 to 7
|
Demonstrate skills and understanding for the prevention and control of infection |
Care and compassion
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How babies’ and young children’s learning and development can be affected by their stage of development, well-being and individual circumstances
|
Recognise when a child is in danger, at risk of serious harm or abuse
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Honesty, trust and integrity
|
|
Safeguarding policies and procedures, including child protection and online safety
|
Promote health and wellbeing |
Positive work ethic |
|
The legal requirements and guidance for Health and Safety and Security |
Extend children’s development and learning through verbal and non-verbal communication |
Being team-focused
|
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The statutory guidance in relation to the care and education of children with special educational needs and disabilities |
Work with colleagues to identify and plan enabling environments, activities, play opportunities and educational programmes to support children’s holistic development
|
Commitment
|
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Ways to communicate with all children appropriate for all their stages of development
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Use learning activities to support early language development
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Work in a non-discriminatory way
|
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The importance of reflective practice and continued professional development |
Support children’s early interest and development in mark-making, writing, reading and being read to
|
Professional practice |
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The importance of the voice of the child, parental/carer engagement, the home learning environment and their roles in early learning |
Support children’s interest and development in mathematical learning including numbers, number patterns, counting, sorting and matching
|
|
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How behaviour can impact on babies and children and influence them |
Observe children, assess, plan and record the outcomes |
|
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Partnership working (including parents/carers) |
Encourage parents and/or carers to take an active role in the baby’s/child’s care, play, learning and development
|
How is it delivered?
The tutor will manage a portfolio of evidence using an online electronic system called OneFile and give regular updates about progress. Apprentices can contact their tutor in-between visits to discuss any aspect of their qualification and will be able to access their online portfolio 24/7.
Learning Outcomes:
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (NCFE)
- Level 1 Functional Skills in English and maths
- Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths
On Programme Learning:
On-programme assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours will lead to the final synoptic end-point assessment.
Assessment Gateway
- Complete Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification
- Complete Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (NCFE)
- Achieve Level 1 English and maths Functional Skills and take the tests for Level 2 prior to taking their EPA
- Receive confirmation from the employer that the apprentice is working at or above the level of the occupational standard
- Submit a portfolio of evidence containing a maximum of 12 pieces of evidence
The purpose of the end-point assessment is to test (in a synoptic way) the skills, knowledge and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard.
The end-point assessment provides apprentices with a showcase opportunity to provide oral and documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship. Enables the independent assessor to assess the skills and behaviours of the apprentice by observing the apprentice in the course of their normal work. Tests the knowledge acquired by the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship.
End Point Assessment
An end-point assessment will be conducted by staff from an Independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (IEPAO) approved by the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations.
The end-point assessment will comprise of two assessments. All assessments must be individually passed for the apprentice to be deemed competent:
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:
A professional discussion is a two-way discussion which involves both the independent assessor and the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to make detailed and proactive contributions to confirm their competency across the KSBs mapped to this method.
The portfolio of evidence should be mapped by the apprentice against the KSBs assessed by the professional discussion. The evidence must include: two direct observations of practice, photographic evidence and naturally generated work products, such as planning documents, health and safety documentation, company policies and procedures in line with the company confidentiality and safeguarding policies and procedures. Progress review documentation, witness testimonies, and feedback from colleagues and parents should also be included.
Grading for Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio: Pass/Distinction
- Knowledge Test:
Knowledge test is a multiple-choice test consisting of 40 questions to assess the knowledge for this occupation. This assessment method tests the knowledge and confirms the competency of the apprentice.
Grading for Knowledge Test: Pass/Distinction
Overall apprenticeship standard grade: Pass/Distinction