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Apprenticeship

L2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard

Birth to five, indoors and out

An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.

Speak to us today

The short answer

12 monthsPlus assessment
Fully funded for most employersSmaller employers pay nothing towards the training.
Level 2Nationally recognised
Before they start

What an apprentice needs

Initial assessment will take place to establish starting points and then the required support will be provided throughout

The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.

What they’ll learn

Delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage in private and public settings, under the guidance of an Early Years Educator or other qualified professional.

  1. They will work directly with children every day

    Supporting the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting.

    Covers planning and delivering activities, purposeful play, educational programmes

  2. They will deliver against the EYFS requirements

    The government requirements for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five, in both indoor and outdoor environments.

    Covers Early Years Foundation Stage, learning and development, indoor and outdoor provision

  3. They will work as part of a professional team

    Ensuring the welfare and care of children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional.

    Covers welfare and care, working under supervision, professional team working

  4. The role travels across the sector

    Full day care, children's centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, home-based provision, hospitals, social care and out-of-school settings.

    Covers day care, children's centres, pre-schools, reception, home-based, hospital and social care settings

Assessment

Nobody springs anything on anyone

Assessment Method All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.

1
Throughout

Coursework and portfolio

Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.

2
Every 8 to 10 weeks

A review with you

The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.

3
Before the end

A full mock

Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.

Getting started

What it takes, on both sides

If you're the employer

  • A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
  • Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
  • Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
  • Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.

If you want to be the apprentice

  • A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
  • Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
  • An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
  • No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
Where it leads

This is a step, not a destination

Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.

Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.

Progression

Where this course can take you

  1. Before you start
  2. This course Level 2
  3. Further study

Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.

Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

See all 20 courses

At this college

At North Lindsey College

Careers it can lead to

  • Early Education and Childcare Assistants £13.30 an hour
  • Childminders £12.72 an hour
  • Houseparents and Residential Wardens £25,800 a year
  • Care Workers and Home Carers £13.39 an hour
See all 12 careers
  • Senior Care Workers £26,800 a year
  • Nannies and Au Pairs £14.13 an hour
  • Educational Support Assistants £14.50 an hour

With further study or experience

  • Early Education and Childcare Practitioners £12.96 an hour
  • Child and Early Years Officers £27,500 a year
  • Nursery Education Teaching Professionals £34,800 a year
  • Early Education and Childcare Services Managers £22,400 a year
  • Early Education and Childcare Services Proprietors £44,300 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

How to start this apprenticeship

It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.

I'm an employer

Put someone on this programme

Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.

Speak to us today 0800 358 7979

Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.

I want to be an apprentice

You'll need an employer first

An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.

No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.