Apprenticeship – Early Years Practitioner Level 2

As an apprentice in the early years sector, you will be starting a fulfilling career working with children. In your job role you will be working in an early year’s setting such as a nursery while you complete your training. You will be an employed member of staff and will have responsibilities such as planning engaging activities for children’s learning, safeguarding children, and providing professional care. The apprenticeship will educate you in the early year’s curriculum, child development, safeguarding, important legislation, planning and assessment techniques.

4 x GCSE A*-D / 9-3 including GCSE English at A*-C / 9-4 and Maths at A*-D / 9-3 or equivalent.

Please note that employers may stipulate higher entry requirements than those listed and should therefore be treated as the minimum entry criteria. However, if you do not currently meet the entry requirements for the apprenticeship you wish to apply for, you may also be considered based on related subject qualifications and/or life/work experience or upon successfully achieving the required Basic and Key Skill Builder (BKSB) results.

Should you not hold GCSE English at A*-C / 9-4 and / or Maths at A*-D / 9-3 or equivalent you may have the opportunity to complete a functional skills course alongside your apprenticeship. Suitability will be determined following an initial assessment and diagnostic. Your programme duration may be extended to allow for functional skills.

All information correct at the time of publication but could be subject to change.

Apprentices will build a portfolio of evidence containing examples of work-based evidence, assignments and observations. This will confirm competence and knowledge. Each Apprentice will be elected a qualified work-based trainer from Runshaw College who will assess their practical skills and competence in the workplace.

There will be portfolio building and tests related to Functional Skills if required.

Employers must be prepared to work with their Apprentices to develop their knowledge and skills by providing a wide range of learning and training opportunities as well organise and allow off the job training. Employers are also expected to encourage Apprentices to research their chosen vocation and to support any work experience that will benefit the Apprentice to come up to the required level of competence.

After the Level 2 apprenticeship course, if you have developed within the workplace, you may be able to progress directly to an Advanced Apprenticeship. The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship will allow you to deeper develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours, as well as see you on your way to becoming a qualified level 3 practitioner

Runshaw apprentices will be offered support and be encouraged to develop the ability to work on their own and as team players. We expect our apprentices to show enthusiasm and the motivation to reach and exceed their goals.

It is important to maintain time keeping and attendance for both college (if applicable) and workplace sessions to ensure learners remain on target.

You must be prepared to comply with the vetting procedures for those working with vulnerable adults, children and young people as required by current legislation (ie undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check).

You will need to complete an enhanced DBS for this course and in doing so will need to provide 3 ID documents. These can include; Birth Certificate, Driving License, Passport, Bank statement or a letter.

Please note that if the course is fully funded for you, you may get your DBS for free, if not, there may be an additional fee for this to be processed.

Please contact our Adult Admissions Team to find out more on how to obtain an Enhanced DBS check through the college.

To find out more information on DBS checks, please visit https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/enhanced-dbs-checks

For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.