As an Early Years Practitioner, you will be working and interacting with children daily, supporting in the planning of and delivery of activities, play opportunities and educational programmes all whilst ensuring you are working in line with the ethos of the setting you work for.

Within this role, good communication skills are a necessity as you will be working and communicating with parents, children, colleagues as well as multi agency professionals including health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists.

Typical responsibilities as an Early Years Practitioner include-

• Supporting both child initiated and adult led activities based around individual childs needs and interests.

• Supporting children’s learning through planned and purposeful play activities.

• Working as part of a team to allow children to feel safe and secure

• Supporting in the observation and assessment of each child, contributing to their individual learning experiences.

• Assisting with the care needs of each child such as teeth, skin, hair, feeding, changing nappies and toileting under the supervision of a senior member of the team

• Working in collaboration with colleagues, parents and carers and other multi agency professionals where applicable to meet individual needs of a child.

• Working always within health and safety guidelines, to promote the welfare of the children

• Recognising and looking for signs that a child is vulnerable or at risk of harm or abuse.

As an apprentice you need to be employed for at least 30 hours a week.

As an apprentice you will complete 15-18 months of practical training in the workplace, completing a Full Level 2 qualification and portfolio of evidence. Following this you will complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) over the period of 3 months.

The End Point Assessment (EPA) takes place at the end of your apprenticeship. This involves-

• Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio- This is a two-way discussion which involves an independent assessor and you as the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation with reference to your portfolio. It provides you as an apprentice with an opportunity to demonstrate your competency with the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the standard. It will last 90 minutes and the assessor will ask you a minimum of 10 questions.

• Knowledge Test- This is a controlled closed book assessment, lasting 60 minutes consisting of 40 questions.

Whilst you are on programme you willbeworking to compile a portfolio of evidence, you will be observed in the workplace and you will develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours in line with the standard.

For more detail on the Apprenticeship standard for this qualification visit the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Upon completion of this apprenticeship you may wish to progress onto full time work where typical job roles can include Nursery Assistant, Nursery Nurse, Assistant Childminder or Early Years Worker.

You may also wish to continue your studies by completing the Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship or Diploma.

You can discover all the opportunities available to you by exploring the full list of careers in the industry

To study this Apprenticeship you must:

• Enthusiasm for the subject

• Enjoy working with people

• Commitment to study (attendance, punctuality & behaviour)

• Work independently and as part of team

• Good communication and interpersonal skills to work with all ages

• Satisfactory DBS Check

4 GCSES at Grade 3/D or higher including English and Maths or Functional Skills Level 1.

Or the ability to demonstrate ability to this level through initial assessments.

If you would like to enquire for this Apprenticeship, please click 'Enquire' in the top right, follow the steps, and our Apprenticeship Team will be in touch with you. Alternatively, you can explore our current vacancies on the 'Apprenticeship Vacancies' page and apply now.

If you are already employed then please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01524 521483.

Course code: A35710-A1A