Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner

This Level 5 apprenticeship (equivalent to a foundation degree) prepares experienced early years professionals to step into senior roles such as Room Leader, Deputy Manager or Early Years Manager.

You’ll develop a deeper understanding of child development, pedagogy, safeguarding, and leadership strategies – all while continuing to work in your current role.

You’ll learn how to:

• Lead and mentor a team of early years practitioners
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusive practice
• Understand child development and how to support learning
• Develop strategies for literacy and numeracy across the setting
• Implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) effectively
• Use leadership theory and reflective practice to improve outcomes

This apprenticeship is perfect if you:

• Already hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Work directly with children aged 0–5 and follow the EYFS framework
• Have some supervisory or leadership responsibilities in your current role
• Want to progress your career into management or training roles

Entry requirements

• You must hold a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification (or equivalent)
• You must have lived in the UK for the past 3 years
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths at grade C/4 are desirable
• If you do not already hold these, you will be supported to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop high-level knowledge, skills and behaviours to lead with confidence and support positive outcomes for children and families.

Knowledge

• Safeguarding, health and safety legislation and guidance
• Child development and theories of learning
• Effective promotion of wellbeing, literacy and numeracy
• Pedagogical and leadership approaches
• The impact of social, cultural and family context on life chances
• Equality, diversity and the rights of the child

Skills

• Lead and support staff in planning, assessment and reflection
• Mentor and coach other practitioners
• Analyse and apply theoretical approaches in practice
• Deliver inclusive, high-quality early education
• Use data and reflective practice to improve provision

Behaviours

• Lead with integrity and professionalism
• Be a positive role model within your setting
• Commit to continuous improvement and CPD
• Champion inclusive and child-centred practice

Programme details

• Duration: 18–24 months
• Delivery: Self-directed learning via our OLLIE platform, monthly tutor-led Zoom sessions, and 1-to-1 support
• Reviews: Quarterly reviews with your tutor and employer to track progress
• Start dates: Flexible, all year round