Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

What is the Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship?

This apprenticeship is designed for people who work or want to work with babies and young children from birth to 5 years old. As an Early Years Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in supporting children’s early learning and development. You’ll help to create a safe, caring and stimulating environment where children can explore, build confidence, and develop key life skills.

You’ll learn how to:

• Support children’s physical, emotional and social development
• Encourage communication, language and literacy skills through play and interaction
• Promote healthy lifestyles and good nutrition
• Help children feel safe, secure and ready to learn
• Work as part of a team in line with safeguarding and health & safety requirements

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• You must be aged 16 or over
• You must be living in England and not in full-time education
• Be ready to work towards English and Maths GCSE (if you haven’t already)
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required by your employer

Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll develop a strong mix of knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours that will prepare you to thrive in any early years setting. From supporting play to promoting healthy lifestyles, you’ll gain the confidence and capability to help children learn and grow.

Knowledge

• Children’s development from birth to 7 years
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Health and safety in early years settings
• How to support children’s play, learning and development
• Communication and partnership working with families and professionals
• Equalities, diversity and inclusive practice

Skills

• Support children’s emotional, social and physical development
• Promote play-based learning through planned and spontaneous activities
• Assist with observations and assessments of children’s progress
• Communicate effectively with children and adults
• Contribute to keeping children safe and healthy

Behaviours

• Care and concern for the wellbeing of all children
• Professionalism, honesty and integrity
• Commitment to improving practice and lifelong learning
• Respect for diversity and individual needs

How Long Does It Take?

• The apprenticeship typically lasts 12 to 14 months
• Includes live online classroom sessions, 1-to-1 tutor reviews, and workplace observations
• Ends with a professional discussion and a multiple-choice exam as part of your End Point Assessment (EPA)

What Happens After?

Once you’ve completed the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to:

• Work as a qualified Level 2 Practitioner in a nursery, preschool or early years setting
• Continue your career and progress onto the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship
• Take on more responsibility in your role with confidence and professional training

Hear from a Learner – Jade’s Story:

“I enrolled on this Level 2 Apprenticeship because I wanted to work in a nursery as soon as I left school. I get to learn in live sessions every other Tuesday and have already made some lovely friends. The trainer is really supportive, and I enjoy taking what I learn back to the nursery. It’s so exciting to be part of the children’s first Christmas Nativity! – Jade”