Early Years Practitioner Level 2

Early Years Practitioners play a vital role in supporting the learning and care of children from birth to age 5, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). They work in a variety of settings, including nurseries, preschools, reception classes, children’s centres, and family hubs.

Your apprentice will:

• Support engaging activities – both child-led and adult-led
• Assist with observation and assessment to track progress
• Provide essential care such as feeding, changing, and toileting
• Work collaboratively with parents, carers, and professionals
• Promote health, safety, and safeguarding at all times

Hiring an apprentice helps you develop skilled, committed staff who understand your setting’s ethos and contribute to high-quality care and education.

Qualification

On successful completion, apprentices will achieve a Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship details

The Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship. equips apprentices with the core skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for a successful career in childcare.

What it covers:

Knowledge

• How babies and young children learn and develop from birth to 7 years
• The importance of speech, language, communication, and holistic development
• Safeguarding and child protection, including Prevent and online safety
• Health and safety requirements, risk management, and infection control
• Nutrition, wellbeing, and promoting healthy lifestyles
• Observation, assessment, and planning for learning
• Equality, diversity, inclusion, and supporting children with SEND
• Partnership working with parents, carers, and professionals
• The statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework

Skills

• Plan and deliver purposeful play and learning activities
• Support care routines such as feeding, hygiene, and toileting
• Communicate effectively with children and families
• Observe and assess development to inform planning
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and multi-agency teams
• Promote safeguarding, health, and safety at all times

Behaviours

• Caring and compassionate
• Professional and responsible
• Inclusive and respectful
• Committed to continuous development

Delivery

This programme combines on-the-job experience with off-the-job training, giving your apprentice practical skills and structured learning.

They will:

• Complete the required off-the-job training hours
• Attend mandatory monthly tutor-led sessions
• Record independent study in a reflective learning log to capture progress and achievements
• Receive regular support from a Skills Development Tutor, who works closely with your workplace mentor to monitor development

This approach ensures apprentices gain real-world experience while building the knowledge and skills your setting needs.

Entry requirements 

For apprentices aged 16–18:

• If they do not have Level 1 English and maths, they’ll need to achieve these qualifications as part of the apprenticeship.
• If they already hold Level 1, they must attend sessions and complete the Level 2 tests.

For apprentices aged 19+:

• Functional Skills is no longer mandatory.
• However, if an apprentice chooses to opt out, employer approval is required.

Additional Requirement:

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is essential for anyone working in this industry.

Progression

On successful completion, apprentices can progress onto higher-level apprenticeships, or supervisory roles within childcare.