Early Years Practitioner
Working and interacting directly with children on a day to day basis, supporting the planning and delivery of activities.
Overview of the Standard
The Early Years Practitioner (EYP) works, and interacts, directly with children on a day to day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting. An EYP works as part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional the Early Years Workforce.
Details of the Standard
The apprenticeship is broken up into distinct phases:
- The sign-up, which includes an assessment of maths and English, and an agreement between us, the apprentice and the employer, regarding the training plan.
- The practical period, which is the bulk of the apprenticeship. This is where the apprentice completes their required off-job-training according to the agreed training plan.
- The gateway. At the end of the practical period, the employer, training provider and apprentice meet to discuss the next, and final stage, the End Point Assessment (EPA). At the Gateway meeting, we ensure that the apprentice is ready to undertake the EPA.
- The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the last stage of the apprenticeship. The apprentice will undertake a series of independent assessments, which may include multiple choice questions, a professional discussion and/or a practical test. Successfully completing this step results in achieving the apprenticeship!
Duration
This apprenticeship is based on a 12-month practical period.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are largely dependent on the vacancy notice set out by the employer - please read the job advert that relates to the role you are considering.
English and maths
At Level 2, apprentices who do not have Level 1 (GCSE Grade D) in English and maths must prioritise achieving Level 1 in these subjects and are only required to work towards Level 2 English and maths where they have time remaining to make meaningful progress (once they have achieved Level 1).
Curriculum, delivery and readiness for End-Point-Assessment
The content delivery will be agreed between the apprentice, employer and training provider and is based upon prior knowledge and qualifications. This agreement forms the individualised Training Plan, detailing how the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship Standard will be met.
The employer, and Training Provider, will formally sign-off that the apprentice has met the minimum requirements in regard to knowledge, skills and behaviours within the Standard and confirm they are ready to move on to the end assessment. This will happen during a meeting involving the apprentice, their line manager and the trainer.
The end point assessment takes place at the end of the apprentice’s learning and development, after a minimum of 12 month’s on programme learning.
Summary End-Point-Assessment
The End Point Assessment consists of three elements, which must be completed successfully to achieve the apprenticeship. These are:
- Multiple choice knowledge test consisting of 40 questions.
- Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio, to establish the apprentice’s understanding and application of knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Progression
Once completed, the Early Years Practitioner should consolidate their learning in the workplace, then consider moving on to the Level 3 Early Years Educator.