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Child Care Apprenticeships

To work in child care gives you the opportunity to play a key part in the development of the youngest members in our society. A highly trained and skilled early years workforce means we will ensure our pre-school children learn and develop as they should, and are kept safe.

When you undertake an apprenticeship in childcare, you will learn all the underpinning KNOWLEDGE you need to do your job effectively, and you will develop the SKILLS and BEHAVIOURS needed to help the children who rely on you from day to day. You will also need to study maths & English at a level appropriate to your apprenticeship, but you may be exempt from these if you have existing qualifications with evidence in an acceptable format.

You will have a structured learning programme including both ‘on the job’ and ‘off the job’ activities, designed to cover everything you need to learn. Your VTS tutor will meet with you regularly to guide you through your learning and this will be complemented by support from your employer. You will build a portfolio of evidence which will include work you have completed, professional discussion records and observations by your tutor, and you will have plenty of opportunity to put into practice the new skills you are learning. Your progress will be reviewed regularly and both you and your employer will be involved in this process.

It is important that you study at a level which is right for you, so before you enrol we will gather information from you regarding your existing qualifications, past industry experience and job role, and ask you to complete a basic maths & English assessment. Your tutor will then be able to discuss with you and your employer which is the right level for you to study.

For an explanation on funding bands, click here.

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship funding band value
£4000
  • The level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship standard is suitable for childcare workers who are relatively new to the childcare industry and generally work under supervision. Job roles could include – Nursery Assistant, Junior Nursery Nurse, Childcare Assistant.
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  • Elements:

  • Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
  • Maths – GCSE minimum grade E (2/3) or functional skills level 1
  • English – GCSE minimum grade E (2/3) or functional skills level 1
  • End Point Assessment (EPA)
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  • Typical duration: 12 months

Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship funding band value
£7000
  • The level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard is suitable as a natural progression from the level 2. In some cases where a person has significant industry experience or a previous related qualification, they may be able to enrol straight onto the level 3. Job roles could include – room leader, assistant manager, senior nursery nurse, childminder.

  • Elements:

  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce
  • Maths – GCSE minimum grade C (4 or above) or functional skills level 2
  • English – GCSE minimum grade C (4 or above) or functional skills level 2
  • Paediatric First Aid Certificate
  • End Point Assessment (EPA)

  • Typical duration: 18 months

Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship funding band value
£8000
  • The level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship standard is suitable as a progression from a level 3 qualification. Existing job roles will need to be of a managerial position. Possible job roles could include: Room Leaders, Deputy Managers, Senior Practitioners and Assistant Managers.
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  • Elements:

  • Maths – GCSE minimum grade C (4 or above) or functional skills level 2
  • English – GCSE minimum grade C (4 or above) or functional skills level 2
  • End Point Assessment (EPA)
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  • Typical duration: 20 months

Child Care Apprenticeships