Level 2
Early Years Practitioner, Apprenticeship
Level 2
Early Years Practitioner, Apprenticeship
Begin a rewarding career helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. This apprenticeship combines paid employment with professional training, giving you the practical skills, knowledge, and experience needed to support children's development in a real early years setting.
Course Overview
The Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship is an excellent starting point if you want to work with young children and make a positive difference during the most important stages of their development. Combining paid employment with college-based learning, this apprenticeship allows you to gain valuable workplace experience while developing the knowledge and confidence needed to become an effective early years professional.
Working alongside experienced practitioners, you will help create safe, stimulating, and nurturing environments where children can play, learn, and develop. You'll gain an understanding of child development, safeguarding, communication, and the importance of supporting every child's individual needs through engaging activities and positive relationships.
You will attend college one day each week, where experienced tutors with extensive knowledge of the early years sector will support your learning. As a Weston College apprentice, you will also become a member of our Education Career Excellence Hub, giving you access to employer partnerships, guest speakers, industry workshops, networking opportunities, and valuable insight into careers across education and childcare.
This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for progressing to the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship and building a long-term career in the early years sector.
What will I study?
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to work effectively within an early years setting.
Topics include:
• Child and young person development • Safeguarding children and promoting welfare • Supporting positive behaviour • Partnership working with families and professionals • Health, safety, and creating positive environments • Child development and learning through play • Planning and delivering activities • Observation and assessment • Equality, diversity, and inclusive practice • Professional communication and teamwork
You will attend college one day each week while applying your learning within your workplace, allowing you to develop practical skills and professional confidence throughout the programme.
As part of your apprenticeship, you will also develop your English and maths skills where required through Functional Skills qualifications.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the apprenticeship and concludes with an End-Point Assessment.
Assessment includes:
• Workplace observation • Professional discussion • Knowledge test • Practical workplace assessments • Portfolio of evidence • Regular progress reviews with your assessor
Your assessor will work closely with both you and your employer to support your progress and professional development.
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Paid employment while completing your qualification • Membership of Weston College's Education Career Excellence Hub • One day per week of specialist college-based learning • Training from experienced early years professionals • Guest lectures and employer workshops • Partnerships with local nurseries and childcare providers • Career planning and progression support • Opportunities to build professional networks across the education sector
You must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week, allowing you to gain extensive practical experience while studying towards your qualification.
Entry Requirements
• A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–2, including at least two GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
OR
• A relevant Level 1 qualification
You must also:
• Be employed in a relevant early years setting • Complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as required by your employer • Be willing to complete Functional Skills qualifications where required
If you are not currently employed, Weston College can provide advice and support to help you find a suitable apprenticeship opportunity.
What can I do after this course?
Successful completion of this apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for further training and career progression.
You could progress to:
• Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship • Additional childcare and education qualifications • Higher-level apprenticeships within education and childcare
Career opportunities include:
• Early Years Practitioner • Nursery Assistant • Preschool Assistant • Childcare Assistant • Playworker • Nursery Support Worker • Children's Activity Leader
Completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship can lead to qualified Early Years Educator status and open the door to more senior childcare and education roles.
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.
Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
Full Fee: £0.00 ?
Supported Fee: £0.00
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