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L5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship

95% Government Funded + £450 Employer Contribution

4.9

The L5 Early Years Lead Practitioner is an 8-24 month apprenticeship ideal for employees who are in leadership roles in an Early Years setting.
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Apprenticeship Overview

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Blended Learning

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Apprenticeship Organisation

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Duration 8 - 24 months

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What Will You Learn:

Reflective Practice/CPD/PDP

Develop reflective skills to improve practice and support ongoing professional development.
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Health, Well-being & Self-Regulation

Analyse children’s health, wellbeing, and self-regulation, considering curriculum, pedagogy, and the 3 I’s.
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Legislation, Guidance and Sustainability

Understand and apply inclusion, safeguarding, and sustainability to meet children’s needs.
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Child Development

Examine child development from conception to 8, supporting families and fostering collaborative partnerships.
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Case Study

Produce a workplace-based case study using observation, assessment, and planning documentation.
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Leadership and Management

Demonstrate leadership by inspiring, motivating, and modelling innovative, aspirational practice.
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Observation, Planning and Assessment

Explore planning cycles and assessments for effective early intervention and individual child needs.
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Apprenticeship Assessment

Showcase knowledge, skills, and behaviours through observation, questioning, and professional discussion.
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Entry Requirements

  • Be working in a leadership or senior role in an Early Years setting (min. 16 hrs/week)
  • Have lived in the UK or EEA/EU for the last 3+ years (with valid ID)
  • Be aged 16 or over and not currently receiving other government funding (e.g. college or university)
  • Have a minimum of Level 2 in literacy and numeracy (or equivalent)
  • Hold, or be working towards, a valid EYFS-recognised Paediatric First Aid certificate (required before gateway to completion) English & Maths:
  • Ages 16–18 without GCSE English & Maths grade C/4: required to study L2 Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship
  • Ages 19+ without GCSE English & Maths grade C/4: opportunity to study Functional Skills (recommended, as English is required for full EYE status)
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Apprenticeship Funding

  • The government will pay 95% of the cost.
  • Non-Levy employers (under 50 staff members) will need to pay the remaining 5% employer contribution (£450)
Levy employers – if your organisation has an annual payroll over £3 million and over 50 employees, you are classed as a levy-paying employer. You’ll already be contributing to the Apprenticeship Levy and can use these funds to fully cover the cost of this apprenticeship.
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Meet Our Development Coaches

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Laura Tompkins

  • Development Coach, Early Years
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Alice Professional Background

Alice Agatea

  • Development Coach, Early Years
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Elaine Professional Background

Elaine Jenkins

  • Development Coach, Early Years
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Jo Professional Background

Jo Stocker

  • Development Coach, Early Years
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Tracy Professional Background

Tracy Cox

  • Early Years, Senior Development Coach
Read More »
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What Our Students Say

M
“

Marium

Completed apprenticeship in Feb 2025

Being an apprentice with District One Training was an opportunity I am so grateful for. My tutor was such an amazing person to work with. She was supportive but made sure I was producing the best work I could possibly put out.

M
“

Montessori Minds

Early Years Setting

Great training company. We train all of our staff here. The trainers/tutors are excellent. They are the best!

T
“

Timothy Stephens

Acorns Preschool

From the moment we made contact about training they were superb. Communication has been great and the advice through the whole process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers on enrolling, entry requirements and what to expect on the L5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship.

Still have questions?

Need clarity before you start? Speak with our team and get direct answers tailored to you.

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How can I enrol in the apprenticeship?
To enrol in the apprenticeship, you must be working in a senior or leadership role in an Early Years setting. The employer will need to complete a few forms to have everything in place, ready to take on an apprentice!

Once the employer has completed this, we will send a self-registration link to the learner, where they add all their details to our E-portfolio. After this we will arrange an onboarding meeting with the employer, learner and ourselves, where we confirm all the details are correct and everyone understands the requirements & expectations.

When can I start the Apprenticeship?
Our Early Years apprenticeships can be started at any time.
Are there any requirements for this Apprenticeship?
Yes, there a few requirements to keep in mind:

  • Working in an Early Years setting to be able to meet work experience requirements for the ages of 0-5 years
  • Have lived in the UK or EEA/EU for the last 3+ years (With a valid form of ID)
  • 16 years of age and over and not receiving other government funding (e.g. for college or university).
  • There are no specific entry requirements however learners should have a minimum of level two in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.
  • There is not a requirement for learners to have GCSE grades A*–C in English prior to commencing this qualification however learners should be aware that this is required to attain Early Years Educator status.

To enter gateway to completion you must also hold a valid EYFS-recognised Paediatric First Aid certificate, however, this can be completed during your apprenticeship.

I’m new to early years, where should I start?
If you or a staff member is brand new to Early Years, then the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship may be what you're looking for. It serves as an entry point, offering hands-on experience, structured training, and a nationally recognised qualification. 

Apprentices benefit from mentorship and support while contributing to children's development in Early Years settings. This apprenticeship opens doors for career progression and provides a solid foundation for further growth within the sector.

What career options are available with this qualification?

Our students and apprentices have demonstrated remarkable career trajectories. Notable roles our graduates have transitioned into includes:

  • Nursery Manager
  • Deputy Manager
  • Early Years
  • Coordinator/Team
  • Leader
  • Early Years Consultant
  • Nursery Owner
  • Early Years Special
  • Educational Needs
  • (SEN) Coordinator
What if I don’t have an English and maths qualification?
If you are aged 16 - 18 years old and do not have GCSE English & Maths grade C/4 or Functional Skills equivalent, it is a government requirement to study L2 Functional Skills English & Maths, we will support you alongside the apprenticeship to achieve your functional skills English & Maths.

If you are 19+ years old and don’t have GCSE English & Maths grade C/4 or Functional Skills equivalent, you will have the opportunity to study Functional Skills English & Maths, but is not an apprenticeship requirement.

However, as English is a requirement by the EYFS to be fully qualified, we recommend you study English as part of your programme.

How long does the apprenticeship take?
The standard time the L5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship takes is between 8 - 24 months, this fluctuates based on when you enter gateway to completion.

You can enter gateway to completion at 3 months

What will I be expected to do day-to-day?
The apprenticeship works in tandem with your everyday job. The employer has a responsibility to provide sufficient off-the-job hours, where you can take time to develop skills outside of your job role. There will be an expectation of outside learning in your personal time as this is a L5 which is equivalent to a foundation degree.

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