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L2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

95% Government Funded + £250 Employer Contribution

4.9

The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work in a childcare setting and qualifies you as a Nursery Assistant.
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Apprenticeship Overview

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Blended learning

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Assessment Organisation

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Duration 8 - 15 months

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What Will You Learn:

Health, Safety & Wellbeing of Children

Learn about the legislation and guidance which governs Early Years. Plan and implement physical care plans & promote healthy lifestyles.
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Communication with Children

Promoting positive behaviour, enabling play environments, support developing speech, language & communication, numeracy and literacy development.
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Supporting Activities and Purposeful Play

Learning the skills to support and implement the statutory framework for babies and young children to create a stimulating play environment.
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Role of the Practitioner

Learn to become a reflective practitioner, understanding your role and the importance of reflective practice.
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Safeguarding in a Childcare setting

Developing an awareness to work within legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding within the Early Year setting.
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Supporting Children with Additional Needs

Learn how to identify additional needs and the role of early intervention for supporting children with additional support needs.
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Understanding Child Development

Identify relevant theory and philosophical approaches, support children's communication, holistic development and ensuring the EYFS requirements are met.
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Working in Partnership

Learning the principles of how to work in partnership with others in relation to current frameworks.
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Entry Requirements

  • Be working in an Early Years setting (min. 16 hrs/week, with children aged 0–5)
  • 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 1 in literacy and numeracy (if under 19 for Maths ) (or equivalent)
  • 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 EYP status)
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Apprenticeship Funding

  • The government will pay 95% of the apprenticeship
  • The remaining of the apprenticeship 5% (£250) is to be paid by the employer
If your organisation has an annual payroll over £3 million or over 50 employees, you’re 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.
District One Training apprenticeships funding

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
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What Our Students Say

“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
MariumCompleted apprenticeship in Feb 2025
“Great training company. We train all of our staff here. The trainers/tutors are excellent. They are the best!”
MM
Montessori MindsEarly Years Setting
“From the moment we made contact about training they were superb. Communication has been great and the advice through the whole process.”
TS
Timothy StephensAcorns Preschool

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers on enrolling, entry requirements and what to expect on the L2 Early Years 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 already be working in an Early Years setting. The employer will contact us and 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 one 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 Practitioner status.

If you don’t meet the requirements you may be eligible to enrol into our privately funded course instead.

What career options are available with this qualification?

Our students and apprentices have gone on to do amazing things! Qualification and experience in childcare can lead to so many different things. Roles they have progressed into include:

  • Nursery Practitioner
  • Room Assistant
  • Childminding Assistant
  • Nanny or Early Years Worker
  • Nursery Nurse
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 quick can you complete the apprenticeship?
The standard time the L2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship takes is between 8 - 15 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 L2 which is equivalent to GCSEs.
What is Off-the-job Training?
Off-the-job training is a government requirement and must take place during your normal paid working hours. It’s an essential part of your apprenticeship, designed to help you build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role and further career progression.

This training includes a wide range of planned learning activities, such as online teaching sessions, in-house training, workplace assessments, supervisions, work-based tasks, and projects. The idea is to gain new experiences and develop professionally beyond your day-to-day duties

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