Introduction
The Early Years Practitioner will work and interact directly with children on a day to day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities. Typical job roles would include Nursery Assistant, Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Nurse, Assistant Childminder, Nanny and Early Years Worker.
This occupation is found in a range of private and public settings including; full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, home based provision, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments and local authority provision to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 in both indoor and outdoor environments. The broad purpose of the occupation is to work and interact 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.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with parents, children, colleagues and wider multi agency professionals and partners such as health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists. Individuals will undergo all checks as per the EYFS requirements to ensure suitability to work with children. Due to the nature and level of responsibility it is not anticipated that the role would have any budgetary or leadership responsibilities. They will be responsible for supporting child initiated and adult led activities based around the needs and interests of each individual child, supporting children’s learning through planned, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes and working as part of a team to ensure each child feels safe and secure.
An EYP will also support the observation and assessment of each child and contribute to their learning experiences and assist with the care needs of the individual child such as teeth, skin, hair, feeding, changing nappies and toileting under direction of a more senior member of the team. They will also work in partnerships with other colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals, with support from a more senior member of the team, to meet the individual needs of each child. They will also have a responsibility for ensuring that they recognise when a child is in danger and/or at risk of serious harm or abuse and contributing to the health and safety of the children, staff and others on the premises.
Off the Job Training:
A key requirement of an Apprenticeship is Off-the-job training. This must make up at least 20% of the apprentice’s contracted hours, over the total duration of the apprentice’s planned training period. Off-the-job training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and must take place within the apprentice’s normal working hours. The new learning must be documented and reflected on through the Learner Journal on their e-portfolio.
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Entry Requirements
The Apprentice will need to be in a relevant role and show a willingness to undertake the knowledge, skills and behaviours required. They will also need to have Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE at Grade 4/C or above or equivalent) or be prepared to attend a block study period for Maths and English if this is required.
Apprentices may be required to attend an interview and undertake relevant skills assessments. Once they have been accepted on to the programme all apprentices will be required to attend a Lincoln College Induction. Apprentices will require access to a tablet/computer to access their e-portfolio.
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Assessment and Progression
Assessment is done through a combination of practical tasks, written assignments, oral discussions and online tests throughout the programme:
• One to one support from a dedicated, professional assessor/instructor allocated to the learner for the duration of the programme.
• Work based assignments and projects to be completed in an e-portfolio.
• Case studies and in College course days as and when required for each learner.
• Job shadowing and mentoring, cross training in other departments.
• Independent learning and research as directed by the assessor, relevant to the area of study.
• Review of progress every 1-12 weeks with the Apprentice, Manager and Assessor, evaluating and contributing to what has been learnt and what the next steps to take are.
End Point Assessment
There will be an End Point Assessment (EPA) as the final stage of an Apprenticeship. The Apprentice must demonstrate their learning to an independent end point assessor and the overall grade available is distinction, pass or fail.
Assessment method 1: Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio
The professional discussion must last for 90 minutes with a minimum of 10 questions asked. Follow up questions may be asked to assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding, skills and behaviours and authenticate their portfolio of evidence. The independent assessor has the discretion to increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10% to allow the apprentice to complete their last answer
Assessment method 2: Knowledge Test
A knowledge test is a controlled assessment which consists of a series of questions in which apprentices are asked to provide a response. It is an accurate and reliable way of assessing those knowledge elements which have a clear correct/incorrect response. The test can be computer based or paper based and will consist of 40 questions. These questions will consist of closed response questions (i.e. multiple-choice questions.
Qualifications:
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Qualification
Progression:
Level 3 Early Years Educator
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Fees
As an Apprentice, you will pay no course fees. However, your employer may have to pay towards your training as well as providing you with a wage. All Apprentices are entitled to the national minimum apprentice wage within their first year of training from their employer, although they can, and often do, pay more. In the second and subsequent years of an Apprenticeship programme, if you are aged 19 or over, the national minimum wage for your age would apply [https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates]
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