Level 5 Early years LEAD PRACTITIONER

Early Years Lead Practitioners play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education and care within early years settings. They lead by example, supporting teams to deliver outstanding practice while ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life. Combining expert knowledge of child development with strong leadership skills, they drive continuous improvement and create environments where children can learn, develop, and thrive.

Our Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship is designed for experienced early years professionals who are ready to take the next step in their career. The programme develops the advanced knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to lead high-quality practice, mentor colleagues, and contribute to the strategic development of an early years setting.

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will build expertise in child development, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum planning, and quality improvement. Apprentices will also develop essential leadership and management skills, enabling them to coach and support colleagues, lead change, and ensure the highest standards of education and care are maintained.

This apprenticeship equips learners with the confidence to influence practice across their setting, promote positive outcomes for children and families, and create an inclusive environment where every child can flourish. By successfully completing the programme, apprentices will be well prepared to progress into senior positions such as Room Leader, Deputy Nursery Manager, Nursery Manager, or other leadership roles within the early years sector.

Whether you are looking to enhance your leadership capabilities or strengthen the quality of provision within your setting, the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship provides the skills, knowledge, and professional confidence to lead excellence in early years education.

Apprentices will develop an in-depth understanding of:

• Child development from conception to eight years, including typical and atypical development. 
• The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and child-centred approaches to learning. 
• Safeguarding, child protection, health, safety and wellbeing. 
• Inclusive practice, equality, diversity and supporting children with additional needs. 
• Speech, language and communication development. 
• Observation, assessment and curriculum planning. 
• The importance of play in children's learning and development. 
• Partnership working with parents, carers and multi-agency professionals. 
• Leadership, mentoring and coaching techniques. 
• Quality improvement, reflective practice and continuous professional development. 
• Legislation, policies and regulatory requirements within early years settings.  

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will develop the ability to:

• Lead high-quality early years practice and act as a role model for colleagues. 
• Create safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environments. 
• Plan, implement and evaluate learning experiences that meet individual children's needs. 
• Observe, assess and monitor children's progress to inform next steps in learning. 
• Promote children's communication, language and literacy development. 
• Support children's emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive behaviour. 
• Work collaboratively with families and external professionals. 
• Coach, mentor and support colleagues to improve practice. 
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and contribute to inspection readiness. 
• Use reflective practice to continually improve outcomes for children and the setting.  

Successful Early Years Lead Practitioners will demonstrate professional behaviours including:

• Acting as an advocate for every child and championing their rights. 
• Leading with professionalism, integrity and accountability. 
• Promoting inclusive, child-centred practice. 
• Building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues. 
• Demonstrating resilience, adaptability and initiative. 
• Supporting teamwork and inspiring others through positive leadership. 
• Committing to continuous professional development and lifelong learning. 
• Maintaining high ethical standards and promoting excellence across the setting. 
• Taking responsibility for driving continuous improvement and delivering high-quality outcomes for children.

This Apprenticeship lasts 24 months

• Assessment method 1: Observation with questioning 
• Assessment method 2: Professional Discussion underpinned by the Portfolio

Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard and grade of: 

• Fail 
• Pass 
• Distinction