Early Years Practitioner (L2) Apprenticeship Standard

Are you passionate about supporting young children in their early development? This apprenticeship is the perfect starting point for a rewarding career in childcare and early education.

What you will experience

The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship provides the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to work confidently in a variety of early years settings, including nurseries, preschools, reception classes, and childminding environments.

You’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside qualified childcare professionals while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification. Learning is delivered through a blend of:

• On-the-job training in your workplace

• Off-the-job learning, including some group sessions at college and some online study

You’ll be supported throughout by an experienced and a highly skilled Assessor.

Duration and Assessment

The programme typically takes 12 months to complete, followed by an End Point Assessment (EPA). This includes:

• A workplace observation• A professional discussion

Who is it for?

This apprenticeship is ideal for anyone starting their career in childcare or looking to formalise existing experience with a recognised qualification.

End point assessment

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at CRC. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) for the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship consists of two components: an observation with questioning and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence. Prior to EPA, the apprentice must meet all Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours as set out in the standard, hold English and maths in line with the apprenticeship requirements, and be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer. The EPA is graded as Fail, Pass, or Distinction, and typically takes up to three months to complete.

GCSEs are delivered and assessed in a variety of ways at college, with flexibility, relating to your employer and the service industry sector.

GCSE English and maths grade 3-1 or Functional Skills level 1 and you must be employed in the correct job role to provide evidence for a portfolio of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.

Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

It is important to be aware that an apprentice is an employed role so the hiring employer may have additional criteria that will have to be met alongside CRC’s entry criteria.

You can progress to roles such as an Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Assistant, Preschool Practitioner, or move on to the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship for further career development.