Cliffe House Training Academy: All about our Level 2, Level 3 and Level 5 courses

Thinking about beginning a career in early years education? Cliffe House Training Academy might be just the launchpad you’re looking for. 

Established in 2022, our small team has a great depth of early years knowledge, with our tutors and team members each having extensive experience working in nurseries and early years settings. We might be a new(ish) kid on the block, but we’re off to quite the start if we do say so–Ofsted gave us Outstanding across the board at our first inspection (June 2025). Not to mention, all of our students to date have passed their courses, with many receiving distinctions!

We offer structured apprenticeships at Levels 2, 3, and 5—designed for people at different stages of their early years journeys. But how to choose which course is right for you? Let’s break it down.

Level 2: Early Years Practitioner (ST0888) – The first step 

Our Level 2 programme is the perfect first step into a career in early years, particularly if you have no experience working with children previously.

Our Level 2 course typically runs for 12 months and blends practical, workplace learning with formal training.

What will I learn?

Core knowledge and behaviours needed to work with children aged 0–5

How to keep spaces safe, inclusive, and supportive

Basics of play, health & safety, safeguarding, and inclusion

How you’ll be assessed

Everything you learn and are graded on is practical and useful, and directly prepares you for your early years career. It’s not like school where you’re left wondering how it’ll apply in real life!

You’ll create a portfolio of evidence. This will be created through your real-life observations and reflections during your nursery placement. You’ll be asked to reflect on situations and events that happen during your working days in order to support the theories and practices you learn in your face-to face coaching sessions (held once a month). This might take the form of activity plans or filling out examples of documentation like risk assessments.

At the end of your qualification, you will complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to check your understanding and readiness. This usually takes around 3 months and is an impartial assessment (it is carried out by an external organisation, but there’s no extensive travelling, it is often done online or at your place of work). The assessment takes the form of a professional discussion and a practical observation in the workplace.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 16+

You must hold GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

You must have a passion for working with children alongside a kind, caring manner

Progression routes

When you have achieved your Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification, you’re in the perfect spot to take on the next step – our Level 3 Early Years Educator course! You will also count towards the Level 2 ratios in your setting.

Level 3: Early Years Educator (ST0135) – Furthering your skills

The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship is a step up from our Level 2 course. It’s an ideal follow-up for students who have already completed their Level 2 course, either with us or another provider, or if you already have significant experience working with children. 

It will enable you to plan, assess, and lead learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It generally takes around 18 months to complete.

What will I learn?

How babies and young children develop (think theories of attachment, holistic development, EYFS pillars)

How to plan, deliver, and assess within the EYFS framework. This will cover communication, literacy, numeracy and more

Legal standards: safeguarding, confidentiality, health & safety, equal opportunities, SEN inclusion

How to work symbiotically with parents, guardians, colleagues, and specialists to support each individual child

How you’ll be assessed

Like our Level 2 course, everything you learn and are assessed on throughout your course is directly applicable to your role.

Throughout your course, you’ll build a portfolio of work-based evidence, including observations, reflective pieces, and assignments. You will complete this portfolio during your study hours (you will have 6 per week). You will use your experiences at your nursery setting to build up a bank of knowledge and anecdotal evidence that you can draw upon and show off in your portfolio. This evidence may take the form of: completed workplace policies and procedures, a record of continuous professional development, and risk assessments.

At the end of your qualification, you will complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to check your competency. This usually takes around 3 months and is an impartial assessment (it is carried out by an external organisation). The assessment takes the form of a professional discussion and a practical observation in the workplace. You must also have passed a Paediatric First Aid or Emergency First Aid course.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 16+

You must hold GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

You must hold a relevant Level 2 early years qualification or have demonstrable experience working with children

Progression routes

With this qualification, you become a Level 3 Early Years Educator—eligible for roles like room leader, SEN support, or senior nursery assistant. You will count towards the Level 3 ratios in your workplace. It’s also the natural stepping stone to our Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner qualification or to university-level study.

Level 5: Early Years Lead Practitioner (ST0551) – Lead and shape the future

Our Level 5 course is the best way to culminate all of your learning from your Level 2 and Level 3 course. Or, you may be coming to us after working in the sector for a while. This course is such a great opportunity to open doors in your early years career and give you the knowledge, confidence and qualifications to step into more senior leadership positions within your setting. It usually takes around 18-24 months to complete.

What will I learn?

How children learn and develop, from birth to age eight

Leading by example—showcasing play-based learning and inclusive, holistic approaches

Leadership, mentoring, and team management skills

Curriculum planning, quality assurance, operational management, and policy compliance

How you’ll be assessed

Our blended learning scheme of work typically spans 18–24 months. You’ll build a portfolio of work-based evidence, containing examples of various documentation, for example witness statements, risk assessments and referral forms. You will also submit a case study as part of your portfolio. 

At the end of your qualification, you will complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). This usually takes around 3 months and is an impartial assessment (it is carried out by an external organisation). The assessment takes the form of an observation with questioning and a professional discussion (underpinned by your portfolio of evidence).

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19+

You must hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification

You must already be in a senior early years role

Progression routes

With your Level 5 Early Years Educator qualification, you’ll be prepared for roles like Deputy Manager, Room Leader, or Nursery Manager—and it opens doors to higher academic study, like an HND or BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies.

Why choose Cliffe House Training Academy?

Why choose Cliffe House Training Academy?

Outstanding Ofsted result: Ofsted said themselves that we have created something ‘very special’ here at Cliffe House Training Academy. They say that apprentices show quick professionalism and make exceptional progress.

Supportive structure: Expect face-to-face coaching, engaging training days, and real practical support. We pride ourselves on our transparent, friendly and encouraging team – no student is just a number, we really value everyone as an individual.

No or minimal fees: Apprenticeship costs are covered for our students, there is nothing to pay whatsoever. For employers, there’s only a 5% contribution towards the course fee if the student is over 22. For under 22s, there is nothing to pay either.

Clear, real-world progression: Pathways from Level 2 up to leadership and further study are laid out from the start, and we are on-hand at any point to help with career queries and advice.

Contact us today!

Whether you’re just starting out your career in early years or already have some experience under your belt, we can’t wait to talk through your options with you. Here at Cliffe House Training Academy, we’re proud to offer apprenticeships that blend real workplace experience with expert coaching – so you can grow your career with confidence. Get in touch with our friendly team today.