Our courses
Learn more about our Level 2, Level 3 and Level 5 courses
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
ST0888
Our entry-level course. We will equip you with the knowledge and skills to begin a successful career in Early Years.
It is a stepping stone to our Level 3 and Level 5 courses and is ideal for those who have little or no experience working with children, or for those who have not previously completed an Early Years qualification.
What will I learn?
You will gain the essential skills and knowledge to needed to work with children aged 0-5.
This includes (but not limited to): Safeguarding, Play & Learning, Health & Safety, Inclusion & Equality, and School Readiness.
How will I be assessed?
The course is practically focused, meaning you’ll learn relevant theory but also apply your skills in a real early years setting. We will provide you with this placement as part of your apprenticeship.
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, including observations, reflective accounts and activity plans.
What entry requirements do I need?
You must be aged 16 or over.
A good standard of Maths and English is required. We ask for a Grade 4 (equivalent to a C) in Maths and English at GCSE.
A genuine interest in working with children is essential.
Where will it take me?
Once you’ve successfully completed your course, you’ll be recognised as a Level 2 qualified practitioner. This means you can count towards staff ratios in early years settings and take on a variety of rewarding roles, including Nursery Assistant, Preschool Assistant, Childminder or Nanny.
Level 3 Early Years Educator
ST0135
Our Level 3 course goes beyond the foundations laid in our Level 2 course, to prepare you for greater responsibility in early years settings.
Level 3 leads perfectly onto our Level 5 course. Level 3 is the perfect option for those who already have a relevant Level 2 Early Years qualification or have significant experience working with children already.
What will I learn?
You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of how children grow, learn & thrive.
This includes (but not limited to): Health & Wellbeing, Observation, Assessment & Planning, Positive Behaviour & Relationships, Special Educational Needs & Inclusion, and School Readiness.
How will I be assessed?
The course is practically focused, meaning you’ll learn relevant theory but also apply your skills in a real early years setting. We will provide you with this placement as part of your apprenticeship.
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, direct observation in the workplace, reflective accounts & professional discussions.
What entry requirements do I need?
You must be aged 16 or over.
A good standard of Maths and English is required. We ask for a Grade 4 (equivalent to a C) in Maths and English at GCSE.
Ideally, you will hold a relevant Level 2 Early Years qualification, or have significant experience working with children.
Where will it take me?
On successful completion, you will be a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator. This means you can count towards the Level 3 staff ratios in early years settings.
Progression routes may include: Room Leader roles, specialist roles such as SEN Support Worker, the NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Early Years, higher education degrees.
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
ST0551
Our Level 5 course takes all of your previous learning to the next level!
Our Level 5 course is built for experienced early years practitioners who want to take on senior responsibilities and progress into leadership roles within early education.
It fosters the advanced knowledge, skills and practices necessary to be able to manage early years teams and improve outcomes for children on a setting-wide scale.
What will I learn?
Our Level 5 course focuses on developing advanced skills in leadership, management and practice. You will learn how to lead teams effectively, mentor colleagues and improve early years settings on a wider scale – including Quality Assurance and Policy & Practice.
This includes (but not limited to): Leadership & Management, Curriculum Design & Implementation, Professional Development, and Safeguarding & Welfare.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, including direct observations, reflective accounts and professional discussions.
What entry requirements do I need?
You must be aged 19 or over.
You must hold a relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
Where will it take me?
On successful completion, you will be recognised as a Level 5 Senior Practitioner, equipped to take on advanced responsibilities within early years settings.
Typical roles include: Room Leader, Deputy Manager, Nursery Manager.
This qualification also provides excellent progression opportunities into higher-level study, such as the BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies or Education.
