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Where will this course lead?

This apprenticeship builds confident, capable practitioners who strengthen the team from within.

  • Develop strong leaders who can guide day-to-day practice and support colleagues.
  • Strengthen curriculum planning, teaching quality and reflective practice.
  • Improve staff retention and support long-term succession planning.

What will I study?

Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship

How will this course be delivered?

  • 20-month training period
  • 3-month End-Point Assessment
  • 1 day per week in college (term time) EPA includes: observation with questions, professional discussion, and a case study with presentation.

Weekly face-to-face delivery from experienced specialists with extensive sector backgrounds.

Workplace Coaching

Qualified assessors provide on-site mentoring, helping apprentices embed learning directly into your setting.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner

How will I be assessed?

Extensive formative assessment throughout.

Progress checks and reviews.

3-month End-Point Assessment

How do I get a place on the course?

Apply through the college website.

What are the entry requirements?

Grade 4 / Level 2 in English and Maths

A full and relevant Level 3 qualification (early years educator or equivalent)

What can I do after this course?

After completion, employees can progress to:

  • Level 6 Early Childhood Studies or equivalent degree programme
  • QTS pathways
  • Advanced leadership roles across early years, education and family support

Location

Work-based

Start Date

Sept-2026

Day

Friday

Time

09:30-16:45

Course Fee

N/A

Course Code

CHAAZ015OCAP

Study Mode

Part Time

Childminder

Childminders and related occupations provide day-to-day care of children within a domestic setting, and supervise and participate in their play, educational and other activities.

What’s Involved?

Childminders assist children to wash and dress. They change babies' nappies and clothes as necessary and make up bottles for feeds. They plan, prepare and serve children's meals and supervise children during meals. They mend, wash and iron children's clothes and tidy their rooms. They also provide, supervise and participate in children's indoor and outdoor play activities to promote their development. They take children to participate in play groups or on appropriate outings. They also take older children to and from school. They maintain appropriate records of children's development. They comply with regulations set by OFSTED and their inspection requirements.

Nursery Practitioner

Nursery nurses and assistants care for children from birth up to seven years of age in day or residential nurseries, children's homes, maternity units and similar establishments.

What’s Involved?

Nursery Practitioners bathe, dress, prepare feed for and feed babies, change babies clothing whenever necessary. They supervise young children at mealtimes. They plan and organise games and other activities and supervise children's play. They read stories, organise counting games to help develop language and number skills. They also write reports on children's development and maintain awareness of health and safety issues. They communicate with parents and colleagues on children's development and well-being.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.