Early Years Lead Practitioner – Level 5 apprenticeship

The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner (EYLP) apprenticeship is perfect for those who want to take the lead in making a real difference in children’s lives.

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Whether you’re guiding learning, ensuring top-notch childcare, or supporting your team, this is your chance to step up! Already have a Level 2 or 3 qualification? Great—this is your perfect next move.

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What to expect

Ready to step up and lead? Our apprenticeship is perfect for experienced childcare practitioners eager to take on leadership roles and make a bigger impact. Once completed, you’ll be ready to shine as a Deputy Manager, Early Years Coordinator, Preschool Leader, Senior Key Worker, or Lead Practitioner. It’s all about becoming the go-to expert for setting high standards, nurturing quality care, and leading your team to create the best early years experience for children.

In this role, you’ll keep things running smoothly, ensuring your setting meets all requirements, champions children’s well-being, and fosters an environment where everyone thrives. Plus, as a leader, you’ll be the voice for children’s learning and care, inspiring your team to reach new heights and setting a shining example every day!

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Key Features

Unlock your leadership potential with our Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship. This program is designed to elevate your career and empower you to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact on children's lives.

Lead with confidence

Become the driving force in your Early Years setting. This apprenticeship equips you with the leadership skills to take charge, set best practices, and mentor your team to provide outstanding care and education.

Nationally respected qualification

Gain a Level 5 qualification that is recognised and respected across the UK. Trusted by childcare providers, this accreditation will enhance your expertise and credibility as a leader in the Early Years sector.

Hands-on leadership experience

Develop your skills in real-time. This apprenticeship allows you to lead initiatives, guide your team, and make impactful decisions, ensuring you’re fully prepared to take on senior roles in Early Years education.

Tailored support

Your dedicated Personal Tutor will guide you through the process, offering one-on-one mentoring and expert advice, ensuring you have the support needed to thrive and succeed as a leader.

Flexible learning, real growth

Balance your work, personal life, and studies with flexible learning options designed to fit your schedule, making it easier to focus on growing your skills and knowledge while advancing in your career.

Your learning journey

With Shaping Lives’ Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship, you’re about to embark on an exciting 24-month journey packed with skills, knowledge, and growth. From mastering leadership and safeguarding to diving deep into child development and coaching, each step of your journey is designed to help you become the best leader you can be. You’ll learn how to inspire your team, create positive environments, and make a real difference in children’s futures. Get ready for an adventure that’s as rewarding as it is challenging!

Study skills

Start your apprenticeship by developing essential study skills to support your learning and professional growth throughout the programme.

Emotional intelligence & self-awareness

Develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness, critical for leading teams and fostering positive relationships in early years settings.

Building on reflective practice

Enhance your reflective practice skills, which are essential for ongoing professional development and improving leadership approaches.

Stress management

Learn effective stress management techniques to ensure personal well-being and maintain a calm, positive working environment for your team and the children in your care.

Theoretical models of leadership styles

Explore different leadership styles and theoretical models, learning how to adapt them to lead teams effectively in early childhood settings.

Coaching & mentoring and neurological development of children

Understand the importance of coaching and mentoring in leadership while expanding your knowledge of children’s neurological development to support their growth.

Coaching & mentoring and neurological development of children

Continue developing your coaching and mentoring skills, with a deeper focus on supporting children's neurological development in early years settings.

Theories of early Learning

Explore key theories of early learning, understanding how these inform best practices in creating stimulating and supportive environments for young children.

Attachment theories, detachment, advocacy, and the voice of the child

Study attachment and detachment theories, and learn how to advocate for the voice of the child within your leadership role.

Attachment theories, detachment, advocacy, and the voice of the child

Continue exploring the concepts of attachment and detachment, focusing on advocacy for children’s needs and ensuring their voices are heard.

Professional enquiry, research, and theories of pedagogy

Engage in professional enquiry and research, while diving deeper into pedagogical theories that influence early childhood education.

Professional enquiry, research, and theories of pedagogy

Continue your exploration of pedagogical theories through professional enquiry, applying these concepts to improve practice in early years education.

Theories of play and creativity in early years

Understand how play and creativity contribute to child development, learning how to nurture creativity in early childhood settings.

Theories of play and creativity in early years

Build on your knowledge of play and creativity theories to implement these practices effectively in your childcare leadership role.

Approaches in the development of literacy & numeracy skills

Explore different approaches to developing literacy and numeracy skills in young children, ensuring they have a strong foundation for future learning.

Theories of self-regulation and well-being

Study the theories behind self-regulation and well-being, learning how to foster these critical aspects of child development in your setting.

Workshop 3 – Safeguarding in early years

Focus on safeguarding practices, ensuring that you understand the policies and procedures necessary to protect children in early years environments.

Personal care theories

Study personal care theories to ensure you can provide comprehensive support for children’s physical and emotional needs.

Observation & planning in early years and building professional relationships

Develop advanced observation and planning skills, while learning to build strong professional relationships with your team and external stakeholders.

Observation & planning in early years and building professional relationships

Continue refining your observation, planning, and relationship-building skills to effectively lead in an early years setting.

Difficult conversations & feedback

Master the skills needed for managing difficult conversations and providing constructive feedback, essential for leading teams effectively.

Building the showcase portfolio

Collect and document evidence of your learning and accomplishments throughout the apprenticeship, preparing for your End-Point Assessment (EPA).

Presenting with impact

Learn how to present with confidence and impact, a key skill for leading meetings, training sessions, and communicating with stakeholders.

Core values, behaviours, and gateway readiness

Reflect on core values and behaviours that define professional excellence, and prepare for your Gateway assessment as you approach the end of your apprenticeship.

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