Early Years Practitioner – Level 2 apprenticeship
Ready to start a rewarding career in childcare? At Shaping Lives, our Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship is your gateway to the skills, experience, and confidence you need to succeed.
You’ll learn everything from hands-on childcare techniques to developing your own personal and professional skills—all while gaining real-world experience that sets you up for a bright future working with children.
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What to expect
As an Early Years Practitioner, you’ll dive into a variety of fun and meaningful activities from child-led play to adult-guided learning, all designed to suit the unique needs and interests of every child. You’ll play a vital role in creating safe, engaging and nurturing environments where children can thrive and learn through play. You’ll also be there for important moments like feeding, changing, and ensuring each child’s overall health and well-being are taken care of.
You’ll work closely with your team, parents, carers and professionals to ensure every child gets the best care possible. Plus, you’ll be trained to recognise when a child may be at risk and how to handle safeguarding situations, keeping everyone safe and happy.
Not sure if this role is the right fit? Explore our other Childcare Apprenticeships to find the level that matches your experience.
Key Features
Discover the unique benefits of the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship with Shaping Lives. Whether you’re starting your career or advancing your skills, our apprenticeship offers the ideal blend of hands-on experience, professional development, and support to help you thrive in the world of childcare.
Nationally recognised
Gain a qualification that’s respected across the UK. Our City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel in any childcare setting, ensuring you’re ready for a successful and rewarding career.
Learn on the job
Get real-world experience from day one. As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll work directly with children, applying what you learn in a practical environment. This hands-on approach ensures you develop both confidence and competence in your role.
Open doors
Unlock opportunities for your future. Completing this apprenticeship prepares you for a range of roles in childcare, from Nursery Assistant to Early Years Worker, with the potential to advance to higher qualifications and leadership positions.
Support every step of the way
You won’t be going it alone. Throughout your apprenticeship, our expert tutors and mentors will provide one-on-one guidance to help you succeed, with tailored support to match your learning style.
Make a real impact
As an Early Years Practitioner, you’ll be shaping the lives of young children, fostering their growth and development during their most formative years. Your impact will ripple through their lives and the wider community, helping to create a brighter future for all.
Your learning Journey
Start your rewarding journey in childcare with Shaping Lives’ Level 2 Apprenticeship. Over 12 months, you’ll gain hands-on experience and essential skills to excel in early years education, preparing you for a successful career making a real impact on children's lives.
01
Introduction to programme
Begin your apprenticeship with an introduction to the core expectations, learning goals, and an overview of childcare principles. You’ll get to know the structure of the programme, key milestones, and the importance of your role in early childhood education.
02
Effective communication skills
Learn how to communicate effectively with children, parents, carers, and your team. This module will teach you how to use different forms of communication to foster a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for children.
03
Understanding child development (0-5 Years)
Dive into the stages of child development, focusing on physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. You'll learn how to support children at different developmental stages, providing them with the care and activities they need to thrive.
04
Introduction to equality, diversity & inclusion
Gain an understanding of the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the early years setting. You'll learn how to create inclusive environments that respect and celebrate each child’s unique background and abilities.
08
Observation & assessment in early years
Learn how to observe and assess children's development to inform your teaching and caregiving strategies. You'll be trained to track progress, provide feedback, and support each child’s individual learning journey.
07
Principles of safeguarding, policies & procedures
Understand safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in your care. You'll learn how to recognize potential risks, report concerns, and maintain a secure environment.
06
Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Discover strategies for supporting children with SEND in their learning and development. This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to adapt activities and provide individualized care.
05
Supporting nutrition & hydration needs
Learn how to provide nutritious meals and ensure children are properly hydrated throughout the day. This step covers the basics of child nutrition and how to instill healthy eating habits in young children.
09
Supporting children’s creative & imaginative play
Explore the importance of creative play in childhood development. This module focuses on how to plan and facilitate activities that encourage children to express their imagination and creativity.
10
Behaviour management in early childhood
Develop techniques for managing children's behaviour in a positive, supportive manner. You'll learn strategies to help children understand boundaries, express their feelings, and cooperate with others.
11
Transitions through Early Childhood
Prepare children for transitions, such as moving from home to nursery or nursery to school. This step covers how to support children and their families during key transitions, ensuring they feel secure and confident.
12
Getting Ready for End-Point Assessment (EPA)
As you approach the end of your apprenticeship, this module helps you prepare for the End-Point Assessment. You'll review key concepts, polish your skills, and ensure you're fully equipped to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities.
Start
01
Introduction to programme
Begin your apprenticeship with an introduction to the core expectations, learning goals, and an overview of childcare principles. You’ll get to know the structure of the programme, key milestones, and the importance of your role in early childhood education.
02
Effective communication skills
Learn how to communicate effectively with children, parents, carers, and your team. This module will teach you how to use different forms of communication to foster a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for children.
03
Understanding child development (0-5 Years)
Dive into the stages of child development, focusing on physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. You'll learn how to support children at different developmental stages, providing them with the care and activities they need to thrive.
04
Introduction to equality, diversity & inclusion
Gain an understanding of the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the early years setting. You'll learn how to create inclusive environments that respect and celebrate each child’s unique background and abilities.
Start
08
Observation & assessment in early years
Learn how to observe and assess children's development to inform your teaching and caregiving strategies. You'll be trained to track progress, provide feedback, and support each child’s individual learning journey.
07
Principles of safeguarding, policies & procedures
Understand safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in your care. You'll learn how to recognize potential risks, report concerns, and maintain a secure environment.
06
Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Discover strategies for supporting children with SEND in their learning and development. This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to adapt activities and provide individualized care.
05
Supporting nutrition & hydration needs
Learn how to provide nutritious meals and ensure children are properly hydrated throughout the day. This step covers the basics of child nutrition and how to instill healthy eating habits in young children.
Start
09
Supporting children’s creative & imaginative play
Explore the importance of creative play in childhood development. This module focuses on how to plan and facilitate activities that encourage children to express their imagination and creativity.
10
Behaviour management in early childhood
Develop techniques for managing children's behaviour in a positive, supportive manner. You'll learn strategies to help children understand boundaries, express their feelings, and cooperate with others.
11
Transitions through Early Childhood
Prepare children for transitions, such as moving from home to nursery or nursery to school. This step covers how to support children and their families during key transitions, ensuring they feel secure and confident.
12
Getting Ready for End-Point Assessment (EPA)
As you approach the end of your apprenticeship, this module helps you prepare for the End-Point Assessment. You'll review key concepts, polish your skills, and ensure you're fully equipped to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities.
Start EPA
Contact us to start your journey with Shaping Lives.
Enquire Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Check out our FAQ section for quick answers to everything you need to know about Shaping Lives apprenticeships and support!
A childcare apprentice works directly with children, learning the ropes through a mix of hands-on training and classroom learning. You’ll be guided by qualified professionals who will help you develop the knowledge and skills to care for children of all ages.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll get on-the-job training from experienced professionals and attend classes to back up your learning. Our dedicated team will be there to support you every step of the way.
Yes! As an apprentice, you’ll be paid at least the national minimum wage for your age, and you’ll also get holiday pay.
Experience you can trust
Our commitment to excellence in apprenticeship training has earned us a reputation that speaks for itself. We proudly hold an “Ofsted Good” rating, showcasing our unwavering dedication to high standards. Additionally, we have been honoured with the title of “AAC Provider of the Year” and ranked as the “Number 1 Provider” by Rate My Apprenticeship, underscoring our commitment to quality, innovation, and learner satisfaction.
