Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship is an entry-level childcare apprenticeship designed for learners who want to begin a career in early years education. During the programme, apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support babies and young children in childcare settings such as nurseries, preschools and childminding environments.

As an Early Years Practitioner, you’ll support children’s learning and development through play, help create safe and engaging environments and work alongside experienced childcare professionals to support children’s wellbeing.

Absolutely. Apprenticeships are available to learners of all ages, making this programme suitable for school leavers, career changers and existing childcare staff looking to gain a recognised early years qualification.

Many adult learners choose this childcare apprenticeship to begin a rewarding career supporting children’s learning and development while earning a salary.

Yes, this apprenticeship is designed for learners who are new to childcare as well as those already working in an early years setting. You do not need previous experience to apply, but you must be employed in a role where you can practise the skills and knowledge learned throughout the programme.

This apprenticeship is ideal for anyone passionate about working with children and starting a career in early years education or childcare.

For the learner, there is no cost.

For employers, the cost depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy:

• Levy-paying employers: You can use your apprenticeship levy funds to cover the full cost of the programme.                                                                                                    These funds are accessed through your digital apprenticeship service account.
• Non-levy employers: The government will fund 95% of the training cost, meaning you only pay the remaining 5%.                                                                                           Based on the £4,000 funding band, this equates to just £200.

This makes apprenticeships a highly cost-effective way to develop your workforce, with the majority of training costs covered through government support.

The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship typically lasts 16 months. During this time, apprentices complete a blend of online learning, workplace training, one-to-one support and practical assessment within their childcare setting.

As part of the programme, apprentices must complete at least six hours of off-the-job training each week during paid working hours. Off-the-job training may include workshops, online learning, mentoring, shadowing and workplace activities designed to develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours.

You can find more information about off-the-job training and apprenticeship delivery in our Learner Hub.

Early Years Practitioners can work in a range of childcare and education settings, including:

• Day nurseries
• Preschools
• Childminding settings
• Nursery classes in schools
• Children’s centres
• Private childcare settings

This gives learners the opportunity to gain experience supporting babies and young children across different early years environments.

Off-the-job training is structured learning that takes place during your paid working hours but is separate from your normal day-to-day duties. You’re required to complete a minimum of six hours per week of this training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your apprenticeship. Activities can include online learning, workshops, research, mentoring and other development tasks relevant to your role.

You can also use our Learner Enrichment Calendar to help plan and log suitable off-the-job activities that count towards your training hours, giving you a variety of ways to grow your skills throughout the programme.

All off-the-job training hours must be recorded on your e-portfolio system, Aptem, to ensure your progress is tracked throughout your apprenticeship.

During the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship, learners develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support babies and young children within early years and childcare settings. The programme covers key areas such as child development, safeguarding, health and safety, communication, inclusive practice and supporting children’s learning through play.

Learners will also build practical workplace skills including observing children, planning activities, supporting wellbeing and working in partnership with families, colleagues and other professionals. The apprenticeship is designed to help learners gain confidence while working towards a recognised early years qualification.

In addition to the core apprenticeship programme, learners also have the option to complete a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification delivered by our sister company, First Response First Aid (FRFA). This optional 12-hour course meets Ofsted requirements and equips learners with essential first aid skills to confidently respond to emergencies involving babies and young children in early years settings.

Upon successful completion, learners will achieve a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification valid for three years. Annual refresher training is recommended to help keep first aid knowledge and practical skills up to date.

There are no formal entry requirements for most learners starting the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship. However, apprentices must be employed within a childcare or early years setting and have the right to work in the UK.

Learners aged 16–18 who do not already hold a Level 1 qualification (or equivalent, such as GCSE grade 3/D) in Maths and English will be required to work towards these as part of their apprenticeship. Learners must also attempt all components of the Level 2 qualification as an upskill, although achievement is not mandatory.

For learners aged 19 and above, Functional Skills in Maths and English may be optional and are not mandatory to complete the apprenticeship. This must be discussed and agreed with the employer at the start of the programme.

Functional Skills are nationally recognised qualifications in Maths and English that help learners develop practical, everyday skills used both in the workplace and daily life. Within apprenticeships, Functional Skills support learners in building confidence with important areas such as communication, problem-solving, reading, writing and numeracy.

If you are aged 16–18 and do not already hold GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, you may be required to complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship. Some adult learners may also choose to complete Functional Skills to strengthen their knowledge and career opportunities.

The Childcare Company understands that completing Functional Skills in Maths and English alongside your apprenticeship can feel daunting at first, as well as time consuming. That’s why we provide enhanced support to make the process as straightforward and efficient as possible.

We’ve partnered with Pass Functional Skills (PASS) to give you access to a new, improved online learning platform designed to help you achieve your qualifications more quickly and with greater confidence.

Through this platform, you’ll benefit from a clear and structured learning journey, including a diagnostic assessment to identify your starting point, personalised learning pathways, and high-quality interactive resources. You’ll also have access to bite-sized learning modules, practice questions, mock assessments, and progress tracking tools to help you stay on track.

Alongside this, you will continue to receive support from your tutor or development coach throughout your apprenticeship, ensuring you have guidance, feedback and encouragement at every stage of your Functional Skills journey.

Upon successful completion of the programme and End-Point Assessment (EPA), learners will achieve a Level 2 TQUK Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner Standard.

These qualifications demonstrate that learners have developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work within early years and childcare settings, supporting babies and young children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

As part of the apprenticeship, learners also have the option to complete a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Course provided by our sister company, First Response First Aid (FRFA). This optional 12-hour course meets Ofsted requirements and equips learners with essential first aid skills to confidently respond to emergencies in early years settings.

Upon successful completion of the first aid course, learners will receive a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification, which is valid for three years. Annual refresher training is recommended to help keep first aid knowledge and practical skills up to date.

Yes. Apprentices are employees and are entitled to paid holidays in the same way as other members of staff. Holiday entitlement will usually be outlined within your employment contract and may vary depending on your working hours and employer.

Most apprentices are entitled to at least 20 days of paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays, although some employers may offer additional annual leave and employee benefits.

As a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprentice, you will earn a wage while gaining valuable experience and working towards a recognised childcare qualification. Apprentices also benefit from the same workplace rights as other employees, including rest breaks and a safe working environment.

You can learn more in our Learner and Employer Hub.

As an apprentice, you will earn a wage while completing your training. Apprentice pay rates can vary depending on your age, employer and experience level.

Many early years apprentices work between 30–40 hours per week while completing their qualification alongside practical workplace experience. Apprentices are also entitled to paid holiday and other employee benefits in line with their employment contract.

After completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship, learners can progress into a variety of childcare and early years roles within nurseries, preschools, schools and other early years settings. This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for anyone looking to begin a long-term career in childcare and education.

Possible job roles include:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Nursery Assistant
• Nursery Practitioner
• Preschool Assistant
• Childcare Assistant
• Teaching Assistant (with further training)

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners develop practical experience supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing, helping them build the confidence and skills needed to progress within the early years sector.

Many learners choose to continue their training by progressing onto the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship. This advanced childcare apprenticeship allows learners to take on greater responsibility, work more independently with children and further develop their knowledge of child development, safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Learners can choose between the standard Level 3 pathway or our Men in Childcare pathway, which has been designed to help address the gender imbalance within the early years sector by encouraging and supporting more men into childcare careers.

Progressing onto a higher-level early years qualification can open the door to further career opportunities within nurseries, schools, childcare settings and specialist support roles.