This exciting programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours to be a proactive and influential practitioner, working directly with children and skilfully leading day-to-day practice. Early Years Lead Practitioners are highly skilled professionals who take an operational lead for the care, learning and development of all young children aged birth to eight years, adapting to individual needs and providing inclusive and holistic provision. This tailored blended learning approach equips lead practitioners working in a range of settings from nurseries to out of school environments with latest best practice techniques that will promote the health and well-being of all children whilst ensuring compliance with legislation, policies and strategies at national, local and setting based level. Entry requirements Employers will set their own entry requirements in order to start this apprenticeship, but typically requires five GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher. Course duration 24 months Progression With additional experience, an Early Years Educator can become a deputy manager, manager or owner of an Early Years setting. Cost/funding Levy Payers £8,000 Non Levy Payers £480 Functional skills To complete the apprenticeship, the apprentice must pass level 2 English and maths (or have the appropriate exemption certificate) before undertaking their end-point assessment. End-point assessment The end-point assessment (EPA) includes: Observation with questions Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence Case study with report and presentation and questioning Professional support Connect2Care (C2C) assigns a designated Vocational Trainer to each apprentice. Alongside the apprentice, they will agree on a personal learning and development plan, setting a timetable of learning activities in preparation for the end-point assessment (EPA). The C2C Vocational Trainer will meet with the apprentice regularly either online or face-to-face to complete and review assessments, provide further coaching where required and agree the next steps of learning.