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About Finding an Employer

You MUST have an employer before you can start an apprenticeship. You can search for an apprenticeship job here.

If you don't yet have an employer you can still apply for an apprenticeship while you continue to look. We can offer you advice on how to successfully secure an apprenticeship with an employer.

Duration

15 months

Overview

You will be assisting others in the care and education of 0-5yr olds in an early years settings, gaining practical and theoretical knowledge covering a variety of topics to include child development, health and safety, safeguarding and inclusion.

Am I ready to start?

Ideally English or Maths at grade 4 or above

At least four GCSEs at grade 2 or above

How does an Apprenticeship Work?

An apprenticeship programme is delivered via a mixture of on and off-the-job training, where you can practice your skills in real work situations.

The apprenticeship programme usually consists of the following elements:

Knowledge element:
This is the technical certificate and covers the theory side of your work which is delivered when you attend College, so that you can put these newly acquired skills into practice at work.

Competence element:
This is the practical side of the programme and is assessed directly within the workplace by a Harlow College Assessor to ensure that you are developing your skills within the workplace and putting all that you learn at College into practice.

Functional skills:
This area covers English and Mathematics for learners that have not achieved an A-C grade at GCSE level.

Employment Rights and Responsibilities:
This area covers units in relation to Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning.

Transferable skills:
These are the skills that help you develop your Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS).

The duration of the course is dependent on prior attainment but generally is completed over a period of 12 months. You will attend College for 1 day a week and you be in the workplace for the remaining 4 days.

What does the course involve?

You will be supervising others in the care and education of 0-5yr olds in early years settings and gaining practical and theoretical knowledge covering a variety of topics to include child development, health and safety, safeguarding and inclusion.

Harlow College has an outstanding team of EYP training staff and assessors with wide experience and knowledge. We work closely with employers to ensure apprentices develop appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviours for the workplace setting and to meet the needs of the Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard. The Early Years Practitioner apprentice will work and interact directly with children on a day-to-day basis, supporting the planning and delivery of activities, including play and education, as part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher or other qualified professional. Training and assessment is delivered at our Harlow Campus and the workplace.

MODULES:

  • EYP1 Roles and responsibilities of the early years practitioner
  • EYP 2 Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years
  • EYP 3 Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in early years settings
  • EYP 4 Safeguarding protection and welfare of young children in early years settings
  • EYP5 understand how to support children’s development
  • EYP 6 Support care routines for babies and young children
  • EYP 7 Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes
  • EYP 8 promote play in an early years setting
  • EYP 9support well being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
  • EYP10 Support babies and young children to be physically active
  • EYP 11 support the needs of babies and young children with special educational needs and disability
  • EYP 12 promote positive behaviour in early years settings
  • EYP 13 partnership working in early years
  • EYP14 support the needs of a child in preparing for school.

How and when will I study?

The Apprenticeship will last 18 months (1 day a week in college 4 days a week in employment).

Assessment methods:

  • End point assessment
  • Task
  • Direct observation
  • Professional discussion
  • Reflective account

Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?

After completing your apprenticeship you could be employed in the following roles:

 

  • Nursery practitioner
  • Pre school assistant
  • Learning support
  • Teaching assistant
  • Crèche assistant

You can also progress to the Level 3 Apprenticeship

Salary levels vary depinding on your responsibilities, but a manager can earn around £30,000

Employers we work with:

Rum Tum Tuggers

Pear Tree Mead School

Raindrops Day Nursery

Got a job?

You must have a job to do an apprenticeship. If you already have a job you may be able to do an apprenticeship with your current employer.

If you don’t have a job for your apprenticeship – apply for your place at College by clicking the 'Apply Now' button at the top and bottom of the page.

Once you have applied please check out our apprenticeship job vacancies.

An apprenticeship comprises two parts:

  • Typically 20% study element (at Harlow College or Stansted Airport College).
  • 80% work based element with an employer. It is your responsibility to find an employer.

Great, so what do I do now?

Call 01279 868240 to speak to an Apprenticeships adviser

Contact us about applying for an Apprenticeship

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