Following on from the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner is the most recent Early Years standard to be approved, since August 2021. The duration to End Point Assessment is 24 months, so any Apprentices should not be going through EPA until at least the middle of 2023. There is always some flexibility with the duration, depending on the Apprentices previous experience and time available to commit to the training, but, with a Level 5 standard, the Early Years Lead Practitioner would not be expected to be able to complete much quicker than the 24 months recommended.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) give the overview of the role as ‘working directly with children, skilfully leading day-to-day practice’.
As an Early Years Lead Practitioner employment could be within day care, reception classes, nursery schools, within a Health Visitor team, or any other working environment which supports the Early Years. The main difference between a Level 3 Early Years Educator and the Level 5, is the level of responsibility. With this qualification they are able to manage a day care setting, or take other more senior roles. They are likely to take a more operational lead in the care, learning and development of all young children. They will ensure equality, diversity, safeguarding, health and safety are all met. They will routinely check policies, procedures and processes are current and fit for purpose. They will liaise with other professionals and agencies, e.g., Ofsted and Local Authorities.
Our next post will be a ‘round up’ of the Early Years standards and the requirements of the Gateway and End Point Assessments. In the meantime, if you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact Suzanne or Sandra on 01344 390 546. We look forward to hearing from you.
