Early Years Advanced Practitioner

Entry Requirements

You must be over 19 years of age on the 31st August before the course start date.

Students must have a level 3 qualification in Early Years or Childcare and must have level 2 functional skills English or equivalent.

Students will be required to undertake a written task and interview to confirm their ability to study at this level for a vocational qualification.

Students will need to be employed in a Level 3 role (and therefore hold a level 3 qualification) in an early years environment as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge in order to achieve this qualification.

Qualification Obtained

Industry Placement and Field Trips

Students will need to be employed in a Level 3 role (and therefore hold a level 3 qualification) in an early years environment as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge in order to achieve this qualification.

Learning and Teaching Methods

You will study the following mandatory modules:

• EYAP 1 - Enabling children to learn
• EYAP 2 - Promoting health and well-being through physical activity and nutrition co-ordination (PANCo) in the early years
• EYAP 3 - Working with others to support children with additional needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disability
• EYAP 4 - Working with families and other professionals in early years settings
• EYAP 5 - Implementing change in an early years setting incorporating a small-scale research project

This programme will be delivered 3 hours per week, 6pm-9pm with an additional 1 hour workshop online each week to support assessment completion. Each unit will be taught consecutively over 4 weeks with a 5th week as an in person workshop to support assessments. Although unit 5 will be introduced at the start of the programme to give sufficient time to work on the research task (total programme over 25 weeks). In addition to written evidence, there is a requirement for one observation and one professional discussion to be completed.

As students will be current qualified and experienced practitioners, they will be offered the opportunity to either study remotely or face to face in a simultaneous session. This will enable those who are unable to leave their workplace to access this programme. Although there will need to be some direct delivery of some of the theoretical aspects such as legislation, most of the session will be based on relevant case studies, and real-life experiences of the students. They will be encouraged to reflect on practice and evaluate its efficacy.

Assessment Methods

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which will include:

• Direct observation by an assessor within the workplace
• Written assignments
• Professional discussion

Each student must create a portfolio of evidence generated from appropriate assessment tasks, which demonstrates achievement of all the learning outcomes associated with each unit.

Unit 5 requires them to carry out small scale action research and so they will need to identify an area of practice that they might want to enhance. This will be confirmed in conjunction with their manager.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

Students will need to purchase study essentials such as a notepad and stationery. It is desirable for students to have access to an electronic device (e.g. laptop) for completing their assignments, however college facilities such as the library are available for you to access computers.

Tuition Fees

For more information, visit our page on Fees and Finance for Adult Learners.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: NCFE

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

Upon achievement of this qualification, the student will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner. The Advanced Practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the early years workforce.

Students who achieve this qualification could progress to further study such as:

• Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
• Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship
• Foundation degree in Ealy Years or Early Childhood Studies.

Students could progress to the following job roles and responsibilities:

• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
• Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator (PANCo)
• Internal progression at a higher level, including those with management responsibilities
• Leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities