Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship

Assist in planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate activities Promote learning through play in line with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework Create a safe and stimulating environment Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming learning spaces Follow safeguarding and health & safety procedures at all times Observe and monitor children's progress Record observations and contribute to assessments and development plans Share relevant information with senior staff and parents as needed Promote positive behaviour and social skills Encourage kindness, sharing, and respectful behaviour Use positive reinforcement and model appropriate conduct Assist with daily routines Support children during meal times, toileting, dressing, and nap times Help establish consistent routines for comfort and stability Work collaboratively with colleagues and parents Communicate effectively with team members, children, and families Participate in staff meetings and training sessions Maintain confidentiality and professionalism Handle sensitive information with discretion and follow data protection policies Follow nursery/setting policies and procedures Adhere to guidelines for safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and diversity Support in ensuring the setting meets regulatory and quality standards

NextStep Training will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to upskill in your role, and your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day. 

Training:

As an apprentice, you'll receive regular training alongside your job to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role. At least 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to off-the-job training, which includes study time, workshops, and learning activities.

Training is delivered either online or in person at our training centre in Hackney, offering flexibility to suit your needs. You'll be supported by experienced tutors and assessors throughout your apprenticeship, ensuring you stay on track and successfully complete your qualification.

Training Outcome:

After completing the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner course, the natural next step is to progress onto the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.

This qualification enables you to become a fully qualified practitioner, allowing you to work independently with children in nurseries, preschools, and reception classes. It deepens your understanding of child development, safeguarding, curriculum planning, and supporting learning through play.

Potential Career Progression (After Level 2 and 3).

As you gain experience, you could progress into more senior roles, such as:

Senior Practitioner / Room Leader Oversee a team within a room Lead activity planning and observations Support and mentor junior staff Deputy Nursery Manager Support daily operations of the nursery Ensure compliance and safeguarding practices Help manage and develop the staff team

Nursery Manager

Lead the nursery setting as a whole Oversee education standards and team performance Ensure regulatory compliance and strategic planning

Further Qualifications with NextStep Training
To support continued career growth, NextStep Training offers advanced qualifications within Early Years:

Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner Specialise in areas such as SEND, safeguarding, or early language development Enhance your practical skills and leadership capability Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Designed for experienced practitioners moving into leadership roles Focuses on mentoring, day-to-day leadership, and curriculum planning Long-Term Career Pathways

Further progression options include:

Moving into school-based roles such as Teaching Assistant or SEND Support Becoming a Trainer, Assessor, or Mentor for new apprentices
Studying for a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies, which can lead to: Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NextStep Training provides a clear, supported pathway from beginner to leadership, ensuring every apprentice has the tools and guidance to build a long-term, successful career in the Early Years sector.

Employer Description:
Next Step Training Ltd is an apprenticeship and skills training provider, funded by the Department for Education, delivering apprenticeships in London and across England. We have been in operation since 2012 and during this time have built an established reputation as a reliable and employer-led training provider. We work together with employers and individual learners to design and deliver training programmes that meets both learners and their employers’ needs. Our goal of is to empower as many individuals as possible to reach their full potential, helping them on their journey to find meaningful career that is rewarding. We help to empower businesses with industry-expert staff so they can provide the very best learning experience to their workforce to perform better.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday, varied shifts between 6:30am - 6:00pm No weekends.

Skills:
Communication skills,Problem solving skills,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience