Courses

Overview:

This course is designed for individuals seeking to build their knowledge and practical understanding of caring for children, with the goal of achieving a recognised qualification to support employment within the early years sector.

Learners will gain insight into working with babies and young children, from birth up to eight years old, under supervision. The curriculum covers key areas including:

• Creating safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for children
• Supporting children with additional learning or developmental needs
• Assisting and engaging with children and families in a supportive role

As part of the qualification, learners will be required to complete a work placement, subject to a criminal background check, to ensure suitability for working within early childhood settings.

Student Pre-Requisites:

The entry requirement for this apprenticeship will be decided by each employer, but may typically be three GCSEs including English, maths and a relevant science subject at Grades 4-9 (old grade c or above). New apprentices also have to successfully pass the Gen2 aptitude test.

Location:

Training for this apprenticeship will take place at a Gen2 centre based in West Cumbria, Carlisle and Furness.

Students are with their employer from day one and will study their taught components at an agreed Gen2 centre one day per week. The students are visited by a Gen2 assessor in the workplace approximately every six weeks to assess their competence and monitor progress.

Programme Components:

• Child Development: Understanding the stages of development from birth to age 7 is crucial. 
• Safeguarding: Learning how to protect children and ensure their welfare is a priority. 
• Health and Safety: Practitioners need to know how to maintain a safe environment and promote healthy lifestyles. 
• Supporting Play and Learning: This includes planning and delivering activities, supporting purposeful play, and understanding the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. 
• Working with Others: Effective communication and collaboration with parents, colleagues, and other professionals are essential. 
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Practitioners need to understand how to support all children, including those with special needs, in an inclusive environment. 

Qualifications Gained:

The following qualifications are not a mandatory requirement for the apprenticeship standard but are typically requested by employers:

• Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners