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Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
Lead the Future of Early Years Education
Become a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
You already play an important role supporting young children and guiding colleagues in your setting. This apprenticeship develops the leadership skills, professional expertise, and strategic understanding needed to drive high quality early years practice.
Through real workplace leadership and expert guidance, you will learn how to support practitioners, improve learning environments, and ensure children receive the highest standard of care and education.
Leadership in Early Years
Staff Development
Child Development
Why Early Years Lead Practitioners Matter
The first five years shape a child’s future
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| Early Brain Development | 90% of brain development occurs before age 5. |
| Children in Early Education | 1.04 million children attend nurseries and preschools. |
| Early Years Workforce | 350,000+ staff work in the early years sector. |
| Workforce Growth Needed | 40,000 additional staff required for childcare expansion |
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Patricia C.
"Completing the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programme helped me grow in confidence and professionalism. It strengthened my understanding of supporting learners with additional needs and gave me the skills to apply theory directly in my role. Despite balancing work, study, and family life, the experience showed me that I can continue developing and making a meaningful difference to the pupils I support."
⭐Apprentice of the Year
Register your interest
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Check your eligibility in two minutes
A quick check to see what apprenticeship funding your organisation is entitled to and which standards fit your team. You’ll get a plain-English summary at the end — no jargon, no obligation.
Your eligibility summary
Book a call to confirm in detail →This is a guide based on the information you provided. A short call confirms exactly what your organisation is entitled to.
What You'll Be Able to Do
From the start of the programme, you develop the leadership and professional expertise needed to support high quality early years provision
BY MONTH 6
Leading Early Years Practice
✓ Support EYFS learning across practitioner teams
✓ Promote safeguarding and inclusive practice
✓ Guide colleagues supporting children's development
BY MONTH 15
Developing Leadership Skills
✓ Mentor practitioners and support development
✓ Improve learning environments and daily practice
✓ Monitor children's development and progress
BY MONTH 24
Qualified Lead Practitioner
✓ Achieve Level 5 Lead Practitioner qualification
✓ Lead high-quality early years practice
✓ Support teams to improve outcomes
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Your Learning Journey
A leadership programme designed to strengthen early years practice, develop staff teams, and improve outcomes for children.
Leading Early Years Practice
Months 1–6
Develop the advanced knowledge required to lead high-quality early years provision. You will explore child development, safeguarding leadership, and how effective learning environments support children's progress.
This stage focuses on the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and the responsibilities of experienced practitioners who guide colleagues and promote strong practice across early years settings.
Supporting Development
Months 7–12
Build the leadership skills needed to support and mentor colleagues. You will explore how to model effective practice, support practitioner confidence, and help staff develop their professional skills.
You will also develop strategies for supporting inclusive environments and promoting children's well-being across your setting.
Driving Quality Improvement
Months 13–18
Develop the skills needed to monitor and improve practice across your setting. This includes observing practice, supporting curriculum delivery, and helping teams implement approaches that strengthen children's learning experiences.
You will also develop knowledge of reflective practice, quality improvement, and continuous development within early years environments.
Strategic Leadership and Impact
Months 19–24
Apply your leadership skills to support early years teams and drive improvements in practice. During this stage you will reflect on your professional impact, support colleagues' development, and prepare for your End Point Assessment.
The final assessment includes a professional discussion and portfolio evidence demonstrating your leadership in improving early years practice and outcomes for children.
HOW WE DEVELOP EARLY YEARS LEAD PRACTITIONERS
We develop leaders who support practitioners, strengthen early years practice, and improve outcomes for children.
KNOW IT
Build a strong understanding of child development, safeguarding leadership, and high quality early years education.
You will explore how effective leadership supports practitioners and ensures children receive the best possible learning experiences.
SHOW IT
Apply your leadership directly within your early years setting.
Support colleagues, model good practice, and help create learning environments that promote curiosity, independence, and development.
LIVE IT
Develop the professional behaviours expected of early years leaders.
Demonstrate communication, leadership, mentoring, and collaboration while supporting practitioners, children, and families.
Who This Programme Is For?
This programme is designed for experienced early years practitioners ready to develop leadership responsibilities.
Senior Early Years Practitioners
You already work in early years and want to strengthen your leadership skills while supporting colleagues.
Room Leaders and Supervisors
You want to guide teams, support practitioner development, and help improve learning environments.
Practitioners Ready for Leadership
You want to progress beyond practitioner roles and take on responsibilities supporting quality practice across your setting.
Nurseries Developing Future Leaders
Settings that want to develop experienced staff into confident leaders who can mentor practitioners and support quality improvement.
Find the right apprenticeship programme for your organisation
Seven short questions. At the end we’ll point you to the programme area that fits your sector, team and current priorities.
Question 1 of 7
Where should we send your result?
Your recommended programme area
Book a call to discuss your programme →Your answers and recommendation have been saved so we can pick up where you left off when we speak.
Recognition Stories
Real transformations from people who discovered they're more than just their job titles
Hannah Hopkins
“Balancing full-time work, family life, and study was challenging, but the programme helped me grow in confidence and push myself to achieve more than I thought possible."
📝 Level 2 Distinction 📈 80+ Exam Scores 🏅EPA Success
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Jo G.
“I joined to strengthen my technical skills, but I discovered I’m more than just a finance team member. I became a confident professional trusted to deliver at a high standard.”
🏅Advanced Excel Expertise 📈Progressed to Level 4 📊Recognised for High Performance
Our Commitment to Learners
We help you develop the leadership skills needed to influence practice and improve outcomes for children
Leadership Focused Learning
Our programme develops the knowledge and professional expertise required to lead early years practice and support practitioner development.
Dedicated Tutor Support
You will receive one-to-one support from an experienced tutor throughout your apprenticeship, with regular reviews and guidance.
Real Leadership Experience
You will apply your learning through real leadership responsibilities within your setting, supporting staff and improving practice.
Progression and Career Growth
Completing the programme supports progression into leadership roles such as senior practitioner, room leader, deputy manager, or nursery manager.
Our Commitment to Employers
Developing Strong Early Years Leaders
This programme develops experienced practitioners who mentor colleagues, model good practice, and strengthen quality across early years teams
Strengthening Staff Development
Lead Practitioners support practitioner development through mentoring, guidance, and reflective practice that improves professional confidence and capability.
Improving Early Years Provision
Apprentices help strengthen learning environments and teaching approaches that support children's development, well-being, and early learning outcomes.
Building Leadership Capacity
The apprenticeship helps settings develop confident leaders who guide teams, strengthen practice, and support long-term workforce development.
Develop your talent — without taking the team off the floor
Four short questions and we’ll come back with a clear picture of what Train Together can do for your organisation, then a time to talk.
Question 1 of 4
Last bit — how should we reach you?
Here’s what we can offer your organisation
Book a call to talk it through →Your inputs are saved — we’ll come to the call with the funding and standards that fit, so you don’t cover this ground twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The programme is designed for experienced early years practitioners who already work in a nursery or childcare setting and are ready to develop their leadership skills. Learners typically have significant experience supporting children’s development and are looking to take on greater responsibilities within their team.
Yes. Many nurseries and childcare providers use apprenticeship funding to support this programme. Levy paying employers can use their apprenticeship levy funds, while smaller settings may access government co funding, making it an effective way to develop experienced staff into confident leaders.
Early Years Lead Practitioner apprentices support the leadership of practice across the setting. This includes mentoring practitioners, modelling high quality early learning approaches, supporting safeguarding and inclusive practice, and helping improve learning environments that support children's development.
The programme focuses on developing leadership skills that strengthen practice across early years teams. Apprentices learn how to support practitioner development, monitor quality of practice, and guide improvements that help children experience high quality early learning environments.
After completing the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship, many learners progress into senior leadership roles such as room leader, deputy manager, or nursery manager. The qualification also supports progression into further leadership and management development within early years settings.
You Are More Than “Just” an Early Years Practitioner
You already help shape children's earliest learning experiences. Now develop the leadership skills that allow you to support colleagues, strengthen practice, and influence the quality of early years education.
Gain the qualification that recognises your expertise and prepares you to lead high-quality early learning environments.