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Train Together

Realise Your Potential

SCHOOL AND EARLY YEARS

More Than Just Childcare Workers

Your early years team aren't just supervising children—they're Early Years professionals shaping the next generation's development. We help you recognise and develop that expertise.

 

97%

200+

Ofsted Good

                          Completion Rate
Qualified Practitioners
Rated

Emma's Recognition Journey

From nursery assistant who thought she was "just keeping children safe" to Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner who now designs developmental programmes

Your Recognition Pathway

From early child development and classroom foundations to confident support for learning, behaviour, and inclusion.

Each level helps your team know it, show it, and live it.

Level 2

Early Years Practitioner

📅 12-18 months | 💼 Apprenticeship Standard
More than just basic childcare.
 
Your team members learn child development principles, safeguarding, and professional Early Years frameworks—building confidence to support children's learning journeys meaningfully.
 
✓ Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Certificate ✓ Safeguarding & Child Protection ✓ EYFS Framework Understanding ✓ Observation & Assessment Skills
 
Know It: Child development stages and Early Years Foundation Stage framework
Show It: Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that support development
Live It: Advocate for each child's individual needs and potential
 
 

Level 3

Yearly Years Educator

📅 12-18 months | 💼 Apprenticeship Standard
 
More than just activity planning.
 
Your team develops deeper understanding of pedagogy, special educational needs, and partnership working—becoming trusted professionals who collaborate with parents and specialists.

 

✓ Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma ✓ SEN & Disability Support ✓ Partnership Working ✓ Room Leadership Ready
 
Know It: Educational theory, SEN support, and partnership frameworks
Show It: Lead key person responsibilities and support complex needs
Live It: Champion inclusive practice and family partnerships
 

Level 5

Early Years Lead Practitioner

📅 18-24 months | 💼 Apprenticeship Standard

 
More than just experienced practitioners.
 
Your team masters pedagogical leadership, quality improvement, and mentorship—becoming recognized professionals who drive excellence across your entire setting.

 

✓ Level 4 Early Intervention Standard ✓ Stakeholders & Partnerships ✓ Transitions & Referrals ✓ EPA Ready (Case Study & Questioning, Professional Discussion)
 
Know It: Advanced pedagogy, quality frameworks, and leadership theory
Show It: Lead practice development and mentor the team
Live It: Transform your setting's quality and reputation
 

Level 2

Playworker

📅 12-15 months | 💼 Apprenticeship Standard
More than just supervising play.
 
Your team learns how to create safe, inclusive, and engaging play environments that support children’s wellbeing, creativity, and social development, building the confidence to make play meaningful every day.

 

✓ Level 2 Playworker Standard Certificate ✓ Inclusive Play Environment Skills ✓ Health, Safety & Risk Management ✓ EPA Ready
 
Know It: Playwork principles, inclusive practice, and safety and risk
Show It: Create play opportunities, support development, and reflect on play
Live It: Act professionally, communicate well, and keep improving
 

Level 4

Early Intervention Practitioner

📅 15-18 Months | 💼 Apprenticeship Standard

 
More than just early support.
 
Your team develops specialist skills to work with children and families through early identification, targeted intervention, and effective multi-agency partnership working, helping improve outcomes where it matters most.

 

✓ Level 4 Early Intervention Standard ✓ Stakeholders & Partnerships ✓ Transitions & Referrals ✓ EPA Ready
 
Know It: Stakeholders and partnerships, safeguarding and risk, legislation
Show It: Manage transitions and referrals, coach and mentor others, use digital tools effectively
Live It: Lead inclusive practice, commit to continual development, support well-being and resilience
 

Level 4

Children, Young People & Families Practitioner

📅 15-18 months | 💼 Apprenticeship Standard
More than just providing care.
 
Your team develops the skills to support children and young people through safeguarding, assessment and planning, and trauma informed practice, while building strong relationships that promote well-being, resilience, and positive outcomes for families.

 

✓ Level 4 Children, Young People & Families Standard ✓ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Care ✓ Safeguarding, Assessment & Planning ✓ EPA Ready
 
Know It: Child development, safeguarding, risk management
Show It: Assess needs, plan support, communicate effectively with children and families
Live It: Promote positive outcomes, uphold rights and diversity, develop professionally
 

Level 5

Children, Young People and Families Manager

📅 15-18 Months | 💼 Apprenticeship Standard

 
More than just managing a service.
 
This programme develops confident leaders who can guide teams, strengthen safeguarding practice, and build effective partnerships to deliver high quality support for children, young people, and families.

 

✓ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care ✓ Leadership & Management (Children & Families Services) ✓ Safeguarding & Risk Management ✓ EPA Ready
 
Know It: Leadership and management, safeguarding and risk, partnership working
Show It: Lead teams, improve practice, make confident decisions informed by evidence and policy
Live It: Promote equality and inclusion, act ethically, and lead with responsibility
 

Ready to Discover Your Team's Hidden Potential?

Book a free assessment or calculate your ROI — either way, you'll see how government funding makes this possible

How We Develop Schools & Early Years Professionals

These aren’t simply qualifications. They’re deepening expressions of who people are becoming.

 

Know It

Build strong foundations in child development, safeguarding, and inclusive practice, understanding the EYFS/curriculum, behaviour support, and how children learn best.

Show It

Apply learning in real settings, support routines and learning activities, observe and assess progress, communicate effectively with parents and colleagues, and adapt support for SEN and additional needs.

Live It

Embody professional standards, advocate for every child, model calm and positive behaviour, build trusted relationships, and lead with care, confidence, and responsibility in your setting.  

Recognition Stories from Our Community

Real transformations from team members who discovered they're more than just their job titles

“Transitioning from a 12-year career in hospitality to a corporate environment was daunting. With the support of my colleagues and tutors, I built the confidence to thrive, strengthened my time management and communication skills, and now feel equipped to build a successful long-term career.”

🏆 AAT Student of the Year Nominee 🏢 Secured apprenticeship at Savills

Ben Mortiboy

12-year hospitality career → Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprentice (Savills)

“I've been learning with Train Together for the past 18 months and am excited to continue with my Level 4 qualification. The journey has been really enriching and fulfilling, significantly enhancing my professional skills and knowledge. The training has also had a significant impact on my productivity in work.”

📚 Continuing to Level 4 💻 Excel efficiency improved

Chloe Lloyd

Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprentice → progressing to Level 4 (AAT)

“I found the apprenticeship enjoyable and well-structured. The mix of online lessons through the training portal and face-to-face Teams calls with my tutor and peers created a balanced learning experience. The training aligned with my role—especially improving my understanding of year-end accounts.

✅ Well-structured learning 📊 Year-end accounts knowledge

Sarah Welch

Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprentice → improved confidence & efficiency at work

Frequently Asked Questions

They’re ideal for:

- New starters entering early years/schools

- Existing staff ready to upskill (quality, safeguarding, SEND, leadership)

- Team members stepping into room lead, SEND-focused, pastoral, or specialist roles

 

Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to train staff to high standards while they work, improving retention and strengthening compliance and quality of provision. Employers may also be eligible for funding and incentives.
They blend theory and practice, covering areas like child development, safeguarding, and delivering meaningful activities. This means staff can confidently apply learning to day-to-day routines and challenges in your setting.
It depends on the level. Level 2 programmes typically don’t require prior qualifications (but do require commitment and suitability for working with children). Higher levels usually require relevant experience and/or prior qualifications.

Off-the-job training is protected paid time for learning and development activities that build new knowledge/skills (not just doing the normal job). Evidence can include training sessions, mentoring, shadowing, observations, project work, reflective logs, and planned learning activities completed during working hours.