An early years practitioner is a professional working with children aged 0 to 5 years in an early years and childcare setting. This could be a day nursery, pre-school or school nursery. The main role is to care for the children and plan and deliver activities that support their development and enhance their learning.
There are different levels of qualifications in early years. A minimum level 2 qualification will allow you to work in a setting under supervision.
An early years qualification can be completed as a:
• Certificate
• Diploma
• Apprenticeship
• T Level
Level 2
If you are new to the early years sector you might start on a level 2 course. You may require 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent to begin the level 2. With a level 2 early years qualification you could work as an early years assistant and work towards your level 3 to become an early years practitioner.
Skills Bootcamps
If you are 19+ and would like to gain the basic early years knowledge in 6 to 12 weeks you may have the opportunity to attend a skills bootcamp. Once you have completed the skills bootcamp you can enrol onto a level 3 early years apprenticeship.
Level 3
The level 3 is for those who have a childcare level 2 qualification or those who have completed the skills bootcamp. You may require 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. With a level 3 early years qualification you could work as an early years practitioner.
Level 4 and 5
The level 4 and 5 qualifications are for those wanting to progress to an advanced practitioner or nursery manager.
There is support from local training providers to help you from entry level, in some cases with no initial qualifications, to advanced early years qualifications.
See below links to local training providers (the links will direct you to their website):