With Best Practice Network you can expect:
- Expert tutor support – experienced Early Years professionals guiding apprentices step by step
- Flexible, high-quality delivery – designed to fit around the demands of nursery life
- Funded training – 100% via the Apprenticeship Levy or 95% funded by the DfE, with no cost to the learner
- Progression routes – from Level 2 through to Lead Practitioner and beyond
- Free recruitment service – helping you attract and select the right candidates for your team
As an employer, can I transfer my apprenticeships to another provider?
Employers in England can switch their apprenticeship training provider (often called the “main provider”) under certain conditions. Doing so requires following rules and ensuring that funding, contracts, and learner progress are managed carefully to avoid disruption. Below is a summary of how it works, what to watch out for, and what has changed in recent funding rules.
Employers can change providers if the apprenticeship standard remains the same. The key steps are:
- Choose a new provider – they must be on the official register of apprenticeship training providers.
- Agree terms – identify a training plan that reflects what has already been delivered.
- Update contracts and records – including the apprenticeship agreement, commitment statement, and Apprenticeship Service account.
- Transfer learner progress – pass on evidence of completed training and assessments so the apprentice can continue smoothly.
- Confirm funding – payments stop for the old provider and start for the new one from the agreed switch date.
Our Early Years & Childcare Apprenticeship Programmes
- Entry level apprenticeship with no previous qualifications needed
- 14-month programme
- Three main themes including; health and wellbeing, support care routine for babies and young children and equality, diversity, inclusive practice and SEND.
- Requires English and maths GCSE grade C (4) or above or equivalent
- 18-month programme which counts towards EYFS level 3 staff:child ratios
- Works on themes from Level 2 in addition with; legislation, framework and practice, play, development and learning for school readiness and speech, language and communication needs
- Requires level 3 completion or equivalent as well as English and maths GCSEs grade C (4) or above
- 24-month programme
- Structured around promoting and implementing themes from levels 2 and 3, as well as leading practice, child development, observation and planning.
- Gain the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
- Learn coaching models that work in Early Years
- Support inclusive and reflective practice in Early Years teams
Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3
- There are no age restrictions for apprenticeships, and maths and English Level 2 is included as part of your training
- 15 - 18 Months
- Develop the skills and knowledge needed to plan and deliver high-quality childcare and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)