Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- 12–15 months
- For those new to early years settings
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A great starting point that provides the foundations for a career in early years and a stepping stone to Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Around 18 months
- For current practitioners ready for more responsibility
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Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Around 18 months
- For experienced educators ready to lead
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Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
- 12 months, full or part time
- Leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
- For graduates ready to specialise in early education
A graduate-level route to becoming an early years specialist teacher, focused on child development and teaching practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- 12–15 months
- For those new to early years settings, ideal for school leavers
A great starting point that provides the foundations for a career in early years and a stepping stone to the Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Around 18 months
- For current practitioners ready for more responsibility
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Around 18 months
- For experienced educators ready to lead
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
- 12 months, full or part time
- Leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
- For graduates ready to specialise in early education
A graduate-level route to becoming an early years specialist teacher, with a strong focus on child development and teaching practice.
TA to Teacher Pathway
Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
- 18 months
- For Teaching Assistants with
A great starting point that provides the foundations for a career in early years and a stepping stone to the Level 3.
BA Honours Early Years, Childhood and Family Studies
- Around 12 months
- For current practitioners ready for more responsibility
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship
- Around 10 months
- For experienced educators ready to lead
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
TA to Teacher Pathway
Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
- 18 months
- For Teaching Assistants with
A great starting point that provides the foundations for a career in early years and a stepping stone to the Level 3.
BA Honours Early Years, Childhood and Family Studies
- Around 12 months
- For current practitioners ready for more responsibility
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Already completed EYITT, EY SENCO or the Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship?
Introduction to Coaching in the Early Years Apprenticeship Level 5
Our neIf you’ve
Early Years SENCO
If you’ve completed the Early Years SENCO Award, you’ve already made a powerful impact – leading inclusive practice, supporting children with SEND and shaping provision across your setting.
The Coaching in the Early Years Apprenticeship (Level 5) is the perfect next step. It enables you to share your expertise with others, helping colleagues build their confidence in supporting children with additional needs. This apprenticeship equips you with the tools and frameworks to:
- Coach practitioners through inclusive, reflective practice
- Support staff to implement what you've championed as a SENCO
- Lead professional conversations around SEND and early intervention
- Build a stronger, more confident team through structured development
You’ll continue to grow as a leader – while helping others do the same. All with the support of a fully funded, nationally recognised programme that leads to the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring. Amplify your impact. Coach the next generation of inclusive Early Years practitioners.
EYITT - Early Years Initial Teacher Training
As an Early Years Teacher, you already play a vital role in shaping children’s learning and development at a foundational stage. Your EYITT training has equipped you to lead practice, inspire progress, and support the individual needs of every child.
Now, the Coaching in the Early Years Apprenticeship (Level 5) offers you the opportunity to take that expertise further – by helping others grow too. This programme enables you to:
- Coach colleagues in high-quality, child-centred teaching
- Support new practitioners and students as they develop
- Embed consistent, reflective practice across your setting
- Share the principles and approaches you gained through EYITT
- Lead with confidence, collaboration and clarity
With fully funded training and the chance to earn the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring, this apprenticeship helps you move from leading in the classroom to leading through others.
Extend your impact from the children you teach to the team you lead.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
As an Early Years Lead Practitioner, you've already stepped up as a role model for effective practice. You know how to inspire colleagues, drive quality and support continuous improvement across your setting.
The Coaching in the Early Years Apprenticeship (Level 5) is the next step – giving you the skills to turn your leadership into lasting, team-wide development.
You’ll learn how to coach other practitioners with clarity and purpose, support reflective conversations, and embed consistent, high-quality teaching across your provision. It’s a practical, fully funded programme that builds on everything you’ve already achieved – and leads to the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring.
You’ve led by example – now learn to lead through others.
"I currently work in a school" - Apply Here
If you are currently employed in a school, the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is an ideal pathway to achieve Qualified Teacher Status and a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship in just 12 months + End Point Assessment.
All training costs are covered by your placement school’s Apprenticeship Levy, so there are no fees to pay.
During your apprenticeship, you will be employed at a school and receive a salary of between £21k-£27k per year on the Unqualified Teacher Salary (UNQ1) and upon qualification, you’ll step straight into a starting teacher salary of £31k–£38k.
Choose from one of two age ranges – both are full time.
| Specialism | Age Range | Start dates |
| Primary | 3-7 | September |
| Primary | 5-11 | September |
Apply now for the next intake!
Congratulations! You appear to be eligible to apply. Please click the link below to begin your application
Unfortunately, you do not appear to be eligible.
Please contact our team to discuss your options.
To apply, you must have lived in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years.
Question 1: Have you lived in the UK for at least the last 3 consecutive years?
To apply, you must have have the right to work and study in the UK.
Question 2: Do you have the right to work and study in the UK?
To join this programme, you must have one of the following:
-
GCSEs in English, maths and science at Grade 4 (C) or above
-
Equivalency tests for English, maths and science at GCSE level
-
International qualifications equivalent to GCSE English, maths and science as assessed by UK ENIC (comparability Statement)
Question 3: Do you hold these GCSEs or equivalent qualifications?
To join this programme, you must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any subject, awarded at a minimum classification of 2:2.
Question 4: Do you have a bachelor's degree awarded at a minimum classification of 2:2?
To apply for the Teacher Apprenticeship, you must be working in a school as a teaching assistant, cover supervisor or other support role. Please confirm you are working in a school.
Question 5: Are you currently employed in a school?
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Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- ⏱️ 12–15 months
- 🎯 For those new to early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- ⏱️ Around 18 months
- 🎯 For current practitioners ready for more responsibility
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- ⏱️ Around 18 months
- 🎯 For experienced educators ready to lead
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathways
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
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Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
A great starting point that provides the foundations to progress onto Level 3.
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Builds on Level 2 knowledge and prepares practitioners for more responsibility.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Builds on Level 3 experience and equips you to lead and influence early years practice.
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
Early Years Apprenticeship Pathway
Early Years Practitioner
- Supports learning and development of young children
- Works under supervision in early years settings
Early Years Educator
- Plans and delivers purposeful play activities
- Builds strong partnerships with families and staff
Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Leads on practice and mentors others in the setting
- Drives quality improvement and supports staff development
How can Best Practice Network help?
We can help your school or setting recruit new apprentices within Early Years, Playschemes, Teacher and Teaching Assistant positions.
Our dedicated recruitment team will work with you to find the best candidates for your vacancy. We will:
- Advertise - Your vacancy will be placed on our website, job boards as well as the Find and Apply website
- Screening - We will hold an initial call with all applicants to asses their eligibility and suitability for the apprenticeship
- Pass on Candidates to your hiring team - We will contact you with a pool of applicants with notes for you to interview
- Enrol - Once you have chosen the perfect candidate(s), we will help enrol them onto the next intake of our apprenticeship programme
Get started today by filling out our vacancy form opposite to tell us more about who you are looking for. A member of our Recruitment Team will then be in touch to arrange an initial call.
Where we advertise your vacancies:
Apprenticeship Vacancy Form
Fill out the form, and our recruitment team will be in touch soon.