Why Early Years Could be Right for You
Graduating is just the beginning — now it’s time to transform your ambition into a rewarding career that inspires the next generation.
With our Early Years Apprenticeships, we offer:
• Earn while you learn – start earning from day one while gaining nationally recognised qualifications.
• No tuition fees – training is fully funded through the apprenticeship levy or 95% funded by the government.
• Hands-on experience – work with children from birth to five, building the practical skills necessary to grow your career.
• A fast track to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) – progress from entry-level apprenticeships through to EYTS in as little as four years.
Who Should Apply for our Early Years Programmes?
Whatever your situation, there’s a pathway into Early Years for you:
• GCSE or A-level school leavers – start an apprenticeship with no experience required.
• College leavers – take the next step into Level 3 or Level 5 apprenticeships.
• University graduates – qualify for EYTS through our one-year Early Years Initial Teacher Training.
• Career changers – retrain in a growing sector with nation-wide job opportunities.
Our Early Years Education Programmes
- Entry level apprenticeship with no previous qualifications needed
- 14-month programme
- Up to 100% funded with a maximum £200 employer fee
- Requires English and maths GCSE grade C (4) or above or equivalent
- 18-month programme counting towards EYFS level 3 staff:child ratios
- Up to 100% funded with a maximum £350 employer fee
- Ideal for proactive, influential practitioners, working directly with children
- 18-month programme
- Up to 100% funded with a maximum £400 employer fee
- Ideal for university graduates interested in joining the early years sector
- 12-month programme
- No cost to trainees and their setting
Why choose Best Practice Network?
- Our award winning Apprenticeships Team are always there to help from applications to graduation
- National delivery, we have Apprenticeship Tutors based across England
- Fantastic well-being programme BPN Boost to support learners throughout the programme
- Our employee and Apprenticeship Tutors promote our exceptional values; to inspire learning, work together, act with integrity and strive for excellence
- Individual learning plans and additional support are available for learners with additional learning needs
Early Years Career Pathway
A career in Early Years offers an exciting way to start working straight after your GCSEs or A levels while building your future.
Through fully funded apprenticeship programmes, you can train without paying any tuition fees. You’ll earn a salary while you learn on the job, gaining practical skills and experience from day one. At the same time, you’ll work towards a nationally recognised qualification that can open doors across the childcare education sector.
Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a real difference by helping to shape young minds, supporting children’s learning, and setting them up for the best possible start in life.
Our Entry-Level 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
What our candidates, partners & networks are saying about us
The NPQH has been invaluable in terms of the theory and reading I have undertaken - this was picked up during the interview so I can safely say that the course has played a key role in my new appointment!
Truon Ellis | NPQH Participant
I have thoroughly enjoyed the (NASENCo) course and would recommend highly to others. The course has helped me to be more strategic and think outside of the box. Thank you!
NASENCo Candidate
The quality and accessibility of assessment was exceptional. The assessor was highly responsive and gave meaningful and timely feedback.
DSBM Candidate
I'm so glad I did my NPQH with Best Practice Network (and OLP), rather than another provider. Made it so real and prepared me so well.
Dominic Wilkes | NPQH Candidate
As a graduate entrant, the EYITT is a great way of quickly understanding the sector and getting to grips with the role, with good support from personal tutors along the way."
Will Scott | EYITT Candidate
Achieving HLTA Status has allowed me to gain so many more skills and get a place on a teacher training course after a few months.
HLTA Graduate, 2019
The course has been a extremely structured and beneficial. It has helped me to reflect on what I have been doing well and what I can improve on as an ECT. Each module has benefitted my own pedagogy and has helped me become a stronger and more resilient classroom teacher.
ECF participant
The programme supports the development requirements for my ECT as well as supporting me in assisting my ECT to grow in their professional capacity.
Early Career Mentor