Childcare qualifications and apprenticeships (England)

This page is for qualifications and apprenticeships in England. Please see our Training in Wales page for Wales related information.

Develop yourself, to develop others

Developing yourself in childcare will help you to understand more about your role and the environment you work in, enhancing the service you provide to children and their families.

With our training provider, The Childcare Company, we can help you to understand the different avenues that you can take, to make the most of your childcare career. With exciting, bespoke, and high quality vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.

If you have any questions surrounding these development opportunities, you can contact The Childcare Company’s friendly team on 01753 596 004 or email info@thechildcarecompany.com.

Level 2: Early Years Practitioner Diploma

This Level 2 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work in a childcare setting under the supervision of an Early Years Educator. It is suitable for nursery and childminding assistants.

At the end of this training programme, you will also be awarded a Level 2 TQUK Diploma in Early Years.

Your apprenticeship journey

Months 1 to 4:
– Programme introduction and expectations
– Roles and responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner
– Safeguarding children

Months 5 to 11:
– Health, safety and well-being of children
– Communication in early years
– Child development

Months 12 to 15:
– Supporting children with additional needs
– Preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)

    Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma

    This Level 3 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work in a childcare setting, with the opportunity to take responsibility for leading childcare provision.

    It is suitable for experienced childcare assistants and those wishing to become room leaders or manage childcare provision. At the end of this training programme, you will also be awarded a Level 3 TQUK Early Years Educator Diploma.

    Your apprenticeship journey

    Months 1 to 4:
    – The importance of continued professional development in in early years
    – Safeguarding children

    Months 5 to 11:
    – Health, safety and well-being of children
    – Understanding child development

    Months 12 to 18:
    – Equality, diversity, inclusion and British values
    – Preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)

      Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

      This Level 3 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support children, young people and teachers in educational establishments.

      It is suitable for those taking their first steps into a teaching assistant career, or those looking to enter qualified teaching through a vocational route.

      Your apprenticeship journey

      Months 1 to 4:
      – Programme introduction and expectations
      – Professional practice
      – Health, safety and safeguarding children
      – Understanding how pupils learn and develop

      Months 5 to 10:
      – Developing strategies to support learning
      – Understanding assessment for learning
      – Supporting behaviour in an educational setting
      – Promote equality, diversity and inclusion within an educational setting

      Months 11 to 15:
      – Using technology to support learning
      – Professional practice
      – Preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)

        Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship

        This Level 3 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to develop, implement, maintain and improve administrative services.

        It also supports in your progression to management responsibilities, and develops highly-transferable skills that can be applied in all sectors.

        Your apprenticeship journey

        Months 1 to 4:
        – Introduction and understanding the organisation
        – Stakeholders
        – Relevant regulation
        – Policies

        Months 5 to 10:
        – Business fundamentals
        – Processes
        – Environmental factors and technology
        – Decision-making and document production

        Months 11 to 18:
        – Interpersonal skills
        – Communication and quality
        – Planning and organisation
        – Project management and preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)

          Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner

          This Level 4 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes and sustainable change in their everyday lives.

          There are two pathways available with this programme (community and residential), and the content depends on the pathway taken.

          Community Childcare Practitioner Vs Residential Care Practitioner

          Community Childcare Practitioner

          You will work within a specific social care role in community settings such as education, youth services, early years, youth justice, family support and special educational needs

          Residential Care Practitioner

          It is suitable for residential care workers, support workers and other associated job titles. At the end of this training programme, you will be also awarded a Level 3 TQUK Diploma in Residential Childcare.

            Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship

            This Level 5 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to manage others in working with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes and sustainable change in their everyday lives.

            It is suitable for deputy managers and managers.

            Your apprenticeship journey

            Months 1 to 5:
            – Reflective practice and CPD
            – Health and wellbeing of all children
            – Health, safety and record keeping

            Months 6 to 11:
            – Leadership and management
            – Child development and theory
            – Curriculum and pedagogy

            Months 12 to 24:
            – Safeguarding
            – Equality, diversity, inclusion and SEN
            – Partnership working
            – Professional development and EPA case study
            – Preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)

              Level 5 Children, Young People & Families Manager

              This Level 5 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to manage others in working with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes and sustainable change in their everyday lives.

              Community Childcare Manager Vs Residential Care Manager

              Community Childcare Manager

              It is suitable for deputy managers and managers in an adoption or fostering service. At the end of this training programme, you will also be awarded a Level 5 TQUK Diploma in Leadership and Management.

              Residential Care Manager

              It is suitable for deputy managers and managers in a residential childcare setting. At the end of this training programme, you will also be awarded a Level 5 TQUK Diploma in Residential Management.

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