Childcare and teaching

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for:

• Individuals beginning a career in early years education and childcare
• Nursery assistants, childminders, or early years workers looking to formalise their skills and gain a recognised qualification
• Those working in nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes, or home-based childcare settings
• People passionate about supporting young children’s learning, development, and well-being in their formative years

Are there any entry requirements?

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 1/G or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 1/G or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to advance in your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

Knowledge Areas

• Child Development: Understand how children grow, learn, and develop across all areas from birth to age 7
• Safeguarding: Know safeguarding laws, procedures, and your responsibilities in keeping children safe
• Health & Safety: Follow health and safety rules, manage risks, and respond to illness or emergencies
• Wellbeing & Nutrition: Support children’s health through good nutrition, physical activity, and hygiene
• Communication & Inclusion: Communicate effectively with all children and promote inclusive, respectful practice
• Learning & Environment: Create supportive learning environments and use observation to plan next steps
• Professional Practice: Work well with others, reflect on your practice, and engage families and professionals

Skills Development

• Nutrition & Wellbeing: Encourage healthy eating, physical activity, and share advice with families
• Communication: Communicate clearly with all children and support language development
• Learning & Play: Plan, deliver, and review activities that support learning and creativity
• Observation & SEND: Observe and assess development and support individual care plans
• Teamwork & Families: Work with colleagues, professionals, and families to support each child

Behaviours Expected

• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with others
• Commitment: Focus on improving outcomes for children
• Inclusion: Respect differences and ensure equal opportunities
• Professionalism: Reflect, develop, and follow policies and procedures
• British Values: Promote respect, liberty, democracy, and the rule of law

End Point Assessment Methods

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Apprentice Showcase (Portfolio)
• Professional Discussion
• Observation with questions

Progression Routes

Apprentices can progress to:

Roles such as:

• Senior Care Worker
• Lead Adult Care Worker
• Healthcare Assistant

Higher-level qualifications:

• Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship
• Nursing Associate or Social Work Degree Apprenticeships

Professional recognition with organisations such as Skills for Care

Where and when will I learn?

This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progress is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at Lingfield Way (DL1 4QZ) to further enhance your learning.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Early Years Practitioner standard.

The programme typically takes 12 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for:

• Individuals beginning or advancing their careers in educational support roles
• Experienced teaching assistants seeking a formal qualification and career progression
• Practitioners working in primary, secondary, or special schools
• Those passionate about supporting pupils with diverse needs

This apprenticeship is suitable across a wide range of educational settings, including maintained schools, academies, free schools, special schools, pupil referral units, and independent schools.

Are there any entry requirements?

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to advance in your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

Knowledge Areas

• Safeguarding & Inclusion: Understand safeguarding, types of abuse, and the importance of equality and respecting diverse backgrounds
• Legal & Professional Duties: Know legal responsibilities around health, safety, confidentiality, and the rights of children and educators
• Child Development: Grasp how children grow and learn from birth to age 7 across all developmental areas
• Learning Environments: Recognise how physical spaces, routines, and values support inclusive learning
• Relationships & Teamwork: Value strong partnerships with families, colleagues, and external agencies
• Play & Learning: Understand play theories, attachment, and how children develop effective learning traits
• Assessment & Reflection: Use observation and assessment to plan learning, and engage in reflective practice and ongoing development

Skills Development

• Safeguarding: Spot risks and apply safeguarding, health, and safety procedures
• Risk & Resilience: Manage risks and help children build safety skills
• Communication: Communicate effectively and collaborate with families and professionals
• Key Person Role: Build secure relationships and fulfil key person duties
• Inclusive Care: Support diverse needs, personal care, identity, and emotional wellbeing
• Environment & Learning: Create inclusive spaces and plan meaningful experiences
• Assessment & Growth: Observe, assess, plan learning, and reflect for professional development

Behaviours Expected

• Confident to have difficult conversations
• Child-centred and empathetic, valuing equality, diversity, and inclusion and the uniqueness of each child
• Vigilant and act with professional curiosity
• Caring, compassionate and sensitive
• Honest, open, respectful, and a role model
• Self-motivated, using initiative and proactive
• Playful and creative
• Reflective and reflexive and committed to CPD

End Point Assessment Methods

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Apprentice Showcase (Portfolio)
• Professional Discussion
• Observation with questions

Progression Routes

Roles such as:

• Room Leader
• Nursery Supervisor
• Early Years Lead Practitioner
• SEN Support Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Childcare Manager

Higher-level qualifications:

• Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Apprenticeship
• Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
• BA (Hons) in Early Years Education or Childhood & Youth Studies

Apprentices may also pursue teaching assistant roles, work toward Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), or register with professional bodies depending on career goals.

Where and when will I learn? 

This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progress is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at Lingfield Way (DL1 4QZ) to further enhance your learning.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Early Years Educator standard.

The programme typically takes 18 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for:

• Individuals beginning or advancing their careers in educational support roles
• Experienced teaching assistants seeking a formal qualification and career progression
• Practitioners working in primary, secondary, or special schools

This apprenticeship is suitable across a wide range of educational settings.

Are there any entry requirements?

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The course curriculum is designed and delivered in a way that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours aligned with the needs of local and regional employers. It supports your achievement of relevant qualifications and prepares you for success in your chosen field.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured and sequenced to build on your existing knowledge and experience, helping you acquire the new skills required to advance in your career, further training, education, or employment. It is also flexible and responsive, allowing for personalisation based on individual needs and current challenges in your role, which can be explored during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice, you will be expected to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence by the end of your training programme, showing how your learning contributes to the demands of the local, regional, and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

Knowledge Areas

• Feedback & Assessment: Importance of feedback, formative assessment methods, and the learning-assessment-feedback cycle.
• Learning Resources & Technology: Use of learning resources and technology to support learner progress.
• Child & Young Person Development: Developmental stages and the impact of transitions on learners.
• Curriculum & Teaching Strategies: Curriculum intent, implementation, impact, and teaching strategies (e.g., scaffolding, questioning).
• Planning & Observation: Target setting, observation, recording, and reporting methods.
• Safeguarding & Well-being: Safeguarding, Prevent, health & safety, and supporting mental health and pastoral needs.
• Communication & Enrichment: Adapting communication, types of learning interventions, learner behaviours, and enrichment activities.

Skills Development

• Supporting Learners: Encourage independent learning, adapt resources and teaching strategies, and support all learners’ academic and pastoral needs
• Communication & Collaboration: Adapt communication for context, build relationships with stakeholders, and clarify the TA’s role with teachers
• Behaviour & Well-being: Apply behaviour management strategies, support mental health and well-being, and respond to learner behaviours
• Teaching & Assessment: Deliver learning activities, apply formative assessment methods, and provide effective feedback
• Observation & Reporting: Observe, record, and report learner progress in line with procedures
• Technology in Learning: Use technology safely to support learning and promote safe use among learners
• Compliance & Safeguarding: Follow legislation and procedures for Prevent, safeguarding, and health & safety

Behaviours Expected

• Act professionally and respectfully with the whole school community
• Be a positive role model, upholding and exemplifying the organisation's values
• Respect and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Be committed to improving their own delivery through reflective practice
• Engage with research to establish best practice
• Work collaboratively and constructively with the whole school community

End Point Assessment Methods

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Apprentice Showcase (Portfolio)
• Professional Discussion
• Observation with questions

Progression Routes

Roles such as:

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
• Specialist SEND Support Assistant
• Behaviour Support Worker
• Learning Mentor
• Pastoral Support Worker
• Inclusion Coordinator

Higher-level qualifications:

• Teaching Assistant Level 6 or Education-related Degree
• Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• BA (Hons) in Education Studies or Inclusive Education

Apprentices may also progress into teacher training (e.g. PGCE or QTS routes), pursue leadership roles in SEND or pastoral care, or register with professional bodies depending on career goals.

Where and when will I learn? 

This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progress is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at Lingfield Way (DL1 4QZ) to further enhance your learning.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Specialist Teaching Assistant standard.

The programme typically takes 18 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us

 

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This programme is designed for:

• Experienced teaching assistants looking to progress into a specialist role
• Support staff in schools, colleges, or alternative provision settings who work closely with learners
• Individuals working in primary, secondary, special schools, further education, or alternative education settings

Those who want to specialise in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), Social and Emotional Well-being, or Curriculum Provision.

Are there any entry requirements?

For apprentices aged 16–18:
Applicants should provide evidence of GCSE grades 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent). If these qualifications have not yet been achieved, support will be available throughout the apprenticeship to help learners meet the required standards.

For apprentices aged 19 and over:
While GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) are beneficial, they are not mandatory. Initial assessments may be used to identify any support needs.

Additional Requirements:
Employers may set their own entry criteria based on the specific demands of the role or sector.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The structure and delivery of the course curriculum will enable you to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to reflect the needs of local and regional employers, gain qualifications and be successful in this area.

The curriculum is planned and sequenced to enable learners with previous knowledge and experience to develop the new skills needed to progress to the next stage of their career, training, education or employment. The curriculum is flexible and responsive to learner demands and can be tailored to suit individual needs, arising from any current and dynamic issues affecting their role, which can be addressed during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice you will need to be able to demonstrate knowledge and practical skills at the end of your apprenticeship training programme and understand how this reflects the needs of the local, regional and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

Knowledge Areas

• Curriculum: Understand curriculum frameworks, teaching strategies, planning, and assessment methods to support effective learning
• Child Development: Know how children develop, learn, and how to support diverse needs including SEND and SEMH
• Inclusion & Wellbeing: Apply principles of inclusion, equity, and wellbeing to create supportive learning environments
• Safeguarding: Follow health, safety, safeguarding, and data protection procedures; know when to escalate concerns
• Collaboration: Build strong relationships with learners, families, and professionals; work effectively in teams and support learner voice
• Reflective & Evidence-Based Practice: Use research, reflective practice, and digital tools to improve learning and professional development
• Specialist Knowledge: Apply specialist knowledge in SEND, social-emotional wellbeing, and specific curriculum areas to enhance learner outcomes

Skills Development

• Safeguarding: Spot risks and apply safeguarding, health, and safety procedures
• Risk & Resilience: Manage risks and help children build safety skills
• Communication: Communicate effectively and collaborate with families and professionals
• Key Person Role: Build secure relationships and fulfil key person duties
• Inclusive Care: Support diverse needs, personal care, identity, and emotional wellbeing
• Environment & Learning: Create inclusive spaces and plan meaningful experiences
• Assessment & Growth: Observe, assess, plan learning, and reflect for professional development

Behaviours Expected

• Model inclusive and ethical behaviour
• Act professionally and positively
• Show empathy and respect to others
• Be adaptable and resilient
• Welcome feedback and strive to improve
• Promote high standards in practice

End Point Assessment Methods

This is the final assessment and includes a:

• Apprentice Showcase (Portfolio)
• Professional Discussion
• Observation with questions

Progression Routes

Roles such as:

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
• Specialist SEND Support Assistant
• Behaviour Support Worker
• Learning Mentor
• Pastoral Support Worker
• Inclusion Coordinator

Higher-level qualifications:

• Teaching Assistant Level 6 or Education-related Degree
• Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• BA (Hons) in Education Studies or Inclusive Education

Apprentices may also progress into teacher training (e.g. PGCE or QTS routes), pursue leadership roles in SEND or pastoral care, or register with professional bodies depending on career goals.

Where and when will I learn? 

This apprenticeship combines online learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. You’ll receive regular support from your tutor through scheduled meetings at your place of work, or remotely, ensuring your progress is closely guided and aligned with the apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, you may be invited to attend support sessions at our training centre located at Lingfield Way (DL1 4QZ) to further enhance your learning.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will serve as a foundation for applying new knowledge and developing practical skills in real care environments. Throughout the programme, your tutor will work with you to ensure your learning journey is tailored to your role and supports your achievement of the Specialist Teaching Assistant standard.

The programme typically takes 24 months to complete, depending on your working hours and prior experience.

What do I do next?

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates' -when a relevant vacancy becomes available, we will contact you.

If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us