Early Years Pre-apprenticeship Programme

The Early Years Pre-Apprenticeship Programme is designed to support learners who are interested in pursuing a career within the Early Years sector but may not yet be ready to progress directly into an apprenticeship or employment.

The programme provides learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Early Years sector, alongside essential employability skills and professional behaviours. Learners will explore key areas such as child development, safeguarding, health and safety, communication, play and learning, and the roles and responsibilities of an Early Years practitioner.

Through a combination of classroom learning, practical activities, employer engagement and work placement opportunities, learners will develop their confidence, independence and understanding of workplace expectations. A strong focus is placed on attendance, punctuality, teamwork and professional conduct to prepare learners for the demands of working within an Early Years setting.

The overall aim of the programme is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to successfully progress into an Early Years apprenticeship, further education or employment, ensuring they are well prepared for their next steps.

Learners on the Early Years Pre-Apprenticeship Programme will be assessed through a range of formative and practical assessment methods to monitor their progress, identify gaps in knowledge and support their development throughout the programme.

Assessment will include classroom activities, questioning, quizzes, group discussions, practical tasks, written assignments and observations of skills. Learners will also have opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and professional behaviours through work placement activities and employer feedback.

Regular checks on learning, feedback and individual progress reviews will be used to identify areas for improvement and set meaningful targets. Initial and ongoing assessment will ensure learning is appropriately planned to meet individual needs and support progress.

The overall focus of assessment is to ensure learners develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and professional behaviours required to successfully progress into an Early Years apprenticeship, further education or employment.

The Early Years Pre-Apprenticeship Programme is designed to prepare learners for progression into an Early Years apprenticeship, further education or employment within the childcare sector.