Course Overview
This Apprenticeship is suitable for you if you wish to study while earning a salary in paid employment. It is assessed in a work situation and combine knowledge and practical skills. It is a flexible programme. You will need to have the opportunity to work in an early years environment and being a key worker for in your work.
You will complete the following components as part of your Apprenticeship:
- Work towards a portfolio evidencing your knowledge, skills and behaviours
- Level 3 Paediatric First Aid (arranged by your employer)
- Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths (if not already complete).
We have excellent relationships with early years settings in the area, and we provide a supportive learning environment at college. The teaching staff and assessors have recent, relevant workplace experience and enjoy the opportunity to nurture new practitioners.
You are expected to have employment of at least 30 hours a week to be able to do an Apprenticeship. Your employment will need to last the duration of the course.
Click here to view Skills England Standard for this course.
Topics may include:
- Safeguarding
- Holistic child development
- Partnership working
- Enabling environments
- Observation and planning
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Reflection and professional practice.
You must attend online sessions one morning per week and are expected to complete written assignment work in self-study time at home. In addition, you must attend College one morning each half-term.
Assessment Methods
Teaching is through a combination of online lessons and on campus workshops at Taunton College.
You will build a portfolio to use in a professional discussion as part of your End Point Assessment, which will include coursework and practical assessments in your workplace. Your End Point Assessment (EPA) will have two components:
- Professional discussion
- Observation with questions.
You may be required to sit exams for Functional Skills in English and Maths if you do not already have these.
Your employer will organise for you to study a Level 3 qualification in Paediatric First Aid.
Progression Options
On completion of this course you could apply to do NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner, NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner or a Sector Endorsed (Early Years) Foundation Degree.
Entry Requirements
You will need a Level 2 Early Years qualification or experience in the sector, and a Level 2 or above in English and maths.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
