Professional qualifications

Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship standard is both for those who are already working in the sector and those joining the sector.

For those already working in an early years setting, who may hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, this is a progression route which will enhance their practice, skills and knowledge.

For those joining the sector, who may hold a Level 3 qualification which is not considered ‘full and relevant’, it provides an opportunity to become fully qualified to deliver the EYFS whilst progressing upwards, rather than repeating another Level 3 qualification.

More information and finding a training provider

Early Years Educator - Foundation Degree and HNC/HND

Practitioners (minimum Level 3) wishing to continue working in practice whilst progressing in their professional development can choose to undertake a Foundation Degree with an Early Years focus, via a College, University or Local Training Provider. Some of these will meet the ‘Early Years Educator’ criteria.

There is also the option of undertaking a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), however these are not currently delivered locally to Leicestershire.  

This HNC and HND meets Early Years Educator Criteria
Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Advanced Practice in Early Years Education (120 Credits)
Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Advanced Practice in Early Years Education (240 Credits)

Foundation Degree Training Providers in our locality:

See our list of Universities, Colleges and Local training provider below. If you choose to go with a training provider who does not appear on this list, please contact EYTraining@leics.gov.uk to double check this trainer and qualification. Sadly, there are many training companies who enrol practitioners onto courses which are NOT full and relevant for delivering the EYFS and they WILL NOT count in ratios.

Many qualifications are listed at a particular level, this does not mean they carry the relevant UCAS points to enable direct access onto the next level of qualification. Additionally learners should take particular care to check the status of the qualification on the Early Years Qualification List.  This will determine if the qualification is ‘full and relevant’ to enable inclusion in the ratio of ‘qualified’ staff when delivering the EYFS.

Leadership and Management

Many local colleges and training providers offer Leadership and Management qualifications, it is advisable that you choose a course which is specially designed for Leadership and Management within an early years setting such as:

• Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner - this course does not carry any Higher Education Credits
• Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner - this qualification carries 90 Credits in Higher Education

A Leadership and Management qualification is suitable for owners, managers, deputies and team leaders who are working at a level where they have responsibility for people and their performance, day to day operations, strategic direction of the business and overall success of the organisation.

A Leadership and Management qualification will not increase your Childcare Qualification Status, for example if you are currently qualified in Childcare to Level 3 and you wish to become Level 4 or Level 5 then you need to complete the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner or a Foundation Degree or HNC/HND in Childcare (see above).

Please also take a look at our checklist to support you in selecting a training provider. If you require any support or assistance, please email EYTraining@leics.gov.uk

Funding for Higher Education studies

Funding for Higher Education Studies such as HNC/HND, Foundation Degree and BA Hons Degree is available via the Advanced Learner Loan and Student Finance. Neither the Advanced Learner Loan or Student Finance are means tested.

Student Finance England offer a range of resources online including factsheets and videos and resources to support part-time students – select 2024/25 and undergraduate from the tick list on the left. When you are ready to apply for your student finance, you can register your application by signing up to the online system.