Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship

Main Areas of Responsibility

Pedagogical Leadership & Quality Improvement

• Champion high-quality teaching and learning, modelling outstanding practice and supporting colleagues to embed strong pedagogy


• Lead on planning, curriculum intent and implementation, ensuring learning experiences are ambitious, inclusive and responsive


• Support the team in delivering a rich learning environment that sparks curiosity and deepens learning


• Contribute to room self-evaluation, action planning and continuous quality improvement


• Use assessment, observation and reflective practice to ensure children make strong progress

Children’s Care, Learning & Development

• Provide exemplary interactions that promote children’s language, emotional wellbeing, critical thinking and independence


• Act as a highly skilled key person, demonstrating excellence in attachment-building and partnership with parents


• Plan and deliver next-step learning that reflects the needs, interests and developmental stages of each child


• Ensure that learning environments remain purposeful, safe, stimulating and aligned to the EYFS

Inclusion & SEND Support

• Work closely with the SENCo to identify additional needs early and implement targeted strategies that support every child to thrive


• Model inclusive practice and guide colleagues to adapt provision effectively


• Contribute to professional meetings, review cycles, written reports and partnership working with external professionals

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Uphold the highest safeguarding standards, following all procedures with vigilance and professional curiosity


• Model safe, hygienic and nurturing care routines


• Support the embedding of a strong safeguarding culture across the nursery

Team Development & Collaboration

• Offer day-to-day coaching, mentoring and modelling to colleagues, especially Level 2/3 Practitioners and new staff


• Share expertise through reflective discussions, in-room training and practice demonstrations


• Support with room organisation, routines and operational priorities


• Step up in the absence of the Room Manager to ensure continuity of high-quality provision

Partnership with Parents & Carers

• Build warm, professional and trusting relationships with parents


• Lead high-quality parent communication, including key person discussions, learning reviews and parent evenings


• Offer clear guidance to families on supporting learning at home

Professional Conduct & Organisational Responsibilities

• Act as an ambassador for Family Adventures Group, modelling professionalism and our ARCH values


• Maintain accurate, clear and timely documentation relating to planning, assessments and children’s progress


• Contribute to a positive, collaborative and supportive team culture


• Maintain confidentiality and uphold all policies, procedures and statutory requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience (Essential)

• Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner qualification (or working towards)


• Strong knowledge of child development and EYFS practice


• Demonstrable experience of leading, coaching or modelling to others


• Skilled in planning, assessment and high-quality early learning


• Knowledge of safeguarding, SEND and inclusion


• Excellent communication and teamwork skills


• Ability to positively influence and inspire colleagues