NCFE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner (HTQ)

Essential: Must be employed and be over 19 years of age. Must be employed in an Early Years setting in a managerial role i.e., supervisor, room leader, deputy manager. Must hold relevant Level 3 Qualification in Early years which support License to Practice requirements.

Desirable:  GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or Grade C and above OR Level 2 Equivalent such as Level 2 Functional Skills.

Other requirements: To be able to show competence in both knowledge and skills, learners will need to be working in the role of Leader, Deputy or Manager in an appropriate setting, or have the opportunity to carry out responsibilities associated with these roles to be able to study for the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner.

The Early Years Senior Practitioner will be a positive role model for the team. Through clear leadership and effective management, the Senior Practitioner will support and promote best practice within legislative requirements to enable quality provision. Working collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and parents/carers the Senior Practitioner engages and motivates all involved for improved outcomes for babies and children.

The areas covered in this qualification include:

• quality environments
• early years pedagogy
• behaviour
• care routines
• professional development
• Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
• safeguarding
• inclusion
• development
• play for learning
• partnership working
• the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• leading and managing
• health, safety and well-being
• roles and responsibilities.

The specific units that will be covered are:

• EYE L5 SP 1 Manage care routines for children
• EYE L5 SP 2 Lead practice in promoting the well-being and resilience in children
• EYE L5 SP 3 Model positive behaviour in the early years
• EYE L5 SP 4 Lead activities, experiences and educational opportunities to promote children’s speech, language and communication
• EYE L5 SP 5 Lead children’s early education and development
• EYE L5 SP 6 Understand holistic child development from birth to 7 years
• EYE L5 SP 7 Developing children’s emergent literacy skills
• EYE L5 SP 8 Developing children’s emergent mathematical skills
• EYE L5 SP 9 Develop and implement policies and procedures to support the safeguarding of children
• EYE L5 SP 10 Develop health and safety and risk management policies, procedures and practices in Early Years Settings
• EYE L5 SP 11 Champion equality, diversity and inclusion
• EYE L5 SP 12 Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disability in an Early Years Setting
• EYE L5 SP 13 Work in partnership in Early Years Setting
• EYE L5 SP 14 Lead and manage a team within an Early Years Setting
• EYE L5 SP 15 Develop, maintain and use records and reports
• EYE L5 SP 16 Quality provision in Early Years Settings
• EYE L5 SP 17 Promote professional development
• EYE L5 SP 18 Review own knowledge of learning and development for early years practice

Throughout the qualification, learners will have to achieve 18 mandatory units, totalling 121 credits.

Upon successful completion, learners can work as a Senior Early Years Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce across the private, voluntary and independent sectors, or progress to higher education in a relevant subject area.

All units will be internally assessed and externally quality assured, with the exception to Units EYE L5 SP 2 and EYE L5 SP 16 which will also be assessed using an externally set and internally marked with action research projects and reflections.

Assessment of Learning will be undertaken using a range of methods that can be applied to other units, these will include direct observation of practice by dedicated assessor, professional discussions, evidence of work products, reflections and journals of practice. All learning and evidence will be recorded and stored on a e-portfolio.

NCFE CACHE LEVEL 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner.

Course progression: 

It is anticipated that learners will be able to progress within the workforce or to Higher Education in a relevant subject area.

Career progression: 

Upon successful completion, learners can work as an Early Years Senior Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce across the private, voluntary and independent sector or progress to Higher Education in a relevant subject area.

£4170 – available for Advanced Learner Loan.