Childcare qualifications and apprenticeships (England)
This page is for qualifications and apprenticeships in England. Please see our Training in Wales page for Wales related information.
Develop yourself, to develop others
Developing yourself in childcare will help you to understand more about your role and the environment you work in, enhancing the service you provide to children and their families.
With our training provider, The Childcare Company, we can help you to understand the different avenues that you can take, to make the most of your childcare career. With exciting, bespoke, and high quality vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.
If you have any questions surrounding these development opportunities, you can contact The Childcare Company’s friendly team on 01753 596 004 or email info@thechildcarecompany.com.
Level 2:Â Early Years Practitioner Diploma
This Level 2 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work in a childcare setting under the supervision of an Early Years Educator. It is suitable for nursery and childminding assistants.
At the end of this training programme, you will also be awarded a Level 2 TQUK Diploma in Early Years.
Your apprenticeship journey
Months 1 to 4:
– Programme introduction and expectations
– Roles and responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner
– Safeguarding children
Months 5 to 11:
– Health, safety and well-being of children
– Communication in early years
– Child development
Months 12 to 15:
– Supporting children with additional needs
– Preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)
Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma
This Level 3 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work in a childcare setting, with the opportunity to take responsibility for leading childcare provision.
It is suitable for experienced childcare assistants and those wishing to become room leaders or manage childcare provision. At the end of this training programme, you will also be awarded a Level 3 TQUK Early Years Educator Diploma.
Your apprenticeship journey
Months 1 to 4:
– The importance of continued professional development in in early years
– Safeguarding children
Months 5 to 11:
– Health, safety and well-being of children
– Understanding child development
Months 12 to 18:
– Equality, diversity, inclusion and British values
– Preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
This Level 3 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support children, young people and teachers in educational establishments.
It is suitable for those taking their first steps into a teaching assistant career, or those looking to enter qualified teaching through a vocational route.
Your apprenticeship journey
Months 1 to 4:
– Programme introduction and expectations
– Professional practice
– Health, safety and safeguarding children
– Understanding how pupils learn and develop
Months 5 to 10:
– Developing strategies to support learning
– Understanding assessment for learning
– Supporting behaviour in an educational setting
– Promote equality, diversity and inclusion within an educational setting
Months 11Â to 15:
– Using technology to support learning
– Professional practice
– Preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)
Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship
This Level 3 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to develop, implement, maintain and improve administrative services.
It also supports in your progression to management responsibilities, and develops highly-transferable skills that can be applied in all sectors.
Your apprenticeship journey
Months 1 to 4:
– Introduction and understanding the organisation
– Stakeholders
– Relevant regulation
– Policies
Months 5 to 10:
– Business fundamentals
– Processes
– Environmental factors and technology
– Decision-making and document production
Months 11Â to 18:
– Interpersonal skills
– Communication and quality
– Planning and organisation
– Project management and preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)
Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner
This Level 4 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes and sustainable change in their everyday lives.
There are two pathways available with this programme (community and residential), and the content depends on the pathway taken.
Community Childcare Practitioner Vs Residential Care Practitioner
Community Childcare Practitioner
You will work within a specific social care role in community settings such as education, youth services, early years, youth justice, family support and special educational needs
Residential Care Practitioner
It is suitable for residential care workers, support workers and other associated job titles. At the end of this training programme, you will be also awarded a Level 3 TQUK Diploma in Residential Childcare.
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship
This Level 5 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to manage others in working with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes and sustainable change in their everyday lives.
It is suitable for deputy managers and managers.
Your apprenticeship journey
Months 1 to 5:
– Reflective practice and CPD
– Health and wellbeing of all children
– Health, safety and record keeping
Months 6Â to 11:
– Leadership and management
– Child development and theory
– Curriculum and pedagogy
Months 12Â to 24:
– Safeguarding
– Equality, diversity, inclusion and SEN
– Partnership working
– Professional development and EPA case study
– Preparation for your End Point Assessment (EPA)
Level 5 Children, Young People & Families Manager
This Level 5 apprenticeship training programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to manage others in working with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes and sustainable change in their everyday lives.
Community Childcare Manager Vs Residential Care Manager
Community Childcare Manager
It is suitable for deputy managers and managers in an adoption or fostering service. At the end of this training programme, you will also be awarded a Level 5 TQUK Diploma in Leadership and Management.
Residential Care Manager
It is suitable for deputy managers and managers in a residential childcare setting. At the end of this training programme, you will also be awarded a Level 5 TQUK Diploma in Residential Management.
Latest News
Keep up to date with everything that's happening in the childcare sector
Changes to the Childcare Offer rate for Wales/ Newidiadau i gyfradd y Cynnig Gofal Plant
Department for Education publishes 2025/26 funding rates
Report calls for early years reform and a national childminder strategy
Socials
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