Senior Practitioners in an Early Years Setting - Work-based study option - Level 5 Diploma

The Level 5 Diploma for Senior Practitioners in an Early Years Setting is a high-quality qualification designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for roles which are in demand from employers in the early years sector, including in a senior role such as setting management. It serves as a pathway for learners to develop expertise and prepare for further study or apprenticeships.

Apply Online

Careers - Childcare

Get insights into where our courses can lead you. See example work tasks and find real job vacancies.

Nursery education teaching professionals

£31,000

Potential Salary

Find out more

Early education and childcare services managers

£27,000

Potential Salary

Find out more

Early education and childcare practitioners

£24,000

Potential Salary

Find out more

Course Description
This qualification requires learners to complete a mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of the qualification, before certification.

What will I study on this course?

The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of senior practitioner roles in early years settings. The objectives include:
- Equipping learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours for skilled job roles.
- Offering a practical and employer-led course to develop practical experience and expertise.
- Providing retraining or upskilling opportunities for individuals
- Preparing learners for progression to further study or training in the field.
There are 18 mandatory units to complete this qualification - 109 credits.

The learner will study a range of key topics in the early years sector, including but not limited to:
- Promoting health, well-being, and resilience in children.
- Effective interaction and deep-level learning facilitation.
- Leadership in daily routines, practice, and physical environment maintenance.
- Key person approach and child advocacy.
- Best practices in observation, assessment, and planning for individual needs.
- Inclusion, diversity, and equality in early years settings.
- Safeguarding legislation and strategies implementation.
- Effective resource deployment and child-centred practice.
- Reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
- Collaborative partnerships with parents, carers, and multi-agencies.
By completing this course, learners will develop the following knowledge, practical, and technical skills:
- In-depth understanding of child development and its impact on learning and well-being.
- Application of ethical and rights-based approaches in supporting children's individual journeys.
- Competence in planning and facilitating engaging and inclusive learning environments.
- Effective communication and collaboration with parents, professionals, and multi-agencies.
- Skills in observation, assessment, and planning for individual developmental needs.
  
  Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures and their implementation.
- Leadership and management skills for operational aspects of early years provision.
- Reflective practice and continuous professional development techniques.
- Proficient record-keeping, report writing, and administrative skills.
These knowledge and skills will be highly valuable for further studies, enabling learners to pursue advanced degrees or specialised training in early childhood education, leadership, or related fields.
Entry Requirements

You must be aged 19 years or older in the previous academic year to access this course.

It is recommended that you hold a level 3 Early Years Educator qualification to enrol on this course and have recent relevant experience in a supervisory role.

You must be working or volunteering in a role that is within a senior capacity within the early years. The setting must be Ofsted Registered as an early years provider, and you must be working in the age range of birth-5. Reception classes within schools are appropriate, providing you can demonstrate the opportunity to implement leadership skills.

You must hold a GCSE grade 4 or above or a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English.
Course Length
Progression Opportunities
Additional Information

What qualification will I achieve?

TQUK Level 5 Diploma for Senior Practitioners in an Early Years Setting (RQF)

How is my course assessed?

This is a work-based qualification with online delivery of training in small cohort groups

You will be assessed in the workplace and have observations carried out by your appointed assessor

You will have assignment work to complete, and you will be expected to gather workplace evidence to meet the criteria