Free Level 5 The Early Years Senior Practitioner Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working in an early years setting, building leadership and management skills alongside your day-to-day practice. The course covers early years pedagogy, leading practice, and supporting colleagues, all applied directly in your role. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the level is right for you. The typical session length is 60 minutes. Completing the course earns you the NCFE Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner with certificate.
Who this course is for
This qualification is designed to support the development of leadership and management skills in early years and the knowledge and skills relating to early years practice. This qualification is suitable for learners already working in the early years sect
What you will learn
You'll develop leadership and management skills for early years settings.
You'll deepen your knowledge of early years practice and child development.
You'll learn how to support and mentor colleagues in your team.
You'll understand how to lead high-quality learning environments for young children.
You'll explore how to reflect on and improve practice within your setting.
You'll build knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities at a senior level.
How you will learn
You learn through work-based practice, applying your skills directly in your early years setting. Assessment is ongoing and tied to your role. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your workplace, demonstrating your competence in leadership, management, and early years practice. Your assessor will observe you at work and review your written evidence as part of the assessment process.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. ACL Essex will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery room leader: lead a room team in a nursery setting.
Early years senior practitioner: senior hands-on role supporting quality practice.
Deputy nursery manager: support the manager in running a nursery.
Nursery manager: manage staff, compliance, and daily nursery operations.
Early years coordinator: oversee curriculum and practice across a setting.
Children's centre practitioner: deliver family and early years support services.
What you could study next
Level 6 Degree in Early Childhood Studies: a full undergraduate route for those moving into specialist or advisory roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for practitioners aiming to lead learning and development as a qualified teacher in early years settings.
Level 5 Leadership and Management qualifications: broaden your management skills beyond the early years sector if your career moves in that direction.
