Level 4 The Early Years Advanced Practitioner Course in Middlesbrough. Classes run at Middlesbrough College, part-time during the day, one day a week over one year. To enrol, you'll need to be at least 18 years old, hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification, be employed in a suitable early years role, and have GCSE English and Maths at grade C or grade 4 or above. The course deepens your theoretical knowledge and challenges your day-to-day practice, building on the experience you already have. It prepares you to take on an advanced practitioner role within the early years workforce. NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner with certificate.
Who this course is for
The NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner aims to provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in the Early Years workforce at Level 3. This qualification will embrace the wealth of experience of the Level 3 Early Years workforce, and challenge learners in both their daily practice and theoretical understanding. Upon achievement of the qualification, learners will be equipped as an advanced practitioner. The advanced practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the Early Years workforce. The qualification covers a range of Early Years topics at Level 4, including enabling children to learn, working with families and other professionals and implementing change, as well as specialist areas such as physical activity and nutrition and special educational needs. Learners will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities. To complete the course learners will research, design, and implement change in their own settings.
Entry requirements
Learners must be at least 18 years old and hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification and employed within a suitable role. Maths/English Grade C/4 or above.
What you will learn
You'll develop advanced knowledge of child development theory and how it applies to your practice.
You'll explore leadership within early years settings and how to support colleagues.
You'll examine approaches to observation, assessment, and planning for young children.
You'll analyse safeguarding frameworks and your responsibilities as an advanced practitioner.
You'll study how to promote inclusive practice and support children with additional needs.
You'll build a critical understanding of current policy and legislation affecting the early years sector.
How you will learn
You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Middlesbrough College during the day. Learning combines taught sessions with work-based application, so you can connect theory directly to your current role. Assessment is through written assignments and portfolio evidence drawn from your workplace practice. You'll be expected to reflect on your professional experience as part of your assessment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Middlesbrough College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery Practitioner: senior or advanced practitioner role in a nursery setting
Room Leader: leading a room and supporting junior staff in a nursery
Early Years SENCO: coordinating support for children with additional needs
Early Years Mentor: supporting and coaching less experienced practitioners
Childcare Manager: moving toward management of a childcare setting
Family Support Worker: working with families alongside early years practice
What you could study next
Foundation Degree in Early Years: a higher education route that builds on Level 4 and can lead to a full degree.
BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies: a degree-level qualification for those wanting to move into leadership, research, or teaching roles in the sector.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for practitioners aiming to lead practice and work toward qualified teacher recognition in early years settings.
