Level 5 The Early Years Senior Practitioner Course in Islington. Classes run at Early Years Alliance, with a mix of online study and evening sessions at the centre. The course is aimed at those already working in the early years sector in a supervisory role, such as a manager, deputy, or room leader. You'll need a Level 3 Early Years qualification to enrol, and the course requires assessment in a real working environment. The course typically takes 18 months. It covers leadership, management, and advanced early years practice.
Who this course is for
This qualification is suitable for those working in the early years sector as a manager, deputy or room leader. The aim of the qualification is to support leadership and management in the early years and knowledge and skills relating to early years practice.
Entry requirements
Learners must be aged 19 or over and hold a suitable Level 3 Early Years qualification. We recommend learners complete 350 placement hours whilst undertaking this qualification. Learners must be in a supervisory role and able to implement change to practice. This qualification requires assessment in a real working environment.
What you will learn
You'll develop leadership and management skills for early years settings.
You'll deepen your knowledge of child development and early years pedagogy.
You'll learn how to evaluate and improve practice across your team.
You'll explore safeguarding responsibilities at a senior level.
You'll build skills in supporting and supervising other practitioners.
You'll understand how to implement and lead change in your setting.
You'll study the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern early years provision.
How you will learn
Learning is blended: you'll study online at times that suit you and attend evening sessions at Early Years Alliance in Islington. Assessment takes place in your real working environment, so you'll apply what you learn directly in your role. You'll need to complete around 350 placement hours during the course. Assessment methods include workplace observation, written assignments, and professional discussion.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Early Years Alliance will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery manager: lead the day-to-day running of a nursery setting.
Deputy manager: support the manager and step up when needed.
Room leader: oversee a room and supervise junior practitioners.
Early years SENCO: coordinate support for children with additional needs.
Early years consultant: advise settings on practice and quality improvement.
Childcare area manager: oversee multiple nursery or childcare sites.
What you could study next
Early Childhood Studies degree (BA): a natural step if you want to move into research, policy, or higher-level leadership roles in early years.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: if you're interested in moving into training or assessing other practitioners.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice as a qualified teacher in early years settings.
