Level 5 The Early Years Senior Practitioner Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working in your early years setting, so your learning connects directly to your daily role. The course can be funded through a commercial payment plan or an Advanced Learner Loan. If you apply for a loan, you'll need a successful application before you start. The course takes around 15 months and covers advanced leadership, management, and practice in early years settings. You must be aged 19 or over and hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
Who this course is for
The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner is designed for individuals aiming to develop advanced leadership and management skills within early years settings. This qualification is suitable for those already employed in roles such as Room Leader, Supervisor, or Early Years Manager, seeking to enhance their professional capabilities and progress to senior leadership positions. It is also appropriate for those aspiring to lead practice in promoting children's well-being, resilience, and development within early years environments.
Entry requirements
Learners must be aged 19 and over and hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification. Learners must be employed in an Early Years setting and supported by their employer. Currently working as a Manager, Deputy Manager, or Room Leader in a nursery, responsible for overseeing daily operations, supporting staff, and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
What you will learn
You'll develop advanced leadership and management skills for early years settings.
You'll learn how to lead and support a team of early years practitioners.
You'll study approaches to promoting children's wellbeing, learning, and development.
You'll explore how to evaluate and improve practice across your setting.
You'll build knowledge of safeguarding, inclusion, and regulatory requirements at a senior level.
You'll learn how to manage daily operations and maintain a safe, nurturing environment.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in your workplace. You apply your knowledge directly to your role as you study. Assessment is work-based and includes written assignments, professional discussions, and evidence gathered from your day-to-day practice. Your employer supports your learning throughout the 15-month programme. Showcase Training will confirm the specific assessment requirements before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Showcase Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery Manager: lead a nursery setting day to day
Deputy Manager: support the manager and oversee staff
Room Leader: lead a room team and plan children's learning
Early Years SENCO: coordinate special educational needs support
Early Years Consultant: advise settings on quality and practice
Childcare Area Manager: oversee multiple nursery sites
What you could study next
Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies: a degree-level route for those wanting to deepen their knowledge of child development and education theory.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for practitioners aiming to lead teaching and learning in early years settings.
Level 7 qualifications in Education or Leadership and Management: for those moving into strategic or senior management roles across the sector.
