New Employer incentives – Find out more information here
Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship
Our Early Years Practitioner apprenticeships are perfect for school leavers ready to begin a rewarding childcare career, as well as those already working in a nursery or early years setting who want to achieve a formal industry-recognised qualification.
You’ll work directly with young children, helping to shape their early development and learning through purposeful play, educational programmes, and day-to-day care. This is a hands-on, people-focused role designed to build confidence, compassion, and competence.
As an Early Years Apprentice, you will:
- Support the planning and delivery of play-based learning activities
- Help implement educational programmes tailored to early development stages
- Create safe, inclusive, and stimulating environments that nurture social and emotional growth
- Interact with children daily to support communication, movement, curiosity and independence
- Work closely with colleagues and parents to support each child’s development
- Uphold the ethos and values of your nursery or early years setting
Whether you’re starting out or upskilling, this apprenticeship provides the foundation for a fulfilling, long-term career in early childhood education.
Added Value – Endorsed Courses: Purposeful Play and Additional Needs & Behaviours
Alongside the apprenticeship, learners will achieve two endorsed Level 3 certificates:
• Purposeful Play (Level 3) – This qualification helps practitioners design engaging, play‑based learning experiences that spark curiosity and support children’s development.
• Additional Needs and Behaviour (Level 3) – This course strengthens staff confidence in supporting children with diverse needs and encourages positive behaviour strategies within the setting.
Both certificates are delivered online through Microsoft Teams and provide practitioners with valuable specialist skills that will directly benefit the children, families, and overall nursery environment.
What are the benefits?
- Builds confidence in everyday practice
- Helps staff support children with additional needs
- Enhances play‑based learning and activity planning
- Supports career development and progression
AI SMART
Heart of England Training is moving into the future with artificial intelligence, which means you are too.
Every apprentice, whatever their role or programme, benefits from our AI Smart approach, which is part of our HOET Knowledge Boost.
Built to develop practical AI confidence and real-world application, AI Smart equips learners with the knowledge and skills to use AI tools effectively, responsibly, and with purpose.
As learners progress, apprentices go beyond basic understanding by learning how to apply AI thoughtfully to solve genuine workplace challenges, support innovation, and add tangible value to their employer.
WHY CHOOSE US?
- Delivered by Experts – All our education trainers have years of real-world experience working within the business environment.
- 50+ Years of Apprenticeship Excellence – We’ve been supporting learners and employers since 1971, giving us a deep understanding of how to guide you from learner to fully qualified professional.
- Rated Highly by Apprentices and Employers – We’re proud of our glowing reviews on the official government apprenticeship site, showing consistent satisfaction from past learners.
- Backed by Ofsted Praise – “Senior leaders provide strong and inclusive leadership… They are highly visible and committed to providing good-quality education and training” – Ofsted Report.
- Support Every Step of the Way – From application to employment, our friendly team is here to help you build your skills, confidence, and career.
Testimonies
“It’s been such a rewarding journey. I’ve developed both professionally and personally, and I feel proud to play a part in each child’s early development.” Amy, Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprentice
“The course has given me a much deeper understanding of how nurseries operate behind the scenes. I feel more knowledgeable, more capable, and proud of the impact I make every day.” Early Years Level 2 Apprentice
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Heart of England Training. They’ve helped me build my confidence, knowledge, and passion for working in Early Years.” Former Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprentice
