Introducing the qualification
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 sector in a managerial role, as well as learners that may wish to develop their career or increase their understanding through professional development.

It aligns to the early years lead practitioner occupational standard ST0551 and is recognised as a higher technical qualification (HTQ) by Skills England.

Upon successful completion, learners can work as senior early years practitioners within the early years workforce across the private, voluntary and independent sectors, or progress to higher education in a relevant subject area.

Duration
There will be an expectation for candidates to achieve the qualification within 24 months

The role of the early years senior practitioner
The early years senior practitioner is a positive role model for the team. Through clear leadership and effective management, the senior practitioner supports and promotes best practice within legislative requirements to enable quality provision. Working collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and parents/carers, the senior practitioner engages and motivates all involved for improved outcomes for babies and children.
The areas covered in this qualification include:
* quality environments
* early years pedagogy
* behaviour
* care routines
* professional development
* special educational needs and disability (SEND)
* safeguarding
* inclusion
* development
* play for learning
* partnership working
* the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework
* leading and managing
* health, safety and wellbeing
* roles and responsibilities

Aims and objectives
This qualification aims to:
* support leadership and management skills in early years and the knowledge and skills relating to early years practice
* offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge
* provide opportunities to acquire a number of practical and technical skills
* gain occupational competence *
* provide meaningful professional development and* introduce opportunities for progression

Assessment
This qualification will be assessed using a portfolio of evidence.
All units will be internally assessed and externally quality assured. Two specified units will be assessed using an externally set and internally marked assessment task. A range of assessment methods can be applied to other units, which could include direct observation of practice, professional discussion and work products.

Entry requirements
Learners must be 19 or over and it is recommended they hold a full Level 3 early years/childcare qualification.
To be able to show competence in both knowledge and skills, learners will need to be working in the role of leader, deputy or manager in an appropriate setting, or have the opportunity to carry out responsibilities associated with these roles to be able to study for the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner. The total number of mandatory work placement hours is a minimum of 300 hours.

Qualification structure
The qualification you will be taking is the NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner. To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 18 mandatory units (121 credits).

Delivery methods
A coach will be assigned to support the learner through the qualification. There will be online workshop sessions once a month and tutorials to support the learner to develop the knowledge and understanding to build their portfolio.

Cost
£4670.00. Funding options may be available, and these will be discussed on application.