Apply now for Initial Teacher Training for the 26/27 Academic Year. Contact [email protected] for more information and to get started.
In your final two years of university or doing a master’s? Apply now for a 3 week PAID INTERNSHIP with the Marches Academy Trust this summer – earn £1365 and discover the joy of teaching.
Earn while you learn with an Early Years Apprenticeship. Expert-led programmes that are delivered nationally.
Your staff are the heart of your nursery or school. Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to recruit new team members, develop existing staff and build a confident workforce for the future. With Best Practice Network, everything is made simple — from funding and recruitment to progression and recognition.
Early Years settings face real staffing challenges — from high turnover to rising recruitment costs. Apprenticeships are a powerful solution that help you:
An Early Years Practitioner (EYP) is responsible for implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in various early years settings. These settings may include full day care, children’s centres, playgroups, pre-schools, nursery schools, reception classes and home-based provision.
The EYP Level 2 apprenticeship is a work-based programme completed over 12-14 months. It can be funded by the Apprenticeship Levy or co-funded by your employer and the Government. During this programme, you will gain hands-on experience in a professional setting while studying for your qualification through Off-the-Job training. Additionally, you will earn at least the Apprentice Minimum Wage.
An Early Years Educator (EYE) is responsible for planning and providing effective care for children aged 0-5 in various early years settings. They count towards the Staff: Child ratio and can mentor Early Years Practitioners. They will implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that enables children to prepare for school.
The EYE Level 3 apprenticeship is a work-based programme completed over 15-18 months. On successful completion, you will be awarded the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and achieve full and relevant status inline with the EYFS. During this programme, you will gain hands-on experience in a professional setting while studying for your qualification through Off-the-Job training. Additionally, you will earn at least the Apprentice Minimum Wage.
The Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3 programme is a variation of our Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3 programme that is delivered by Best Practice Network and our sister company, Thrive.
This apprenticeship provides early years practitioners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver high-quality education and care. With the addition of Thrive’s learning, they will also understand behaviour, wellbeing and inclusivity to help every child feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner (EYLP) Apprenticeship is ideal for proactive, influential practitioners, working directly with children.
These highly skilled professionals take an operational lead for the care, learning and development of all young children within their care and lead and support the practice of others.
The EYLP Level 5 apprenticeship is a work-based programme completed over 18-24 months. During this programme, you will gain hands-on experience in a professional setting, furthering your knowledge on child development and leading practice.
Additionally, you will earn at least the Apprentice Minimum Wage however it is likely that this position will have a higher salary.
The first coaching qualification built just for the Early Years.
For Early Years professionals who coach others, formally or informally, and want to refine their practice. Gain a complete toolkit of proven coaching techniques – from active listening and structured feedback to goal setting and solution-focused conversations – all tailored to the Early Years context.
Delivered flexibly over just 9 months plus assessment, this apprenticeship helps you strengthen your practice, support your team and lead with confidence.
A fully funded 14-month leadership programme worth £14,000. Designed for senior Early Years leaders, with flexible study that fits around your role and the option to fast-track to a Master’s degree.
This programme is now closed. If you’d like to keep up-to-date with our programme offerings, please register your interest below and we’ll be in touch.
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