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Nursery Room Leader Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Apprentice

Mini Bees · London · posted 26 October 2026

Wage
Competitive
Hours
35 hours a week
Duration
2 Years
Level
Higher (Level 5)
Standard
Early years lead practitioner (level 5)
Starts
30 November 2026
Closing date
23 November 2026
Positions
3

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

Training:

  • Your full role and responsibilities will be set out by your employer
    NextStep Training will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to up-skill in your role
  • Your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day

Qualifications required:

  • Knowledge of the statutory framework for the EYFS and regulatory requirements – Desirable
  • Fluent in written and spoken English – Essential
  • Passionate about learning and developing into a new role – Essential

Skills required:

  • Great communication skills
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Creative thinker
  • Passionate and reliable

Your training

Training is delivered through a flexible blend of in-person sessions at our Hackney training centre and online learning with guidance from our experienced tutors.

You will be working towards the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard, which includes:

  • Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours required for advanced leadership roles in Early Years settings
  • Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English (if not already achieved)
  • Development of coaching, mentoring, and strategic planning skills to lead practice and support staff across your setting

Apprentices will use the Laser Learning platform to:

  • Complete and submit coursework
  • Monitor progress in real time
  • Access learning materials and tutor feedback
  • Stay engaged throughout the programme
  • Monthly lesson attendance is required, either online or in person, to ensure consistent progress and support

Where it leads

Completing the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship marks a significant step forward in a professional early years career
This qualification is designed for experienced practitioners who are ready to take on more senior leadership responsibilities within early years settings

With this advanced qualification, individuals are equipped to:

  • Lead day-to-day practice across a setting or team
  • Mentor and support junior staff and apprentices
  • Drive improvements in pedagogy, curriculum planning, and safeguarding
  • Influence policies and strategies that enhance child development and well-being
  • Act as a role model, demonstrating high standards of care and education

Career progression opportunities after completing the Level 5 include:

  • Room Leader or Senior Practitioner
  • Deputy Manager or Nursery Manager
  • Early Years Coordinator or Curriculum Lead
  • SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)
  • Early Years Quality Improvement Officer

For those looking to continue their professional development, the Level 5 qualification can also serve as a stepping stone towards:

  • A Foundation Degree in Early Years or Education A BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies
  • Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
  • Assessor, Trainer, or Tutor roles in early years education

This pathway supports individuals in becoming confident, reflective, and influential leaders in early years education - capable of shaping high-quality learning environments and driving positive outcomes for children.

About Mini Bees

Next Step Training Ltd is an apprenticeship and skills training provider, funded by the Department for Education, delivering apprenticeships in London and across England. We have been in operation since 2012 and during this time have built an established reputation as a reliable and employer-led training provider. We work together with employers and individual learners to design and deliver training programmes that meets both learners and their employers’ needs. Our goal of is to empower as many individuals as possible to reach their full potential, helping them on their journey to find meaningful career that is rewarding. We help to empower businesses with industry-expert staff so they can provide the very best learning experience to their workforce to perform better.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsCustomer care skillsProblem solving skillsPresentation skillsAdministrative skillsLogicalTeam workingCreativeInitiativeNon judgementalPatiencePhysical fitness

Entry requirements

  • BTEC Early Years Educator (grade Pass) — essential

Where you'll work

  • 5 Sidworth Street, London, E8 3SD

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