Duration
Typical duration to gateway - 24 months (this does not include EPA period).

Occupation Profile
As a practitioner, you could be working in a number of settings such as a children's home, a residential special school, youth centre or an educational setting. You will take the lead in developing and delivering the child's placement plan and will work with the child to support their health, education, social and day to day needs, playing a significant role in helping them to thrive and fulfil their potential. You will work alongside other professionals and organisations to share the responsibility for improving outcomes. Each piece of work with a child or family will be different and you will exercise judgement on a range of evidence-based approaches to inform your practice.

Entry Requirements
Achieve the required level of Maths and English as part of the apprenticeship if a recognised qualification is not already held. Be employed and have the support of their employer to undertake the programme

Delivery
Our blended approach means that our programmes are flexible and enable apprentices to experience a range of learning and support opportunities in a variety of formats such as online or at a local ACL centre. The apprentice will have a dedicated tutor who they will meet (online or face to face) once a month who will guide them through their apprenticeship and prepare them for their End Point Assessment. Additional workshops and seminars will be available to all learners to support additional learning and the 20% off job learning requirement.

Commitment
20% of a learner's contracted hours must be given to support the completion of the programme. Tutor led sessions are a mandatory part of the course along with any other learning activities set by the assessor or tutor. Maths and English may need to be undertaken in addition to the main qualification depending on previous attainment in these areas. It is likely that the learner will be required to undertake research, reading and write ups to support their learning. The programme requires 100% commitment from the learner & employer to ensure successful completion.

Benefits for Learner
1. Develop a range of essential skills they can apply in the working environment 2. Increased knowledge and understanding of their role and responsibilities 3. Build confidence and self-esteem 4. Self-development - building communication and professional skills 5. Learners will receive either a pass or distinction upon the successful completion of the apprenticeship

Benefit for Business
1. More productive and skilled staff with nationally recognised CACHE qualifications 2. Children receive support from qualified staff benefitting their learning and development 3. Skilled staff are familiar with current knowledge and teaching observation methods 4. Staff gain an understanding of the impact legislation has on how settings operate

End Point Assessment (EPA)
End Point Assessment (EPA) takes place at the end of the apprenticeship programme and is a comprehensive holistic assessment of the skills, knowledge and behaviours required as laid out in the apprenticeship standard. The Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner EPA is made up of: Observation of practice - The observation will consist of a live setting practical example, undertaken at the apprentice's normal place of work. This will utilise the apprentice's skills and link their theoretical knowledge to practical working. Competence interview underpinned by portfolio - The apprentice will submit the portfolio at least three weeks before the competence interview is due to be held. The portfolio will be reviewed by the assessor and will be the subject of the competence interview.

Progression
On completion learners will be competent to work in residential care with children and young people, this could include residential care homes, residential special schools, therapeutic communities, secure children's homes, shared care and short break settings. Learners will develop the necessary skills and knowledge to promote a caring, healthy, stimulating, safe and secure environment for children and young people in their care.