Introducing the qualification
This qualification aligns to the early years lead practitioner occupational standard ST0551 and is recognised as a higher technical qualification (HTQ) by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). It has received a quality mark to signify it has been approved by IfATE and satisfies HTQ approvals criteria for meeting specific employer needs and industry requirements. A HTQ is a prestigious, quality-marked qualification by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) aimed at meeting employers' needs and increasing learner engagement in level 4 or 5 technical education. It also meets the requirements of the Department for Education's (DfE) Early Years Educator (EYE) criteria, allowing the learner, upon completion of the qualification, to count towards the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (EYFS) staff to child ratio at level 3. 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

Assessment
This qualification will be assessed using a portfolio of evidence. All units will be internally assessed and externally quality assured. Units EYE L5 SP 2 and EYE L5 SP 16 will be assessed using an externally set and internally marked assessment task. A range of 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 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.

Qualification structure
To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 121 credits from the 18 mandatory units.

Delivery methods
An assessor 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.

Mandatory Units
Manage care routines for children Lead practice in promoting the wellbeing and resilience in children Model positive behaviour in the early years Lead activities, experiences and educational opportunities to promote children's speech, language and communication Lead children's early education and development Understand holistic child development from birth to seven years Developing children's emergent literacy skills Developing children's emergent mathematical skills Develop and implement policies and procedures to support the safeguarding of children Develop health and safety and risk management policies, procedures and practices in early years settings Champion equality, diversity and inclusion Supporting children with special educational needs and disability in an early years setting Work in partnership in early years settings Lead and manage a team within an early years setting Develop, maintain and use records and reports Quality provision in earlys years settings Promote professional development Review own knowledge of learning and development for early years practice