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 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. This qualification 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

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 The objectives of this qualification are to: * gain occupational competence * develop skills of leadership * provide meaningful professional development * 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. 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.

Cost
£6739.20 Funding options may be available, and these will be discussed on application.

Further information, please contact:
Jeanette Hodgson, Curriculum Lead, Education and Early Years Email: jeanette.hodgson@essex.gov.uk