All Aboard with Best Practice Network
Helping your Early Years setting build stronger foundations Not only do our programmes improve the quality of education and care in your setting, but they also boost your staff:child ratios!
Sian Marsh Early Years Director
Best Practice Network
Rated “an Exceptional Training Provider” by the DfE
Welcome Aboard – Why Partner with BPN?
Strengthen your team, improve ratios, and lighten your workload with Best Practice Network—one of the UK’s top-rated Early Years training providers.
Best Practice Network offers fully funded apprenticeships and other Early Years training programmes to help nurseries and childcare settings strengthen their teams.
We support nurseries by:
• Upskilling staff at all levels through fully funded apprenticeships
• Recruiting new apprentices at no cost to you
• Expanding capacity without disrupting daily routines
Help your staff grow with your setting! Whether they’re new or experienced, our programmes enhance their skills and help them develop as Early Years practitioners.
Find out how we can help your setting thrive!
“If we want to attract and retain staff in Early Years we need to give them the opportunities to gain excellent training and the chance to progress”
You care for the children, we’ll take care of the training
Partnering with Best Practice Network means your team is fully supported—without placing extra demands on your time.
Our comprehensive support includes:
• Blended e-learning and expert tutor guidance to ensure learners gain all the knowledge and skills required for your setting.
• Trained workplace mentors who help learners apply their learning in practice and provide ongoing, hands-on support.
• Apprentice placement service — we offer a free matching service for settings looking to host apprentices. With hundreds of qualified candidates ready for placement, we can help you find the right person for the job!
We also manage the planning and tracking of off-the-job training hours, so your learners remain a fully active member of your team.
From induction to graduation, we take care of the details—so you can focus on what matters most.
Let your staff grow with confidence, without leaving you short-handed in your setting.
Best Practice Network
Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” for our Early Career Framework
While they train, you stay on course—fully supported, no disruption
Gill Mason, Head of Training and Development at Kids Planet
Understanding Off-the-Job Training in your Setting
Off-the-Job Training - Learning Without Leaving your Setting
Off-the-Job training is an essential part of our apprenticeships. The timetable shows how a full-time Early Years Educator apprentice can complete 6 hours of off-the-job training each week without leaving the setting.
Training is embedded into the daily routine, allowing apprentices to stay involved, support ratios and build skills in real time—learning while doing.
Storytelling observation (45 mins) – observe a qualified practitioner leading a group storytelling session.
Shadowing SENCo (45 mins) – Shadows the SENCo to understand inclusive practices and how additional needs are supported in early years settings.
Peer observation (30 mins) – The apprentice observes an experienced colleague to reflect on different teaching approaches and interactions with children.
Reflective notes (30 mins) – Time is set aside for the apprentice to write brief reflections on their practice and learning, linking experience to early years frameworks.
What is Off-the-Job Training?
Off-the-job training is structured learning that takes place outside of an apprentice’s routine duties—but not off-site.
It includes activities like observations, eLearning, and reflections, all completed within the setting.
Apprentices remain actively engaged in their roles while developing essential skills, ensuring minimal disruption to staffing and daily operations.
Learn more: bestpractice.co.uk/early-years
eLearning (1 hour) – The apprentice completes guided learning modules or workbook activities aligned with the apprenticeship standard.
Training video + reflection (1 hour) – The apprentice watches a structured training video and completes a short reflective summary on how it applies to their role.
Weekly reflection (30 mins) – A focused session where the apprentice considers their learning progress and records evidence towards their portfolio.
Mentor meeting (30 mins) – A one-to-one discussion with the mentor to review progress, discuss challenges and plan upcoming development targets.
Up to 100% Funded Programmes – Training that makes Financial Sense
Our programmes are up to 100% funded, so there’s no financial strain on your setting. Plus, you won’t need to worry about the paperwork—our dedicated funding team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Take a look at the table below to see the funding available for your setting:
How can your Setting Care for More Children Without Compromising on Quality?
Little Daisies Nursery is a great example. They boosted their capacity by over 75% - from 40 to 71 children by upskilling their staff and utilising apprenticeships with Best Practice Network.
We offer a wide range of courses to boost your staff:child ratios and equip your practitioners with the skills and qualifications they need to thrive.
How did they Boost their Capacity by Over 75%?
Identified staff who wanted to progress their career and could benefit from training
Hired two new apprentices through the BPN free recruitment services
Supported their staff to apply for EYITT and Level 3 Apprenticeships with BPN
Utilised Apprenticeship Levy and DfE funding to pay for the training
Before training After training with BPN
Total Staff: 9 Total Staff: 11
Training that Fits your Setting - and your Budget
Better Staff:Child Ratios
Best Practice Network’s training programmes, directly contribute to improved staff:child ratios in early years settings, meaning you can safely care for more children.
More Qualified, Confident Practitioners
The training programmes offered by Best Practice Network are designed to upskill staff and build professional confidence.
Ratios in simple terms
Navigating Success: Real Stories from Our Thriving
Don’t just take our word for it—hear directly from those who are already charting a course to success with us. In this section, we’re sharing the real stories of nurseries, just like yours, who have partnered with us to achieve remarkable growth and cultivate dedicated teams.
See how they’ve navigated their journeys and discovered the significant benefits of joining our thriving fleet.
Meet the Snapdragons team—Early Years Mentor Liz and Apprentices Emma and Alicia. They share how much they value the programme, highlighting its benefits for everyone involved, the positive impact on nursery growth and the outstanding support they’ve received from Best Practice Network
From Apprentice to Mentor: Jane’s Journey with Best Practice Network in Early Years Education
From apprentice to leader - Jane shares her journey to becoming Head of Toddlers at Snapdragons Nurseries, and how she’s now helping others follow in her footsteps as an apprentice mentor.
“I’ve always had really positive feedback from our apprentices doing their training with Best Practice Network, and I found the programme really valuable when I did it myself as an apprentice. Working with Best Practice Network has been great - they respond quickly, the apprentices get brilliant support, it’s been a really positive experience.”
Watch Jane’s Video Here
“I was looked after every step of the way by Best Practice. The tutor visits were the standout point of the course. I can’t wait to do the L3 course in the future and keep working my way up.”
Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 2
This apprenticeship is a funded entry-level training programme.
Early Years Practitioners work under the guidance and supervision of an early years educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional in the early years workforce supporting the planning and delivery of the educational programmes for children in the 0–5 age range.
Benefits
Learn how to support children’s early education and development
Become more confident in planning activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Learn how to keep up-to-date records to help track and identify children’s individual needs, abilities and progress
Programme Structure
Promote health, safety and child welfare through effective, informed practice and safeguarding
Study at no cost to the learner. Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy or with a 5% employer co-investment of £200
Receive full support from your apprenticeship tutor with monthly visits and taught sessions
Who is it for?
• An entry level work-based early years training programme, ideal for those wanting to enter a career as a nursery practitioner, classroom assistant or pre-school practitioner
• Suitable for either someone already working in or someone looking for a career in an early years childcare and education setting
Entry requirements
• No age restrictions.
Apprentices must have:
• Level 1 in maths and English (for 16-18 year-olds only and can be completed during the apprenticeship)
• Support from your employer and levy account holder
• Residency in the UK for the last three years
Upcoming deadlines
The programme starts every other month.
We can help you recruit apprentices! Contact us for details.
AT A GLANCE
Blended Training Course Duration
13 months Up to 100% funded
Ratios
50% of your nursery staff are required to hold a Level 2 qualification
Michelle Evans Apprenticeship Performance Manager
Michelle has been working in early years since 2011 and joined Best Practice Network in 2021. She has been able to use her vast experience in the sector to support apprentices.
“The level 2 will equip early years practitioners with skills they need to succeed.”
Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3
This apprenticeship is a funded mid-tier level training programme.
Best Practice Network has developed this industry-leading programme that will deliver the knowledge base alongside the skills and behaviours an apprentice will attain in the workplace.
Benefits
Learn how to support and promote children’s early education and development
Plan and provide effective care and learning to prepare children for school
Learn how to use assessment to develop informed practice for individual children
Programme Structure
Study at no cost to the learner. Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy or with a 5% employer co-investment of £350
Counts towards EYFS Level 3
staff:child ratios
“The way the course was delivered was great. The tutor who was assigned to me supported my development and progression every step of the way and I can’t thank her enough!”
AT A GLANCE
Up to 100% funded
Blended Training
Who is it for?
• Suitable for either someone already working in, or someone looking for a career in an early years childcare setting
• Ideal for someone looking to pursue a career as an early years educator, nursery teaching assistant, nursery nurse, supervisor, or childminder
Entry requirements
• No age restrictions Apprentices must have:
• GCSEs in English and maths at Grade C (4) or above, or able to achieve level 2 English and maths whilst on programme (for 16-18 years olds only)
• Award in Paediatric First Aid OR Emergency Paediatric First Aid must be achieved while on programme (if not already achieved) and must be in date when they enter gateway
• Support from your employer and levy account holder
• Residency in the UK for the last three years
Upcoming deadlines
Monthly starts.
This Course Awards
Early Years Educator Level 3
Course Duration
Up to 18 months
Ratios
Count towards 50% of qualified staff when on training. Once L3 Qualification achieved, they count towards staff:child ratios
for new and existing staff to gain knowledge and skills in the
Webinars:
Tracy is passionate about apprenticeships and the opportunities they bring
workplace.
Tracy Clement Apprenticeship Director
We
Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5
This apprenticeship is a funded training programme for experienced practitioners caring for children from birth to 8 years.
Building on our entry level programmes and using our industry expertise to create a programme for those wanting to further their knowledge and careers.
Benefits
Be responsible for supporting the quality of learning and development in your setting
Learn how to lead day-to-day practice at an operational level
Be involved with sector developments in your local area and nationally
Programme Structure
Work in partnership with parents, carers and colleagues for each child’s development
Study at no cost to the learner. Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy or with a 5% employer co-investment of £400
AT A GLANCE
Who is it for?
• Suitable for someone already working in, or aspiring to work in early years childcare, with responsibility for leading other practitioners or groups
• An active practitioner looking to advance their career and be an effective role model of play-based learning, supporting others in the development of their own practice and being responsible for the quality of the learning and development in their setting
Entry requirements
• No age restrictions
Apprentices must have:
• Level 3 Early Years Educator or equivalent qualifications/extensive experience in a leadership position
• GCSEs in English and maths at Grade C (4) or above, or able to achieve level 2 English and maths whilst on programme (for 16-18 year olds only)
• Support from your employer and levy account holder
• Residency in the UK for the last three years
Upcoming deadlines
Monthly starts.
Sarah Bishop Apprenticeship Performance Manager
Sarah has 8 years of experience working within the childcare sector focussing on early years and 4 years as an Apprenticeship Trainer.
“The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner focusses on advancing practice, taking early years educators to the next level in their leadership, knowledge, skills and behaviours.”
Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT)
The only teacher training focused on babies and children from birth to five. EYITT leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) through a blend of comprehensive training days, hands-on placements and self-paced learning. It is designed for graduate early years practitioners who wish to care for children up to 5 and specialise in early childhood development.
Benefits
Become a qualified Early Years Teacher and lead practice of others
Help close the attainment gap and improve children’s life chances
Access the latest research and teaching resources
Programme Structure
EYITT trainees count towards staff:child ratio for children age 3 and over
Receive an employer bonus of £7,000 to cover training-related costs
Train for free - the programme is fully funded by the DfE
“I wanted to deepen my understanding of child development and make a positive and lasting impact on the children’s education experience.”
AT A GLANCE
Fully funded by the DfE
Who is it for?
• Graduate early years practitioners who may work in a range of settings across birth to five, including nurseries, schools, home-based settings
• Graduates who want to join the early years sector
• Full-time undergraduates on early childhood studies degree programmes
Entry requirements
• A degree on entry (from any area of study)
• GCSE Grade C or above (or recognised equivalent) in maths, English and science.
If a candidate do not have the required GCSEs, then we can advise on completing an equivalency test instead.
Upcoming deadlines
We are recruiting for the September 2025 Intake. Visit our website for the application deadline.
And Setting Placements
8 days Online or Blended
Ratios
Trainees count towards staff:child ratios at Level 3 from the start of their training; once they achieve EYTS, it’s 1:13 for 3-4 year olds
Helen Royston EYITT Programme Lead
Helen has specialised in early years for nearly two decades. She worked as an Early Years Teacher across a wide range of provision, including schools and children’s centres. Currently, she uses her expertise to inspire Early Years Teachers of the future.
Early Years SENCO Level 3
The Level 3 Early Years SENCO qualification is for a level 3 practitioner in a private, voluntary or independent setting.
It is also appropriate for Ofsted-registered childminders and Ofsted-registered childminder agencies. This is an important role to ensure the best possible educational outcomes are achieved for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Benefits
Learn how to identify when SEN is occurring in children with EAL
Explain how to actively engage the child and the child’s parents/carers using the Assess, Plan, Do, Review process
Explain what an effective support plan should include and why clear outcomes are important
Accredited and fully-funded by the Department for Education. Limited places available based on DfE eligibility criteria
“This is a crucial programme within our early years education recovery package, addressing the impact of the pandemic on the youngest and most disadvantaged children
The Minister for School Standards
Who is it for?
• Ideal for Early Years SENCOs, or aspiring Early Years SENCOs
• Suitable for someone with a level 3 qualification in private, voluntary or independent settings, or Ofsted registered childminders or Ofsted registered childminder agencies.
Entry requirements
• Must hold an existing level 3 qualification and the support of an appropriate setting
• Maintained settings are not eligible for this programme.
Sian has specialised in early years education for the last 19 years and has worked with the team at BPN for over 10 years. She is experienced in developing blended programmes and currently manages teams delivering national training programmes in early years at all levels.
us match an apprentice to your vacancy.
in touch if you need help with staffing.
What’s Next?
Whether you’re welcoming a new apprentice or supporting existing staff to enrol, we’ll take care of the hard work - so you can focus on your setting.
We handle the paperwork
Training fits around your routines
Ongoing support for you and your apprentice
Need new team members? Our free recruitment service can match you with apprentices ready to learn and make a difference.
Early Years Advisors are here to help!