Who is the programme for and what will be involved?
The Early Years Educator Apprenticeship: SEND Pathway is designed for individuals with experience in early years who have a particular interest in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) During Theme 2, apprentices on this pathway will develop a thorough understanding of SEND, the role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), and the importance of inclusive practice in early years settings This learning will not only support apprentices in achieving their Early Years Educator qualification but will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop their careers and take on future SEND responsibilities within an early years setting.
Each apprentice will be assigned a dedicated tutor who will provide ongoing help and support throughout the programme. Learning will be delivered through a blended approach, combining on-the-job experience with structured off-the-job training to ensure apprentices develop the full range of skills required for their role.
With guidance from their tutor where needed, apprentices will complete a series of online learning modules designed to build their underpinning knowledge of the Early Years sector and effective ways to support children’s development. The knowledge gained from each themed topic will be formally assessed through End-Point Assessment (EPA) tasks. To support their success, apprentices must have a minimum of six hours of protected study time allocated each week
In addition to developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to be a successful Early Years Educator, apprentices will, if 19 or over at the start of their apprenticeship, have the option of working towards Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. Functional Skills are mandatory for apprentices aged 16-18 unless they have GCSE equivalents at grades 9-4 or A*-C in these subjects
Apprentices will develop competence and confidence at work with a range of resources designed to allow access to online learning, videos and more.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
This programme is formally assessed by an independent end point assessor using two methods:
Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Observation and Q&A
During the apprenticeship, the learner will generate evidence of the knowledge, skills and behaviours gained which will be uploaded to an e-Portfolio through our Aptem system. The independent assessor will review the portfolio prior to the assessment and use a 90 minute professional discussion to assess the learner's competence and understanding. Learnersarerequiredtobeobservedfor50-minutestodemonstratetheknowledge,skillsandbehaviourstheyhavegainedduring theirapprenticeship.Followingtheobservation,thelearnerwilltakepartina30-minutequestioningtoallowtheendpointassessor toclarifytheirperformanceandtocoveranyaspectsthatwerenotobserved.