Certificate for Early Years Advanced Practitioner (NCFE)

Suitable for learners aged 19 and over, who are currently employed as an Early Years Level 3 practitioner.

This NCFE qualification aims to provide professional development opportunities for employed Early Years practitioners with a previous Level 3. It will allow you to embrace the wealth of experience you already have and challenge you in both your daily practice and theoretical understanding. It will provide a great professional development opportunity to broaden your knowledge and understanding of early years practice and foster your confidence in using leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection skills to promote quality. You will have a dedicated assessor who will work with you in your workplace on a 1:1 basis to guide you to gather the evidence required. The course lasts for up to 1 year and we use an online portfolio system which is accessible to you 24/7.

There is actually no requirement for attendance, the course is work based so delivered through workplace visits and Onefile.

Dates are as follows:

What topics will I study?

You will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as you complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities. There are five Units covering how children learn, promoting health and well-being, working with families and other professionals, supporting children with additional needs, and you will complete a research topic of your choice. Upon achievement of this qualification, you will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner. This course requires detailed research and written work to underpin the assignments carried out, you will need to be aware that you will require sufficient time to do this independently.

Next steps: 

You could progress to a Foundation Degree in Early Years or a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification.

This course will also prepare you for further study of early years in higher education.

This is a work-based qualification, you must be aged a minimum of 19 years, employed in an early years setting at Level 3 with GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above.

• 1:1 assessor support
• Online portfolio and resources
• You will have access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC)