This qualification is designed to support 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 to meet specific employer needs and industry requirements. 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:child ratio at level 3. Upon successful completion, learners can work as a senior early years practitioner within the early years workforce across the private, voluntary and independent sectors, or progress to higher education in a relevant subject area.

All units will be internally assessed using an externally set and internally marked assessment of learning except for units EYE L5 SP 2 and EYE L5 SP 16 which must 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, work product or a portfolio of evidence

Unless stated otherwise in this Qualification Specification, all learners taking this qualification must be assessed in English and all assessment evidence presented for external quality assurance must be in English.

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