Award-winning training provider Best Practice Network (BPN) has launched a new apprenticeship programme for early years staff.

The Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship will give schools and early years settings a way to fund professional development through the apprenticeship levy.

 It is designed for new or existing staff who want to specialise in early years and work in a range of settings, including nurseries, pre-schools and reception classes.

 Candidates may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundations Stage requirements set by the government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5.

 Recruitment for the online programme opens tomorrow (Wednesday 10 February) and there are 50 places available on the first cohort, which begins in April.

 Tracy Clement, Apprenticeships Director at BPN, said: “This exciting new programme will give early years settings a cost-effective way of accessing the highest quality professional development for their staff. The apprenticeship route takes significant pressure off CPD budgets at a challenging time.”

 BPN is the largest provider of Early Years ITT in England with a 100% pass rate. BPN is one of the UK’s leading providers of training, development and support for education professionals and it is rated an “exceptional training provider” by the Department for Education.

 BPN has an expanding apprenticeships division. Middle and senior leadership NPQs (NPQML and NPQSL) were combined with level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship in 2020 to deliver two dual leadership programmes. BPN already provides end-point assessment services for the School Business Professional Level 4 Apprenticeship.