Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner

During this course, you will study a broad range of Early Years subjects at Level 4. This includes enabling children to learn, working with families and other professionals and implementing change, as well as specialist areas such as physical activity and nutrition and special educational needs. You will learn about research methodologies and evidence based best practice. You will develop and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection skills as you complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities. You will use your leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the Early Years workforce.

To access this course, you will need to be employed and be an experienced Level 3 Early Years worker. You will have prior knowledge and experience of working at Level 3 in the early years sector and have a minimum of Level 2/grade 4 in English. You must be employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week as an Early Years worker for the duration of the course. You will need the support of your employer to undertake this course.

From September 2026 all employed and volunteer applicants will need to have an Enhanced Children's Workforce DBS that is approved by their employer or placement host before starting a placement. If this is not in place you will not be able to start the course. You will also need a letter/email from the employer/placement host, confirming their support for the duration of the course and permission for the assessments to take place.