Apprentice Handbook 20262027 Best Practice Network Newminster House, 27-29 Baldwin St, Bristol, BS1 1LT 0117 920 9200 apprenticeships@bestpracticenet.co.uk
Introduction A very warm welcome to Best Practice Network apprenticeships. We’re excited to work with you and support you throughout your apprenticeship. Our team is here to help you succeed and make the most of this opportunity, so please contact us if you have any questions. This handbook contains important information. Please keep it safe and refer back to it when needed. Best Practice Network is one of the UK’s largest providers of training, development and support for education professionals. Like you, we believe that every child, whatever their background, deserves an excellent education.
Our values Our core values define who we are and guide the way we work. They help us provide the best possible service to our learners and partners.
Inspire learning We aim to change lives for the better by inspiring and developing colleagues working in education. As a team and a network, we inspire each other to grow personally and professionally.
Work together Across the network, personal relationships and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. We show care and support for our candidates, partners and colleagues, and we go the extra mile to get things done.
Act with integrity
We can be trusted and we do what we say we will. We are open and straightforward, tackling challenges head-on rather than avoiding them. We treat each other with respect and dignity.
Strive for excellence
We have high expectations of ourselves and others. We invest and innovate to deliver the best learning, systems and outcomes. We keep things simple, use evidence and embrace change to achieve our best.
Key contacts Phone (general queries):
0117 920 9200
If you need help joining a virtual classroom: Email: Tutor contact details (write name/contac t details here) Report a safeguarding concern:
0117 930 2892
apprenticeships@bestpracticenet.co.uk
https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/ safeguarding
safeguardinghub@supportingeducation.com
Need help?
Your tutor is your first point of contact. They’ll guide you, support you and help you make the most of your apprenticeship.
Contents What is an apprenticeship? What to expect from your apprenticeship Apprenticeship levels Understanding your apprenticeship elements First day of learning (FDOL) Induction Apprenticeship learning Gateway to completion Apprenticeship Assessment Your responsibilities as an apprentice What you can expect from us Roles within apprenticeship delivery Your learning Additional learning support Career development and wellbeing BPN Boost Safeguarding Policies and procedures Change of circumstances Useful information and links Glossary
What is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme. It combines hands-on experience with training, so you can earn a wage while you gain valuable skills.
As an apprentice, you will:
Be employed and earn a wage, with holiday pay
Work alongside experienced staff
Learn job-specific skills
Have time set aside for study and training
Who can do an apprenticeship? You must:
Be aged 16 or over
Be eligible for apprenticeship funding in England
Not be in full-time education
Apprenticeships are open to both new and current employees, with no upper age limit. They are funded by the government and supported by your employer. This means you can access high-quality training without having to pay tuition fees. If you want to explore more, visit: Amazing Apprenticeships For funding details, see: Apprenticeship funding rules
What to expect from your apprenticeship 🎓 Regular support from your Apprenticeship Tutor
Your tutor will support your learning, check your progress, and help you stay on track.
🔄 Progress reviews every 4-6 weeks
These include you, your tutor, and your employer, to celebrate progress and agree next steps.
💻 Monthly virtual classrooms
Live online sessions led by specialist tutors to help you build your knowledge and make links between theory and practice.
📝 Support with study skills
We’ll help you manage your workload and develop the skills to study well.
❤️Wellbeing and pastoral support
If you’re struggling with anything inside or outside of work, we’re here to help.
✍️Guidance on completing your portfolio
You’ll collect evidence of your learning and reflect on what you’ve achieved.
📈 Clear steps to completion
From induction to your completion, we’ll guide you through every stage.
Apprenticeship Levels Apprenticeship levels are set and equivalent to the following: 2 (Intermediate): 5 GCSEs 3 (Advanced): 2 A-levels 4 (Higher): first year of bachelor’s degree 5 (Higher): foundation degree 6 (Degree): bachelor’s degree 7 (Degree): master’s degree Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional professional qualification or credits to Higher Education. At Best Practice Network we deliver apprenticeships at various levels which allow apprentices clear progression and development in their chosen careers, these are listed in the table below. Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 2 Playworker Apprenticeship Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3 Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3 Coaching, Learning and Development Practitioner Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner Level 4 Pastoral Support Practitioner Apprenticeship
Level 5
Level 6 Level 7
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5 Speech and Language Support Practitioner Level 5 Autism Support Practitioner apprenticeship Level 5 School Leader Programme with National Professional Qualification for School Leaders (NPQSL) Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5 Coaching in the Early Years Apprenticeship Level 5 Coaching in Education Apprenticeship Teacher Apprenticeship with Initial Teacher Training leading to QTS (Primary) Level 7 Headteacher Apprenticeship with National Professional Qualification
for Headship (NPQH) Level 7 Executive Leader Apprenticeship with National Professional Qualification for Executive Leader (NPQEL) Early Years Senior Leader Apprenticeship Level 7 School Senior Leader Apprenticeship Level 7
Understanding your apprenticeship elements Here are the important parts that make up your apprenticeship: 1. Apprenticeship Standard This is the detailed plan of what you need to learn and do in your job. It tells you the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you must develop to be successful in your role. 2. Maths and English If you are aged 16 to 18 and have not already achieved equivalent qualifications in Maths and English (usually GCSE grade 4/C or above), you must work on these during your apprenticeship. If you are 19 or above, you will choose whether you want to work towards maths and English. 3. Off-the-Job Training This is learning time that happens away from your everyday work tasks. It could be virtual classroom sessions, online learning, workshops, or practical training. It is a requirement for your employer to provide you with off the job training. 4. Mandatory Qualifications Some apprenticeships include qualifications you must complete, like certificates or diplomas related to your job.
For a more detailed breakdown of some of these elements, please see the section on apprenticeship learning.
First day of learning (FDOL) You will attend an online first day of learning session. This is a group online session. This session will support you with the development of your KSBs as an apprentice and marks the start of your participation in the apprenticeship programme. Your FDOL event also provides an opportunity to ask questions. If you are unsure of anything or want to find out something more about a particular point, please ask. You will have a short activity which will need to be completed as part of your first day of learning. This must be completed and submitted on the same day as your first day of learning.
Induction At the start of your apprenticeship, you’ll have an induction meeting with your tutor. This usually takes place within the first two weeks of your learning starting. It’s your chance to:
Settle in and understand how your apprenticeship will work
Get to know your apprenticeship tutor
Ask any questions you may have
Begin creating your personalised learning plan
What to Expect in Your Induction Meeting During the meeting, you’ll go through a document called the essentials form. This helps your tutor understand your background and how best to support you. Together, you and your tutor will:
Talk about your personal strengths and areas for development
Review any prior learning or work experience
Identify any additional support needs
Set realistic and meaningful learning goals based on your career aspirations
You’ll also talk through how your apprenticeship will be delivered and supported, including things like your learning plan, off-the-job training, maths and English, and where to go if you need help. This meeting is a chance to make sure everything is in place so you can get the most out of your apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship Learning You’ll build all the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) you need to succeed in your role and apprenticeship assessment. You’ll take part in regular training, complete tasks and activities, and receive ongoing support to help you progress. You’ll have tutor visits, get feedback, and take part in reviews to help track your development. Your learning will include:
Off-the-job training (learning that takes place away from your usual work tasks)
Tutor visits and support
Virtual classrooms and online learning sessions
Regular reviews and feedback to help you grow
You’ll complete regular learning checks with your tutor to make sure you're on track and fully prepared for your apprenticeship assessment.
Off-the-Job Training (OTJT) Off the job training is time during the apprenticeship that is allocated to enable you to achieve your apprenticeship outside of your normal day to day working duties. This must:
Be completed within your working hours Contribute to the development of new knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to your apprenticeship Not include maths and English training
The number of off-the-job training hours you need to complete is now set by the government and is linked to your specific apprenticeship standard. Your Apprenticeship Tutor will explain the total number of hours required and will work with you and your employer to plan how this training will be completed during your apprenticeship.
Off the job training examples Eligible learning activities that take place away from your normal day-to-day duties and contribute to the development of the KSBs can count as off-the-job training. Below are some examples of off the job training activities:
Teaching of theory. For example: virtual classrooms, training day attendance
Shadowing or being mentored
Practical training
Online learning
Learning support provided by the employer
Visiting the employer’s other sites
Completing research and apprenticeship tasks
In-house training programmes and CPD – where it links directly to the apprenticeship Standard
Revision sessions for Apprenticeship Assessment
Maths and English Strong maths and English skills are important in all jobs. These subjects help with everyday tasks, both at work and in life. All apprentices have the chance to improve these skills. Apprentices aged 16 to 18 who have not already achieved the required maths and English qualifications will be required to work towards these during their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 19 and over may choose to do so if they have not already achieved the required qualifications. You will be supported every step of the way to achieve your maths and English qualifications, through tutor support, virtual classroom sessions and engaging learning resources.
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) Apprenticeships are built around Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours. These are the key things you'll develop throughout your programme.
Knowledge is the information and understanding you need to do your job well.
Skills are how you apply that knowledge in real situations, through handson experience.
Behaviours are the attitudes and values you show at work, such as being reliable, professional, and working well with others.
Apprenticeship assessment As part of your apprenticeship, you will take an apprenticeship assessment. This is where an assessor checks that you have the right knowledge, skills, and behaviours to do your job well. Each apprenticeship standard has its own assessment methods. Your tutor will help you to prepare for this assessment from the beginning and throughout your programme. When this assessment happens depends on your apprenticeship programme.
Gateway to completion To reach Gateway to completion, you must have completed all the necessary parts of your training, as outlined in your apprenticeship assessment plan. This shows that you have developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your role. When you, your employer, and your training provider agree that you’ve met all of the requirements, a Gateway Declaration Form is signed by all three parties.
Your Responsibilities as an Apprentice To get the most out of your apprenticeship, it’s important to take an active role in your learning and progress. Here's what we expect from you:
Make successful learning your priority:
Attend all face-to-face and online training sessions as scheduled
You must demonstrate learning every month
Complete all assignments on time and to the best of your ability
Never submit work that isn’t your own - plagiarism is taken seriously
Help arrange regular workplace visits with your tutor and line manager/mentor
Make sure there’s a quiet, suitable space available for your tutor’s visits and for all virtual classroom sessions
Follow the code of conduct during all group sessions and one-to-ones
Be proactive and take responsibility for your own learning
Keep in touch with your tutor if:
You need to cancel a visit (please give at least 24 hours' notice)
You’re falling behind with work or deadlines
You need help understanding a task or topic
You feel you would benefit from extra support
You’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope
You have health issues affecting your learning
You’re experiencing personal or work-related problems and need extra support
What you can expect from us At Best Practice Network, we value your rights and responsibilities and are committed to supporting your success throughout your apprenticeship. We will help you to:
Build your confidence and develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role
Achieve your qualification within agreed timeframes
Set and reach ambitious goals for employment, further study, and personal development
Understand and demonstrate mutual respect, tolerance, democracy, the rule of law, and individual liberty
Improve your English and maths skills
Our Commitment to You You will:
Receive high-quality, well-planned, engaging and enjoyable training
Have a voice – your views will be listened to and valued
Be treated fairly, equally, and with respect
Take part in regular progress reviews and receive clear, constructive feedback
In Addition:
A thorough induction will help you settle in and understand the course expectations
Your personal information will be stored securely and only shared when necessary
If your progress slows, we will step in early with support and guidance
Your individual learning needs will be recognised and supported throughout your journey
Your health, safety, and wellbeing will be actively promoted
You will receive effective careers education and guidance to help you explore future opportunities after completing your apprenticeship
Roles within apprenticeship delivery Apprenticeship Tutor (AT) Your Apprenticeship Tutor (AT) will be your main point of contact throughout your apprenticeship. They are there to support you every step of the way on your learning journey. Working closely with you and your employer, they will help plan your training, carry out observations and reviews, and make sure you’re fully prepared for your Apprenticeship Assessment. Their role is to guide, encourage, and ensure you stay on track to succeed.
Internal Quality Assurance Your progress and achievement are supported by consistent, high-quality assessment and internal quality assurance. At Best Practice Network, our Quality Team leads and carries out Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) activities across all apprenticeship programmes. This helps ensure that every part of your training and assessment meets the highest standards.
Virtual classroom tutors
You’ll also be taught by Virtual Classroom Tutors - subject specialists who deliver your live online teaching sessions. These sessions help you build knowledge, develop new skills, and prepare for your assessments. Virtual Classroom Tutors:
Bring real-life experience from early years and education settings
Make sessions interactive and engaging
Help you apply what you’ve learned to your job role
These sessions are an important part of your apprenticeship and help you stay on track with your learning.
Your learning Virtual Classrooms (VCs) Virtual Classrooms (VCs) are a key part of your apprenticeship training. These are live online sessions led by specialist tutors. They are designed to teach key knowledge, build skills, and support you in applying what you learn in the workplace. Virtual classrooms are interactive and designed to be engaging. You might take part in discussions, breakout room activities, quizzes, or scenario tasks. Your AT will explain the virtual classroom schedule and how to access each session. You are expected to attend all virtual classrooms unless there’s a valid reason and you’ve informed your tutor in advance.
Your Learning Platforms Bud Bud is your main ePortfolio platform. It brings together everything you do assignments, independent learning tasks, and virtual classroom sessions. You can upload evidence such as written work, photos, videos or voice notes directly from any device. Your Apprenticeship Tutor (AT) will introduce you to Bud and support you in using it.
Century
Century is used to help build your English, maths and digital skills. After an initial assessment, you’ll complete personalised learning tasks.
Additional learning support At Best Practice Network, we are committed to ensuring that all apprentices can access their training and reach their full potential, whatever their individual needs. We provide tailored support for apprentices with a range of learning difficulties, disabilities, or health needs. This may include one-to-one teaching, assignment support, mentoring, in-class support, assistive technology, or exam arrangements. Our aim is to empower you to take control of your own learning, develop confidence, and gain the skills needed to become an independent learner. If you feel you would benefit from additional support at any point, speak to your Apprenticeship Tutor (AT), who can help arrange the right support for you.
Career development and wellbeing We’re here to support your growth, helping you plan your future career and look after your wellbeing throughout your apprenticeship journey.
Ongoing careers support You can access careers information, advice, and guidance at every stage of your journey - before your apprenticeship, during your training, and even after completion. Our Apprenticeship Tutors have real experience working in education and are here to support you. If you need help with planning your next steps, just get in touch - we’re always happy to help.
You can also use the National Careers Service, which offers online tools like skills assessments and advice to help you explore your career, learning, and
training options. Best Practice Network also offers a wide range of career progression programmes, including:
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) for school leaders
Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT)
National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO)
A full suite of education and childcare apprenticeships
Talk to your tutor if you’re interested in finding out more about your next steps.
Wellbeing and support Your wellbeing matters, and we're here to support you throughout your apprenticeship. Our dedicated tutors offer tailored guidance to help you succeed - whether that’s with learning, personal development, mentoring, or welfare concerns. Support is available for a wide range of needs, and we’ll work with you to make sure you can reach your full potential. If you have any concerns, speak to your Apprenticeship Tutor or contact the apprenticeships team - we’re here to help.
BPN Boost
As part of your apprenticeship, Best Practice Network offers extra support through the BPN Boost programme. This is in addition to the regular support you receive through tutor and employer review meetings, giving you even more chances to explore careers, build skills, and get the most out of your apprenticeship.
What does BPN Boost include? Monthly classes: Interactive virtual classrooms aimed at providing additional guidance, information and opportunities for apprentices.
Podcasts: Our podcasts are planned around a range of topics to support your career development and wellbeing.
Membership of Association of Apprentices: As an apprentice with us, you will be provided with a free membership with association of apprentices. This membership allows you to access a range of resources to support your development. Library of learning resources: You will have access to a range of resources to support your wellbeing and career development.
Safeguarding Best Practice Network is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people, apprentices, and vulnerable adults. We take all reasonable steps to protect individuals from harm and abuse. You can find full details of our safeguarding approach - including how to report a concern - on the Safeguarding page of our website. If you are worried about your own safety or someone else’s, please raise a concern using the online form. Alternatively, you can email safeguardinghub@supportingeducation.com
Policies and procedures All of our policies and procedures are available on our website. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with them, as they outline your rights, responsibilities, and the standards we follow to ensure a safe, supportive learning environment. You can view all policies here.
Change of circumstances If your circumstances change, it could affect your apprenticeship agreement, your programme, and any related funding. To help us support you properly, please let us know as soon as possible about any changes, including:
Changes to your job role or any risk to your job
Updates to your address, phone number, or email
If you want to change your employer
Any other circumstances that might impact your apprenticeship
Any worries or concerns you have
If you ever feel unsafe at work (including issues like harassment, bullying, or victimisation)
Keeping us informed helps us to provide the best support for you throughout your apprenticeship.
Useful information and links Totum
TOTUM is the student discount card and app that helps you save money while you're studying. With TOTUM, you get access to discounts from over 350 big-name brands - on everything from food and fashion to travel and tech. As an apprentice, you’re eligible for TOTUM, so it’s a great way to make your money go further. You can sign up for a totum card using your participant dashboard.
National Careers Service
Tools and advice to help with career planning, job searches, and skills assessments.
Gov.uk Apprenticeships
Information about apprenticeships, funding, rights, and responsibilities.
Association of Apprentices Access to resources, events, and support for apprentices across the UK.
Mind
Mental health support and advice.
ACAS
Advice on workplace rights, disputes, and employment laws.
Skills England
Includes occupational maps for different career pathways and information on all apprenticeship standards.
Glossary of terms Apprenticeship – an apprenticeship is employment with training to industry standards in a recognised occupation. It will involve a substantial programme of on and off-the-job training Apprenticeship standard – Apprenticeship based on an occupational standard that defines the duties carried out by someone in the occupation and knowledge, skills and behaviours required to achieve that competence in those duties. The apprentice’s occupational competence is tested by an apprenticeship assessment Degree apprenticeship standard – an apprenticeship that mandates a full bachelor’s or master’s degree Duty/duties – the activities/competencies that will be carried out by a competent person in a specific occupation; requires the application of knowledge, skills and behaviours in the workplace. Duties always begin with a verb Apprenticeship assessment - rigorous robust assessment undertaken by an apprentice to test that the apprentice can perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the occupational standard Apprenticeship assessment organisation - an organisation approved to deliver Apprenticeship assessment for a particular apprenticeship standard. Knowledge, skills and behaviours – what is needed to competently undertake the duties required for an occupational standard Occupation – a recognised job role. The basis for apprenticeship standards Occupational standard – document that details what someone competent in the occupation does - duties and the knowledge, skills and behaviours they require to do it; the basis for apprenticeship standards and T-levels Ofsted - is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They inspect services pro- viding education and skills for learners of all ages. Ofsted also inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people.
Training provider – any organisation that delivers apprenticeship training. For example, a college, higher education institution, private training organisation. Training providers delivering training for apprenticeships must be on the register of apprenticeship training providers