Clear development pathways for practitioners and settings
Not only do our programmes improve the quality of education and care in your setting, but they also boost your staff:child ratios!”
Sian Marsh, Director of Early Years and Education
Strengthen your team, improve ratios, and lighten your workload with Best Practice Network – one of the UK’s top-rated Early Years training providers.
We offer fully funded apprenticeships and other Early Years training programmes to help nurseries and childcare settings strengthen their teams.
We support nurseries by:
• Upskilling staff at all levels through fully funded apprenticeships
• Recruiting new apprentices at no cost to you
• Expanding capacity without disrupting daily routines
Help your staff grow with your setting! Whether they’re new or experienced, our programmes enhance their skills and help them develop as Early Years practitioners.
Find out how we can help your setting thrive!
If we want to attract and retain staff in Early Years we need to give them the opportunities to gain excellent training and the chance to progress.”
Gill Mason, Head of Training and Development at Kids Planet
Partnering with Best Practice Network means your team is fully supported, without placing extra demands on your time.
Our comprehensive support includes:
• Blended e-learning and expert tutor guidance to ensure learners gain all the knowledge and skills required for your setting.
• Trained workplace mentors who help learners apply their learning in practice and provide ongoing, hands-on support.
• Apprentice placement service — we offer a free matching service for settings looking to host apprentices. With hundreds of qualified candidates
While they train, you stay on course –fully supported, no disruption
We also manage the planning and tracking of off-the-job training hours, so your learners remain a fully active member of your team.
From induction to graduation, we take care of the details—so you can focus on what matters most.
Let your staff grow with confidence, without leaving you short-handed in your setting.
Off-the-Job training is an essential part of our apprenticeships.
The timetable below shows how a full-time Early Years Educator apprentice can complete 6 hours of off-the-job training each week without leaving the setting. Training is embedded into the daily routine, allowing apprentices to stay involved, support ratios and build skills in real time – learning while doing.
Monday
• Room set-up
• Free play
• Group activities
Tuesday
• Room set-up
• Storytelling observation (45 mins)*
• Snack time
Wednesday
• Room set-up
• Shadowing SENCo (45 mins)*
• Outdoor play
Thursday
• Room set-up
• Peer observation (30 mins)*
• Group activity
Friday
• Room set-up
• Outdoor play
• Reflective notes (30 mins)*
• Lunch prep
• Lunch break
• Nap time
• Lunch prep
• Lunch break
• eLearning (1 hr)*
• Lunch prep
• Lunch break
• Nap time
• Lunch prep
• Lunch break
• Nap time
• Lunch prep
• Lunch break
• Creative activity
• Outdoor play
• Tidy up
• Creative activity
• Outdoor play
• Weekly reflection (30 mins)*
• Creative activity
• Outdoor play
• Tidy up
• Creative activity
• Outdoor play
• Tidy up
• Creative activity
• Outdoor play
• Virtual Classroom (2 hrs)*
Off-the-job training is structured learning that takes place outside of an apprentice’s routine duties—but not off-site.
It includes activities like observations, eLearning, and reflections, all completed within the setting.
Apprentices remain actively engaged in their roles while developing essential skills, ensuring minimal disruption to staffing and daily operations.
* Storytelling observation (45 mins): observe a qualified practitioner leading a group storytelling session.
* Shadowing SENCo (45 mins): Shadows the SENCo to understand inclusive practices and how additional needs are supported in early years settings.
* Peer observation (30 mins): The apprentice observes an experienced colleague to reflect on different teaching approaches and interactions with children.
* Reflective notes (30 mins): Time is set aside for the apprentice to write brief reflections on their practice and learning, linking experience to early years frameworks.
* eLearning (1 hour): The apprentice completes guided learning modules or workbook activities aligned with the apprenticeship standard.
* Training video + reflection (1 hour): The apprentice watches a structured training video and completes a short reflective summary on how it applies to their role.
* Weekly reflection (30 mins): A focused session where the apprentice considers their learning progress and records evidence towards their portfolio.
* Mentor meeting (30 mins): A one-to-one discussion with the mentor to review progress, discuss challenges and plan upcoming development targets. Off-the-Job
Our programmes are up to 100% funded, so there’s no financial strain on your setting. Plus, you won’t need to worry about the paperwork – our dedicated funding team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Take a look at the table below to see the funding available for your setting:
Maintained Nurseries Nurseries with Apprenticeship Levy All other settings
Apprenticeship
EYITT
EYSENCO
funded by the DfE
funded by the DfE
funded by the DfE
funded by the DfE
funded by the DfE
funded by the DfE
Our curriculum is designed to build your skills and confidence progressively, blending theory with practical classroom experience.
CHECK-CIRCLE Better Staff:Child Ratios
Best Practice Network’s training programmes, directly contribute to improved staff:child ratios in early years settings, meaning you can safely care for more children.
CHECK-CIRCLE More Qualified, Confident Practitioners
The training programmes offered by Best Practice Network are designed to upskill staff and build professional confidence.
Little Daisies Nursery is a great example on growing capacity.
They boosted their capacity by over 75% –from 40 to 71 children by upskilling their staff and utilising apprenticeships with Best Practice Network.
We offer a wide range of courses to boost your staff:child ratios and equip your practitioners with the skills and qualifications they need to thrive.
How did they boost their capacity by over 75%?
CHECK-CIRCLE Identified staff who wanted to progress their career and could benefit from training
CHECK-CIRCLE Hired two new apprentices through the Best Practice Network free recruitment services
CHECK-CIRCLE Supported their staff to apply for EYITT and Level 3 Apprenticeships with Best Practice Network
CHECK-CIRCLE Utilised Apprenticeship Levy and DfE funding to pay for the training
Before training
• Total Staff: 9
• 2 Unqualified
• 4 qualified at Level 2
• 3 qualified at Level 3
• Total Children: 40
• Baby room – 3 staff : 9 babies
• 2-year-old room – 3 staff : 15 toddlers
• 3–4-year-old room – 2 staff : 16 children
After training with Best Practice Network
CIRCLE-RIGHT Total Staff: 11
CIRCLE-RIGHT 1 Unqualified
CIRCLE-RIGHT 3 qualified at Level 2
CIRCLE-RIGHT 6 qualified at Level 3
CIRCLE-RIGHT 1 EYTS qualified
CIRCLE-RIGHT Total Children: 71
CIRCLE-RIGHT Baby room – 4 staff : 12 babies
CIRCLE-RIGHT 2-year-old room – 4 staff : 20 toddlers
CIRCLE-RIGHT 3–4-year-old room – 3 staff : 39 children
1:8 without EYTS
We can help with recruitment!
Let us match an apprentice to your vacancy.
Get in touch if you need help with staffing.
Whether you’re welcoming a new apprentice or supporting existing staff to enrol, we’ll take care of the hard work – so you can focus on your setting.
CHECK-CIRCLE We handle the paperwork
CHECK-CIRCLE Training fits around your routines
CHECK-CIRCLE Ongoing support for you and your apprentice
Need new team members? Our free recruitment service can match you with apprentices ready to learn and make a difference.
Don’t just take our word for it – hear directly from those who are already charting a course to success with us.
In this section, we’re sharing the real stories of nurseries, just like yours, who have partnered with us to achieve remarkable growth and cultivate dedicated teams.
See how they’ve navigated their journeys and discovered the significant benefits of joining our thriving fleet.
I’ve always had really positive feedback from our apprentices doing their training with Best Practice Network, and I found the programme really valuable when I did it myself as an apprentice. Working with Best Practice Network has been great – they respond quickly, the apprentices get brilliant support, it’s been a really positive experience.”
Liz Fletcher, Early Years Mentor
They share how much they value the programme, highlighting its benefits for everyone involved, the positive impact on nursery growth and the outstanding support they’ve received from Best Practice Network.
Watch the video here
Watch Jane’s video here
From apprentice to leader – Jane shares her journey to becoming Head of Toddlers at Snapdragons Nurseries, and how she’s now helping others follow in her footsteps as an apprentice mentor.
This apprenticeship is a funded entry-level training programme.
Early Years Practitioners work under the guidance and supervision of an early years educator, teacher or other suitably qualified professional in the early years workforce supporting the planning and delivery of the educational programmes for children in the 0–5 age range.
CHECK-CIRCLE Learn how to support children’s early education and development
CHECK-CIRCLE Become more confident in planning activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
CHECK-CIRCLE Learn how to keep up-to-date records to help track and identify children’s individual needs, abilities and progress
CHECK-CIRCLE Promote health, safety and child welfare through effective, informed practice and safeguarding
CHECK-CIRCLE Study at no cost to the learner. Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy or with a 5% employer co-investment of £200
CHECK-CIRCLE Receive full support from your apprenticeship tutor with monthly visits and taught sessions
I was looked after every step of the way by Best Practice Network. The tutor visits were the standout point of the course. I can’t wait to do the L3 course in the future and keep working my way up.”
Up to 100% funded
Blended Training
This Course Awards
Early Years Practitioner Level 2, NQual Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
Course Duration
13 months
• An entry level work-based early years training programme, ideal for those wanting to enter a career as a nursery practitioner, classroom assistant or pre-school practitioner
• Suitable for either someone already working in or someone looking for a career in an early years childcare and education setting
• No age restrictions.
Apprentices must have:
• Level 1 in maths and English (for 16–18 year-olds only and can be completed during the apprenticeship)
• Support from your employer and levy account holder
• Residency in the UK for the last three years
We can help you recruit apprentices! Contact us for details.
Ratios
50% of your nursery staff are required to hold a Level 2 qualification
Michelle Evans Apprenticeship Performance Manager
Michelle has been working in early years since 2011 and joined Best Practice Network in 2021. She has been able to use her vast experience in the sector to support apprentices.
“The level 2 will equip early years practitioners with skills they need to succeed.”
This apprenticeship is a funded mid-tier level training programme.
Best Practice Network has developed this industry-leading programme that will deliver the knowledge base alongside the skills and behaviours an apprentice will attain in the workplace.
CHECK-CIRCLE Learn how to support and promote children’s early education and development
CHECK-CIRCLE Plan and provide effective care and learning to prepare children for school
CHECK-CIRCLE Learn how to use assessment to develop informed practice for individual children
CHECK-CIRCLE Study at no cost to the learner. Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy or with a 5% employer co-investment of £350
CHECK-CIRCLE Counts towards EYFS Level 3 staff:child ratios
• Suitable for either someone already working in, or someone looking for a career in an early years childcare setting
• Ideal for someone looking to pursue a career as an early years educator, nursery teaching assistant, nursery nurse, supervisor, or childminder
Entry requirements
• No age restrictions.
Apprentices must have:
• GCSEs in English and maths at Grade C (4) or above, or able to achieve level 2 English and maths whilst on programme (for 16–18 years olds only)
• Award in Paediatric First Aid OR Emergency Paediatric First Aid must be achieved while on programme (if not already achieved) and must be in date when they enter gateway
• Support from your employer and levy account holder
• Residency in the UK for the last three years
The way the course was delivered was great. The tutor who was assigned to me supported my development and progression every step of the way and I can’t thank her enough!” Learn more and apply at bestpracticenet.
We can help you recruit apprentices! Contact us for details.
Up to 100% funded
Blended Training
This Course Awards
Early Years Educator Level
Course Duration
Up to 18 months
Ratios
Count towards 50% of qualified staff when on training. Once L3 Qualification achieved, they count towards staff:child ratios
Tracy is passionate about apprenticeships and the opportunities they bring for new and existing staff to gain knowledge and skills in the workplace.
The Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3 programme is a variation of our Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3 programme that is delivered by Best Practice Network and our sister company, Thrive.
Designed for those working with children aged 0 to 5, the apprenticeship combines hands-on experience with expert training. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to plan and deliver high-quality childcare and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
CHECK-CIRCLE A nationally recognised Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification
CHECK-CIRCLE Skills to support children’s learning and emotional wellbeing
CHECK-CIRCLE Confidence to work as part of a team and even mentor others
CHECK-CIRCLE The chance to make a lasting difference in young children’s lives
• Suitable for either someone already working in, or someone looking for a career in an early years childcare setting
• Ideal for someone looking to pursue a career as an early years educator with a particular passion facilitating social and emotional wellbeing, resilience, language, behaviour and learning in the Early Years.
There are so
many opportunities
in
childcare.
In my opinion, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can do!”
Caitlin, Early Years apprentice
Fully funded with Apprenticeship Levy funding
Blended Learning
This Course Awards Early Years Educator Level 3
Course Duration 15–18 months
Apprentices must meet the following criteria:
• Be working and interacting daily with children aged 0 to 5 in a setting that delivers the EYFS learning and development requirements
• GCSEs in English and maths at Grade C (4) or above or able to achieve
• Have experience in a relevant role
• Have support from your employer and levy account holder
• Be based in England
• Have held a residency in the UK for the last three years
• If aged 16–18, you’ll need to have achieved GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above OR be able to achieve Level 2 English and Maths Functional Skills while on programme
Learn more and apply at bestpracticenet.co.uk/ thrive-eyeapprenticeship-level3
This apprenticeship is a funded training programme for experienced practitioners caring for children from birth to 8 years.
Building on our entry level programmes and using our industry expertise to create a programme for those wanting to further their knowledge and careers.
CHECK-CIRCLE Be responsible for supporting the quality of learning and development in your setting
CHECK-CIRCLE Learn how to lead day-to-day practice at an operational level
CHECK-CIRCLE Be involved with sector developments in your local area and nationally
CHECK-CIRCLE Work in partnership with parents, carers and colleagues for each child’s development
CHECK-CIRCLE Study at no cost to the learner. Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy or with a 5% employer co-investment of £400
We can help you recruit apprentices!
Contact us for details.
• Suitable for someone already working in, or aspiring to work in early years childcare, with responsibility for leading other practitioners or groups
• An active practitioner looking to advance their career and be an effective role model of play-based learning, supporting others in the development of their own practice and being responsible for the quality of the learning and development in their setting
• No age restrictions.
Apprentices must have:
• Level 3 Early Years Educator or equivalent qualifications/extensive experience in a leadership position
• GCSEs in English and maths at Grade C (4) or above, or able to achieve level 2 English and maths whilst on programme (for 16–18 year olds only)
• Support from your employer and levy account holder
• Residency in the UK for the last three years
Up to 100% funded
Blended Training
This Course Awards
Early Years Practitioner Level 2, NQual Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
Course Duration 13 months
Ratios
50% of your nursery staff are required to hold a Level 2 qualification
Michelle Evans
Apprenticeship Performance
Manager
Michelle has been working in early years since 2011 and joined Best Practice Network in 2021. She has been able to use her vast experience in the sector to support apprentices.
“The level 2 will equip early years practitioners with skills they need to succeed.”
For Early Years professionals who coach others, formally or informally, and want to refine their practice.
The new Coaching in the Early Years Apprenticeship is the first ever coaching apprenticeship designed specifically for the Early Years sector. The programme is for Early Years practitioners, leaders and support staff who are already guiding others and want to build their expertise in structured, impactful coaching.
CHECK-CIRCLE Develop structured, high-quality coaching skills specific to Early Years
CHECK-CIRCLE Grow as a leader and support the development of others in their setting
CHECK-CIRCLE Gain the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring alongside your apprenticeship, with no extra study or cost – all tailored to Early Years settings
Coaching is a structured, professional conversation that helps individuals reflect, grow and improve their practice. Unlike training or instructing, coaching doesn’t provide all the answers – it uses skilled questioning, listening and goal-setting to help others find their own way forward.
In the Early Years, coaching is about unlocking potential. It empowers practitioners to build on their strengths, overcome challenges and take ownership of their development.
Coaching helps you listen, reflect and support real change - both for children and teams.”
Sian Marsh, Early Years Director
Fully funded with Apprenticeship Levy funding
Blended Learning
Online and in-house tutor visits
This Course Awards
ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
Course Duration
9 months + assessment
• For staff who coach/mentor formally or informally
Apprentices must meet the following criteria:
• Work in an educational setting
• Have held a residency in the UK for the last three years
• Have the right to work and study in the UK
Tracy Clement Apprenticeship Director
Tracy is passionate about apprenticeships and the opportunities they bring for new and existing staff to gain knowledge and skills in the workplace.
Learn more and apply at bestpracticenet.co.uk/ Coaching-inthe-Early-YearsApprenticeshipLevel-5
The only teacher training focused on babies and children from birth to five.
EYITT leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) through a blend of comprehensive training days, hands-on placements and self-paced learning. It is designed for graduate early years practitioners who wish to care for children up to 5 and specialise in early childhood development.
CHECK-CIRCLE Become a qualified Early Years Teacher and lead practice of others
CHECK-CIRCLE Help close the attainment gap and improve children’s life chances
CHECK-CIRCLE Access the latest research and teaching resources
CHECK-CIRCLE EYITT trainees count towards staff:child ratio for children age 3 and over
CHECK-CIRCLE Receive an employer bonus of £7,000 to cover training-related costs
CHECK-CIRCLE Train for free – the programme is fully funded by the DfE
I wanted to deepen my understanding of child development and make a positive and lasting impact on the children’s education experience.”
Fully funded by the DfE
Online or Blended Training and Setting Placements
This Course Awards
Early Years Teaching Status (EYTS)
Course Duration
Up to 12 months
Training Days
8 days
• Graduate early years practitioners who may work in a range of settings across birth to five, including nurseries, schools, home-based settings
• Graduates who want to join the early years sector
• Full-time undergraduates on early childhood studies degree programmes
Entry requirements
Apprentices must have:
• A degree on entry (from any area of study)
• GCSE Grade C or above (or recognised equivalent) in maths, English and science.
If a candidate do not have the required GCSEs, then we can advise on completing an equivalency test instead.
Ratios
Trainees count towards staff:child ratios at Level 3 from the start of their training; once they achieve EYTS, it’s 1:13 for 3–4 year olds
Helen Markham Head of EYITT
Helen has specialised in early years for nearly two decades. She worked as an Early Years Teacher across a wide range of provision, including schools and children’s centres. Currently, she uses her expertise to inspire Early Years Teachers of the future.
Apprentices enjoy their studies. They find their coursework and job roles challenging and stimulating. They value greatly the care and support they receive from their tutors."
Ofsted Report, 2023
We’re here to help you strengthen your workforce and create a lasting impact for children.
Book a call with us today. Our team can advise on eligibility, structure and funding.
Book a call
For the latest programme information, please visit: bestpracticenet.co.uk/ey
Our Early Years Advisors are here to help!
+44 (0) 117 920 9428
enquiries@bestpracticenet.co.uk
bestpracticenet.co.uk