TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
A view from the senior route
Alliance training quality manager Judith Saxon explains the revised Level 5 Diploma for Early Years Senior Practitioner
Judith is the training quality manager for the Alliance, overseeing the quality of teaching, learning and assessment of all accredited qualifications.
In September 2024, the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner was revised, reflecting the evolving needs of the early years sector. This qualification is tailored to enhance leadership and management skills, enabling senior practitioners to improve the quality of early years education and care.
Who is it for?
This diploma is ideal for professionals already working in managerial roles within the early years sector, such as managers, deputies and room leaders. With a focus on leadership, it equips practitioners to excel in their roles and inspire their teams.
Importantly, the qualification meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Early Years Educator (EYE) criteria. Upon completion, learners will be qualified to count towards the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) staff-to-child ratios at Level 3.
The role of the senior practitioner
The Early Years Senior Practitioner serves as a role model within their setting, demonstrating leadership and fostering best practices aligned with legislative requirements.
Collaborating with colleagues, professionals, and parents/carers, they create an environment that drives positive outcomes for babies and children.
Senior practitioners are instrumental in building high-quality provision, encouraging continuous professional development, and ensuring that their settings deliver inclusive, safe, and engaging care and education.
Key areas of study
The diploma covers a comprehensive range of topics crucial to effective early years leadership, including:
- quality environments
- early years pedagogy
- behaviour management
- care routines
- professional development
- special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- inclusion
- child development
- play for learning
- partnership working
- the EYFS
- leading and managing
- health, safety, and wellbeing
These modules aim to strengthen the practitioner’s ability to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing, while ensuring a safe and stimulating environment.
Assessment methods
The qualification employs a variety of assessment techniques, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the learner's knowledge and practical skills.
These include: observations of practice; professional discussions; a portfolio of evidence; and work products.
Duration and funding
The diploma typically takes 18 months to complete, making it a manageable commitment for working professionals. It can be funded privately or through the Advanced Learning Loan.
A pathway to leadership
By achieving the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner, learners position themselves as leaders who can inspire and manage teams, advocate for best practices, and deliver outstanding outcomes for children and families. For those ready to take the next step in their professional journey, this qualification provides the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in early years leadership.
Are you ready to lead the way?
Contact the Early Years Alliance for more information and next steps or to express your interest on training@eyalliance.org.uk.