The Thrive Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship is a dual award consisting of a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner standard and Thrive Licensed Practitioner status. Equivalent to a foundation degree, this work-based training programme will equip you with the advanced skills needed to lead practice and support high-quality early years provision.
This programme is designed for early years practitioners who are ready to grow into leadership roles and make a wider impact across their setting.
Whether you’re already leading practice or taking the next step in your career, it will support you to build the confidence and skills to guide others and shape high-quality provision.
You’ll develop your leadership in areas such as supporting colleagues, working with families and professionals, and improving learning and development across your setting. Alongside this, the Thrive element deepens your understanding of child development, emotional wellbeing and the role of relationships in supporting learning and behaviour.
This combination gives you both the practical leadership skills and the insight to create environments where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn, while strengthening practice across your whole team.

This programme helps you grow as both a leader and a specialist in early development and wellbeing.
This apprenticeship combines Thrive’s expertise in social and emotional wellbeing with Best Practice Network’s industry-leading reputation as an Ofsted ‘Good’ apprenticeship training provider.
Underpinned by Thrive’s proven approach, rooted in evidence and research, and Best Practice Network’s recognition as the Education and Childcare Apprenticeship Provider of the Year two years running, this apprenticeship offers a world-class learning experience that combines the best of both worlds.



This apprenticeship fits around your role, so you can learn while you work.
You’ll also spend time on off-the-job training, developing new skills through activities like mentoring, shadowing and focused learning.
At the end of the programme, you’ll complete an end-point assessment, including a project and professional discussion, supported by your portfolio.

This programme is designed for practitioners working with children aged 0 to 5 in early years settings who want to develop their leadership skills and take greater responsibility for the quality of learning and development across their setting.
See our FAQs for full eligibility requirements.
Thrive is a constant reminder about how important it is to know about neuroscience and how children’s brains are developing, especially during the early years. What we do here really is shaping children’s futures.”
Elizabeth Leer
Deputy Headteacher and Thrive Licensed Practitioner, Rothesay Nursery School
Programme cost: £9,000 £0
This apprenticeship is usually funded through the Skills & Growth Levy, so there is typically no cost to your setting. If your setting does not pay into the levy, a small co-investment may apply.
Join the waitlist to be the first to hear when applications open.
Employers will need to allow full-time apprentices six hours per week of off-the-job training. Part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.
Employers will also offer a mentor and facilitate the apprentice’s monthly virtual sessions and overall development.
To be eligible, you'll need to:
It’s fully funded for those working in local authority schools or those paying into the Growth and Skills Levy (formerly the Apprenticeship Levy). For non-levy payers, the government offers co-funding, covering 95% of the cost, or levy transfers are available for additional support.
Please note: Apprenticeship funding rules are changing during 2026. To stay up to date with what we know so far, read our blog.
Yes, this programme is more comprehensive and requires a higher level of commitment. Over 18–21 months, you’ll complete the Thrive Licensed Practitioner training alongside the Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 apprenticeship standard. This includes developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the role, as well as dedicating around 20% of your working time to off-the-job training.
If your main goal is to become a Thrive Licensed Practitioner without the apprenticeship element, the Thrive PSED provision for early years settings offers a shorter route. This focuses on Thrive training and can be a good option if you’re not looking to take on a leadership qualification at this stage.
The apprenticeship, however, offers a broader opportunity to develop your leadership practice, deepen your understanding of child development and emotional wellbeing, and achieve a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification. It’s well suited to those who are ready to take the next step in their career and lead practice across their setting.
Take the next step and apply for the apprenticeship today.
Join the waitlist Download programme guide
Still have questions? Book a Discovery Call with our team and we’ll help you decide whether this apprenticeship is the right fit for your setting.