Develop emotionally informed leadership with Thrive's Early Years Level 5 Apprenticeship

Thrive's Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5, has been designed to help early years settings strengthen inclusive practice, support emotional wellbeing and develop confident, emotionally informed leaders.

Combining the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship with Thrive Licensed Practitioner training, the programme provides a funded route into becoming a Thrive Early Years Licensed Practitioner through an apprenticeship pathway.

Supporting the growing need for emotionally informed early years practice

Children’s social and emotional development has never been more important. Across nurseries, preschools and early years settings, practitioners are increasingly supporting children with a wide range of emotional, developmental and communication needs. At the same time, many settings are navigating ongoing challenges around staff development, inclusion, behaviour, wellbeing and retention.

The Thrive Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship has been created to help address these challenges directly.

This work-based programme equips practitioners with the skills, confidence and knowledge to:

• Lead inclusive and emotionally informed practice
• Strengthen children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED)
• Support behaviour through relational approaches
• Build strong partnerships with families and professionals
• Develop consistent approaches to wellbeing across the setting
• Support colleagues and contribute to continuous improvement

Alongside the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner qualification, learners will also complete Thrive Licensed Practitioner training, enabling them to embed Thrive’s evidence-informed approach directly into their day-to-day practice.

A unique combination of leadership and Thrive expertise

Unlike a standard apprenticeship programme, the Thrive Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship combines professional development with practical SEMH and PSED expertise. Learners will develop the knowledge and confidence to better understand what sits beneath behaviour, support emotional development and create calmer, more connected learning environments.

The programme is designed for practitioners already working within early years settings who are ready to take the next step in their career and more strategically to practice and wellbeing.

What does the apprenticeship include?

The programme combines:

• Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship
• Thrive Licensed Practitioner training
• Work-based learning applied directly within the setting
• Ongoing support from apprenticeship tutors and Thrive Licensed Trainers
• Access to Thrive-Online during the programme

The apprenticeship is funded through the Growth and Skills Levy for eligible settings (£9,000), making it a cost-effective way to develop in-house expertise while supporting long-term professional development. The programme is typically delivered over 18-21 months through a blend of live virtual sessions, face-to-face tutoring and work-based learning within the setting.

Who is the programme for?

The apprenticeship is ideal for:

• Experienced early years practitioners
• Senior practitioners and room leaders
• SENCOs and inclusion leads within early years
• Practitioners aspiring to leadership responsibilities
• Settings looking to strengthen wellbeing and inclusive practice

Whether you are developing future leaders within your setting or looking to deepen your own practice, the programme offers a practical and fully integrated route into emotionally informed leadership.

Why early years settings are investing in Thrive apprenticeships

Thrive Apprenticeships are designed to help settings build sustainable, in-house expertise. Rather than relying solely on external support, settings can develop skilled practitioners who understand child development, emotional wellbeing and relational practice - while gaining nationally recognised qualifications through funded apprenticeship routes.

As part of the programme, settings also benefit from access to Thrive-Online, supporting assessment, action planning and progress tracking around children’s social and emotional development.

How to apply for this apprenticeship?

Places are expected to be in high demand as settings continue to prioritise inclusion, wellbeing and emotionally informed practice within early years provision. If you’re looking to strengthen practice, support staff development and build greater confidence around children’s emotional wellbeing, this apprenticeship offers a powerful opportunity to do both.

Applying for the apprenticeship is straightforward. To get started, you’ll first complete a short set of eligibility questions before submitting your online application. Applications should be discussed and approved by your employer, as the apprenticeship is completed alongside your role within the setting.

Find out more about the Thrive Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5

Not the right fit? We also have a Level 3 apprenticeship pathway, ideal for practitioners earlier in their professional development and looking to build confidence, knowledge and practical skills in early years practice.