MAPS Childcare, Learning & Development Department

Advanced Apprenticeship in Children's Care, Learning and Development - Programme Overview

What is an Advanced Apprenticeship?
An Advanced Apprenticeship in Children's Care, Learning and Development offers people aged 16 or above who are in Employment the chance to gain nationally recognised qualifications and enhance their career opportunities within the childcare sector. Advanced Apprenticeships in Children's Care Learning and Development are suitable for individuals working in childcare settings in roles such as deputy managers, senior nursery nurses, supervisors, and leaders of small groups or anyone who is looking to further develop their child care competencies in preparation for enhanced career prospects. Assessors will visit Apprentices on site in the work place on a monthly basis to facilitate successful delivery of the Apprenticeship programme. This is a real opportunity to learn while you earn.

What does an apprenticeship consist of?
An Advanced Apprenticeship is based on gaining a framework of Advanced qualifications and work based experience in a childcare setting, and includes improving job based knowledge and understanding; the achievement of Key Skills where applicable; a Technical certificate and a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification. An Advanced Apprenticeship takes approximately 18 months to complete.

How does it benefit you the employee?
As well as giving you the opportunity to develop new skills, the Apprenticeship framework provides you with a better understanding of your current job role and the environment in which you are employed. It also enables you to gain nationally recognised qualifications, which will serve as a solid foundation for career progression and the achievement of higher level qualifications.

How does it benefit employers?
It enhances the skills of employees, thereby improving performance in the workplace. It also boosts the motivation and confidence of the employee and provides an independent measure of performance against national standards. It generates tangible performance outcomes by increasing employees' skills and supporting existing training and development to lead to enhanced child care provision.

How much does It cost?
Apprenticeship programmes are government funded. All administration is undertaken by MAPS training and there is no charge to the apprentice or employer. However the apprentice must earn a minimum of £80 per week to be paid by the employer.

What can the Apprenticeship lead to?
Successful completion of the Advanced Apprenticeship in Children's Care Learning and Development Level 3 can lead onto a Level 4 NVQ in Children's Care Learning and Development. It can also lead to a Foundation Degree. Both these qualifications are designed for people in work who want to further advance their qualifications.