Overview

The early years practitioner (EYP) works and interacts directly with children on a day-to-day basis, supporting the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting. An EYP works as part of a professional team, ensuring the welfare and care of the children under the guidance and supervision of an early years educator, teacher, or other suitably qualified professional in the early years’ workforce.

They will be responsible for supporting child-initiated and adult-led activities based around the needs and interests of each individual child, supporting children’s learning and working as part of a team to make sure each child feels safe and secure. An EYP will also support the observation and assessment of each child and contribute to their learning experiences whilst assisting with the care needs of the individual child (adapted from the Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard).

Potential job roles:

• nursery practitioner
• classroom assistant
• pre-school practitioner