Apprentices will work with children, young people and families, including carers, to achieve positive and sustainable change in their lives. Apprentices will be skilled in recognising and assessing the complex needs of children, young people and families and will agree any specific interventions or referrals. The apprentice’s approach will be one of respectful curiosity that challenges and supports children, young people and families to achieve their potential and stay safe.

The apprentice could be working in a number of settings such as a children’s home, a residential special school or a secure children’s home. They will take the lead in developing and delivering the child’s placement plan and will work with the child to support their health, education, social and day to day needs, playing a significant role in helping them to thrive and fulfil their potential.

You will produce a number of different evidence pieces with the support of your trainer, this might include written question and answer pieces, reflective pieces about your work day, workplace observations or deep dives into your written work based practices.

Once you have completed your diploma you will move through to the End Point Assessment (EPA) of the Apprenticeship. The EPA for Children, Young People and Families Practitioner contains 2 methods of assessment as outlined below:

Observation of Practice (50%) The Observation of Practice will last for 80-90 minutes, and will take place during the course of an apprentice’s normal work day and will assess their application of knowledge, skills and behaviours. The Observation of Practice should take place before the Competence Interview and where reasonably practicable, should take place on the same day.

Competence Interview informed by Portfolio (50%) The Competence Interview is a structured discussion of 55-60 minutes between the apprentice and the Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA), focusing on the work covered in the Portfolio. There will be probing questions and discussion about the professional practice undertaken within the course of the apprentice’s work, based on the application of core skills, knowledge and behaviours. The portfolio will not be assessed but it will be used to inform the questioning for the competence interview.

For more detail on the Apprenticeship standard for this qualification visit the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

As part of your Apprenticeship you will be invited to join the Residential Childcare Forum (RCF) for no charge. The RCF is a forum who meet twice a year to empower those who work in our industry to have a voice about their experiences and to celebrate others’ good practice. We have guest speakers who present to the forum members about current issues in the industry, for example, Lancashire Police spoke in a recent forum meeting about the current County Lines situation in Cumbria and Lancashire.

Upon completion of this Apprenticeship you can progress your career forward by moving onto the Children, Young People and Families Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship. This would require you to be working at a specific level within your career (Deputy or Registered Manager).

Alternatively, you may choose to move onto further full time employment, exciting roles you may pursue after this Apprenticeship include:

• Child Protection Officer

• Education Welfare Officer

• Family Support Worker

• Residential Support Worker

• Social Worker

• Youth Offending Team Officer

You can discover all the opportunities available to you by exploring the full list of careers in the industry.

To study this course you must:

• Complete of a satisfactory DBS check

• Have enthusiasm for working with children and young people with additional needs

• Show a commitment to study (attendance, punctuality & behaviour)

• Be able to work independently

There is no formal age restriction for this Apprenticeship but due to legislative requirements within the industry, all applicants must be in a suitable job role and have the agreement of their employer to undertake this Apprenticeship.

If you would like to enquire for this Apprenticeship, please click 'Enquire' in the top right, follow the steps, and our Apprenticeship Team will be in touch with you. Alternatively, you can explore our current vacancies on the 'Apprenticeship Vacancies' page and apply now.

If you are already employed then please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01524 521483.

Course code: A33326-A1A