Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship Leadership Children' s Care Play Learning and Development

Introduction

The Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development (CCPLD) is aimed at individuals who are employed in management or senior leadership roles within early years and childcare settings. It is designed for those who are responsible for leading services, managing teams, and ensuring high standards of care, play, learning and development are delivered in line with national policy, guidance and regulation.

Learners will complete the Level 5 Leadership and Management of CCPLD qualification, which focuses on strategic leadership, service management, safeguarding, workforce planning, and quality assurance. The apprenticeship develops advanced skills to manage resources effectively, lead organisational improvement, and embed person-centred and child-focused approaches across provision.

Assessment is entirely work-based, meaning learners apply their knowledge and skills in real practice situations within their own setting. On completion, learners will be well-prepared for registered manager roles, senior leadership positions, or progression into higher education such as foundation degrees or degrees in early childhood studies, education or management.

Requirements

Core Purpose & Who It’s For

• Designed for individuals already employed in senior roles within early years and childcare settings, such as nursery managers, deputy managers, lead childminders with assistants, or senior leaders in playwork/childcare provision.

• Aimed at those responsible for leading services, managing staff, ensuring regulatory compliance and driving quality improvements.

• Learners will already hold a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in CCPLD or a related subject and be ready to progress into a leadership and management pathway.

Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours Developed

Learners will develop advanced competencies in:

• Strategic leadership and management: setting direction, leading change, and managing resources effectively.

• Workforce development: recruiting, supervising, appraising and developing staff to ensure high-quality practice.

• Governance and quality assurance: ensuring services meet regulatory requirements (e.g. Care Inspectorate Wales) and embedding continuous improvement.

• Safeguarding and compliance: ensuring safe practice is followed consistently across the organisation.

• Partnership working: collaborating with families, professionals, commissioners and regulatory bodies.

• Promoting outcomes: embedding child-centred and holistic approaches across provision.

• Financial and operational management: overseeing budgets, policies, and day-to-day running of services.

Assessment

• The qualification is assessed entirely in the workplace.
  

• Evidence is gathered through:

  • Direct observations of leadership and management practice

  • Reflective accounts

  • Professional discussions

  • Project work and service improvement initiatives

Portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence against all outcomes

Progression routes

Job Roles After Completion

• Nursery Manager

• Deputy Manager

• Children’s Centre Manager

• Lead Childminder (managing assistants)

• Senior Playwork or Early Years Leader

Progression Opportunities

• Progression into senior management and registered manager roles within childcare and playwork services.

• Entry to higher education, such as foundation degrees or full degree programmes in Early Childhood Studies, Education, or Management.

• Development into sector-wide leadership or advisory roles.

In summary: Learners completing the Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in CCPLD will achieve the Level 5 Leadership and Management of CCPLD qualification, alongside Level 2 ESW in Communication and Application of Number (unless already achieved). This equips them with the recognised standard for leadership in the childcare and early years sector in Wales.