The Poppins Early Years Bursary
Supporting Workforce Development in Early Years
Welcome to the Poppins Early Years Bursary, a brand-new initiative from ACL Essex and Essex County Council. The bursary will support workforce recruitment, retention and upskilling in Early Years settings across Essex.
ACL are the largest provider of Adult Education in Essex and the main Apprenticeship provider for Essex County Council and have been delivering courses and qualifications to the Early Years sector for over 20 years.
Through the Poppins Bursary ACL Essex will provide funding and support for new entrants into the sector, existing staff members and those looking to set up their own childcare business. Early Years is a growing industry and
You can also contact the Poppins Team at poppins.bursary@essex.gov.uk We hope to see you soon!
Gateway to Childcare
This programme is an ideal taster for those who may be new to the sector or new to the world of work. It aims to introduce some basic concepts of caring for young children and preparation for employment in an early years setting. Participants will have the opportunity to study the Level 1 Intro to Early Years and the Level 1 Employability Skills Qualification. Alternatively, a Skills Bootcamp in Early Years may be the preferred option. See page 13.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are an alternative to the traditional college and university routes.
You will be working and studying at the same time, whilst working towards the achievement of occupational competence. It does not matter how old you are, or at what stage in your career you are at, an apprenticeship could give you the opportunity to improve your prospects and achieve your goals.
Level 2 is designed for new entrants.
Level 3 assumes prior achievement at level 2 or previous study/work in relevant subject area.
Levels 4 and 5 are higher level programmes designed for those already working in the sector and looking to develop their skills up to and including degree level.
Our Apprenticeship Programmes
• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
• Level 2 Diploma in Playwork –*Coming soon.
• Level 3 Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor
• Level 5 Coaching Professional
• Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
Early Years Practitioner Level 2
Suitable roles
This programme is for individuals who work and interact directly with children on a day to day basis supporting the planning of and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with parents, colleagues and wider multi agency professionals and partners such as health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists.
Benefits and progression
You will be working in an early years setting where you will develop both confidence and professionalism, while enhancing your communication and organisational skills. Acquiring specialist knowledge on the social and educational development of children within the context of your work setting. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, learners will be able to progress onto the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.
Playworker Level 2
Suitable roles
This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of the principles and theories that underpin play work and the importance of play in the lives of children aged 4–16.
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:
• employment in before and after school clubs
• holiday playschemes
• adventure playgrounds
• open access play settings
• play rangers
Benefits
It covers the knowledge and skills needed when working under supervision and requires the learner to demonstrate the full application of knowledge, understanding and skills over a period in the workplace.
Early Years Educator Level 3
Suitable roles
Early Years Educators are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre schools, reception classes and as childminders.
Benefits and progression
This programme will develop a range of essential skills applicable to your working environment, increasing your knowledge and understanding of your roles and responsibilities. You will build confidence and self-esteem while engaging in self-development, enhancing your communication, personal, and professional skills. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, learners will be awarded either a pass or distinction. There is opportunity to progress onto leadership
Team Leader Supervisor Level 3
Suitable roles
A team leader or supervisor is a first line management role, with operational and project responsibilities for managing a team to deliver a clearly defined outcome. They provide direction, instructions and guidance to ensure the achievement of set goals.
Benefits
1. Develop a range of essential management skills they can apply in their work place
2. Understanding of management theories to support their practice
3. Build leadership capabilities to motivate teams and drive business
Coaching Professional Level 5
Suitable roles
This apprenticeship would be suitable for an individual who throughout their day-to-day role has the responsibility for coaching and mentoring others.
Benefits and progression
By undertaking this apprenticeship, you will develop the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to effectively coach others within your organisation.
You will also have the opportunity to further develop communication and language as well as personal and professional strengths.
Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5
Suitable roles
The Early Years Lead Practitioner (EYLP) leads day-to-day practice, overseeing the care and development of young children (birth to 8 years). They adapt to individual needs, provide inclusive care, and model play-based learning. EYLPs engage with the child’s family and professionals, ensuring high-quality learning. They lead other practitioners in communication, planning, physical activity, and nutrition, reporting to the setting lead.
Benefits and progression
Upon successful completion, you could work as an Early Years Lead Practitioner in the private, voluntary, and independent sectors or progress to Higher Education in a related field.
Early Years Qualifications
Our qualifications are designed to equip individuals already working in early years with the essential skills, knowledge, and competencies needed for their roles. This includes planning and delivering activities that engage and educate young children. You will learn to support a child’s learning and development and work collaboratively with parents and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for the child. You will develop your understanding of child development, and how to implement educational practices whilst creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for young children.
Our Diplomas
• Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioner
• Level 2 Diploma in Playwork
• Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare
• Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Level 4 Certificate for EYS Advanced Practitioner
• Level 5 Diploma for EYS Senior Practitioner
Diploma for Early Years Practitioner Level 2
This qualification is perfect for those who want to work with kids from birth to 5 years old and learn about working with kids up to 7 years old. It takes about 12 months to complete, and you do not need any previous experience or qualifications in childcare to get started.
You will need to be working, volunteering, or in a practical placement to show your skills and knowledge. Your placement must give you enough practical experience with babies and young children to meet the qualification’s assessment criteria.
Diploma in Playwork Level 2
This qualification helps you learn about the principles and theories behind play work and why play is so important for children aged 4 to 16 years. It covers what you need to know and do when working under supervision.
You will need to be working or volunteering in a practical placement to show your skills and knowledge. You do not need any previous experience or qualifications in childcare.
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:
• employment in before and after school clubs
• holiday playschemes
• adventure playgrounds
• open access play settings
• play rangers
Diploma for Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Level 3
The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. This qualification is suitable for a range of learners, either working or wishing to work in early years education and care.
Upon achievement of this qualification, you will gain your licence to practise and will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators. You can progress further into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary, or private sectors such as a Practitioner in nursery schools or a Pre-school worker.
Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare
Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare is a Level 3 Award. If you want to work in a home-based childcare setting as a registered childminder, childminding assistant or nanny, it’s the perfect course for you.
The qualification is also intended to help existing childcare professionals improve their expertise, covering topics from how to work effectively with children in a home-based childcare role to robust advice on setting up a home-based business.
Level 4 Certificate for EYS Advanced Practitioner
The EYS Advanced Practitioner course is designed for learners who are currently employed as Level 3 early years practitioners, aiming to develop leadership and specialist skills. The qualification covers the age range of 0-5 years and includes areas such as enabling children to learn, promoting health and wellbeing, special educational needs, and working with families to implement change. Through work-based learning, you will enhance your leadership, mentoring, coaching, and reflective skills.
This course prepares learners for further studies, including Level 5 qualifications and Foundation Degrees in Early Years, and for roles such as Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) or Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator (PANCO).
Level 5 Diploma for EYS Senior Practitioner
The Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner aims to enhance leadership and management skills in early childhood education. It prepares practitioners to be positive role models, offering clear leadership and effective management to support best practices within legislative requirements. The course covers various areas, including early years pedagogy, professional development, SEND, safeguarding, inclusion, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
This qualification is suitable for individuals already in managerial roles within the early years sector, as well as those looking to advance their careers or deepen their understanding through professional development. Upon successful completion, you could work as an Early Years Senior Practitioner in the private, voluntary, and independent sectors or progress to Higher Education in a related field.
Professional Pathways
SEND Practitioner
Ensuring that our workforce is well-equipped to effectively support the diverse educational needs of children is crucial. The SEND Specialist Development Pathway offers current employees the opportunity to specialise in working with children with SEND.
Individuals will have the opportunity to study the following qualifications:
• Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to Neuroscience in Early Years
• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
• Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Management Development
The Management Development Pathway is designed for individuals currently working in the Early Years sector.
Individuals will undertake the following qualifications:
• Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading
• Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management
Early Years staff, including childminders and those providing free childcare to friends and family, can benefit from a fantastic range of accredited courses at levels 2, 3 and 4.
These qualifications include:
• Peadiatric First Aid
• Food Hygiene
• Diploma in Leadership and Management
• Equality and Diversity
• LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Workplace
• Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities
• Special Educational Needs (SEN)
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
• Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses
• Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
• Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
• Understanding Menopause in the Workplace
• Introducing Caring for Children and Young People
• Introduction to Neuroscience in Early Years
• Mental Health in the Early Years
• Nutrition and Health
• Principles of Team Leading
• Principles of Leadership and Management
• Understanding Autism
• Understanding Domestic Abuse
• Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
• Understanding the Care and Management of Diabetes
Skills Bootcamps
Early Years Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses that last 12 weeks and provide you with the opportunity to build valuable sector specific skills. What’s more, you’ll be offered a job interview with an employer once you complete the course.
Early Years Bootcamps provide an in-depth exploration of professional development in the Early Years field.
Participants will learn to assist children’s speech, language, and communication skills, understand safeguarding, and create environments that encourage play. The course also covers legislation on equality, diversity, and inclusion, and teaches techniques for supporting healthy lifestyles and easing children’s transition to school.
There is opportunity to gain Peadiatric First Aid and a Food Hygiene certificate. We have developed two pathways for our Skills Bootcamps. One will support those wishing to work in an Early Years setting, whilst ths other is to support those looking to set up as a chilminder.
For more information, please visit the below webpage: aclessex.com/fundedtraining/skills-bootcamps
Case Study - Tarnya Johnstone
Why did you undertake the Early Years Skills Bootcamp?
“It was the fastest route to go through to start working with children in an Early Years setting. And propel me into a career in Early Years and build up to working in a SENCO role. It worked well around my children and it felt like a lot less pressure compared to other training options.”
What was your overall experience of the Early Years Skills Bootcamp?
“It was very good, I really liked it - I really enjoyed it! The tutor was fantastic and she connected the learning on a personal level with her own experiences, which made it easy to understand. Things were explained in clear way, I learnt so much. Everyone in the class was really lovely.”
What would you say to other people who are considering a Skills Bootcamp?
“100% do it! If Early Years is where you want to be, pursue it!”
As a result of finishing the Early Years Skills Bootcamp, what did you achieve? (Interviews, job offers, impact on your business if self-employed...)
“I achieved securing two interviews which I attended this week, both went really well and they really liked what the Skill Bootcamps offers learners. They were really impressed with how well prepared I was and how much I learnt on the course.”
Gateway to Childminding
Have you ever thought about running your own business but not had the funds or support to do so?
Do you love the idea of working with children and helping to give them the best start in life?
Poppins has grants of up to £1000 to support Essex residents with a household income of less than £35,000pa to set up and register as a childminder. Becoming a registered childminder will enable you to work from home and support children within your local area. With a shortage of childcare places across the county there is constant demand for more childminders.
The Poppins team will support you with advice and guidance on what you need to do become a childminder and check that you would be eligible and suitable. They will work with you to identify what you will need to have in place and advise what costs we could cover. For example, your DBS check, Insurance, Gas Safe Certificate, and your overall registration.
Beyond the grant we have courses that could be fully funded, these include both the Paediatric First Aid certificate and the level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare. We’ve also added a Childminding pathway to our Early Years Skills Bootcamp.
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a childminder, please contact the Poppins team who will be able to assist you further.
Our team will support you through the application process and discuss the financial help available to you.
Financial Help and Support
Finances do not have to get in the way of a rewarding career. Support is available to reduce barriers to work and learning.
• New and existing early years employees could receive fully funded training.
• If you do not have a laptop or a computer, a laptop loan available under the Poppins Bursary.
• Maths and English courses including GCSEs could be free if you do not already have a C/4 grade or equivalent.
• Essential Digital Skills programmes could be free for those with basic IT skills assessed below level 1.
Get in touch
Give us a call or drop us an email. We would love to hear from you.
03330 139 502 Poppins.Bursary@essex.gov.uk
You can also visit our website. www.aclessex.com/poppins
Our centres
ACL Basildon
Churchill Avenue, Broadmayne, Basildon, SS14 3SG
ACL Chelmsford
Beeches Close, Chelmsford, CM1 2SB
ACL Brentwood
Bishops Hill, Rayleigh Road, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 1BD
ACL Clacton St Osyth Road, Clacton, CO15 3BN
ACL Colchester
Wilson Marriage, Barrack Street, Colchester, CO1 2LR
ACL Harlow
The Harlow Centre, Partridge Rd, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6TE
ACL Maldon
Carmelite House (above the library), White Horse Lane, Maldon, CM9 5FW
ACL Witham
Spinks Lane, Witham, CM8 1E
Issued August 2024