Level 4 Apprenticeship ST0088 – Children, Young People and Families
Course Overview
Make a real difference in the lives of children, young people and families.
As a Children, Young People and Families Practitioner, you will support children, young people, parents and carers to achieve positive and lasting outcomes. You will develop the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to a wide range of needs, helping individuals and families access the right support at the right time.
Working with empathy, professionalism and a genuine passion for helping others, you will build positive relationships that encourage children, young people and families to overcome challenges, stay safe and reach their full potential. You will agree appropriate interventions, make referrals where needed, and work collaboratively with other professionals and organisations to improve outcomes.
No two families are the same, so you will learn to use evidence-based approaches and professional judgement to adapt your practice to each unique situation. Through regular supervision and support from experienced practitioners, you will reflect on your work, develop your skills and continuously improve your practice.
By the end of your apprenticeship, you will be a confident and capable practitioner, equipped to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the children, young people and families you support.
What You Will Study
As a Children, Young People and Families Worker, you'll develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to make a real difference in the lives of children, young people and families.
Key Behaviours
- Caring and Compassionate - Building trusting relationships and supporting individuals with empathy, respect and understanding.
- Confident and Courageous - Making informed decisions, managing challenging situations and advocating for positive outcomes.
- Excellent Communicator - Listening carefully and ensuring the voices of children, young people and families are heard.
- Professional and Ethical - Working with integrity, using professional judgement and reflecting on your practice.
- Committed and Resilient - Supporting long-term positive change through patience, consistency and determination.
What You'll Be Able to Do
✔ Promote the voice, rights and wellbeing of children, young people and families
✔ Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns, helping to keep people safe
✔ Assess needs, identify strengths and create effective support plans
✔ Deliver and evaluate interventions that improve outcomes
✔ Work confidently within legal, policy and professional frameworks
✔ Build strong partnerships with families, colleagues and other agencies
✔ Use reflective practice and continuous professional development to enhance your skills
The Result
You will become a skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate practitioner, able to support children, young people and families through challenges, empower them to make positive choices and help them achieve lasting and meaningful change.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will receive regular support and guidance from your dedicated assessor. You will attend online progress reviews, feedback sessions and planning meetings every five weeks, providing an opportunity to review your development, celebrate achievements and set goals for the next stage of your learning.
Your assessor will also carry out workplace observations to assess your practical skills and support you in demonstrating your knowledge, behaviours and professional competence in a real working environment.
As part of the apprenticeship, you will be responsible for completing off-the-job training hours, which are designed to enhance your knowledge, skills and behaviours. These activities may include taught sessions, research, reflective practice, training courses, project work and other learning opportunities that take place within your paid working hours but outside of your normal day-to-day duties.
Together, these activities will help you build the evidence needed to successfully achieve your apprenticeship and progress in your career.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be supported by your assessor and will build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your knowledge, skills and behaviours. Assessment methods may include:
- Assessor observations in the workplace
- Written assignments and learning tasks
- Work products and evidence gathered from your day-to-day role
- Witness testimonies from colleagues and managers
- Reflective accounts and professional discussions
Apprenticeship Assessment
At the end of the apprenticeship, you will complete an Apprenticeship Assessment to showcase the skills and knowledge you have developed. This typically includes: - A final observation of your professional practice
- A question-and-answer session to explore your knowledge and decision-making
- A professional discussion, supported by your portfolio of evidence
This provides an opportunity to demonstrate your competence, professionalism and readiness to work confidently as a Children, Young People and Families Practitioner.
English and Maths GCSE A*-C or 4-9
Undertake the Disclosure and Barring Service process and provide the result
Please contact the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team on 01924 789469 or email apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Successful completion of the Children, Young People and Families Practitioner apprenticeship can open the door to a wide range of rewarding careers and further study opportunities. Learners may progress into roles such as Family Support Worker, Early Help Practitioner, Youth Worker or Specialist Teaching Assistant, or continue their education through higher-level apprenticeships, foundation degrees or university study in areas such as Social Work, Childhood Studies, Psychology and Education. The qualification provides a strong foundation for those aspiring to leadership, management or specialist roles within children's services and family support.