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Level 5 Apprenticeship
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Operations Manager Level 5
Lead your early years setting with confidence. Master nursery management, operations, and strategic leadership for exceptional childcare delivery.
Sign up for the next course before the 26th Feb ’26 cut off date.
18
Months Duration
£9,000
Total Value
£450
Employer Contribution
95%
Government Funded
(for levy payers)
What is it?
Nursery Managers perform leadership and management duties with teams and nursery owners to ensure that teams fulfil their roles and meet setting goals. They are essential to all nurseries that have a workforce to lead, manage, and support.
The broad purpose of Operations Manager is to provide leadership with both operational and project responsibilities. An Operations Manager is responsible for managing individuals or a team, offering direction, instructions, and guidance to achieve outcomes. They are crucial for the smooth functioning of an organisation and ensure policies and procedures are administered and maintained in accordance with legislation.
The Operations Manager is typically involved in setting staff levels and ratios, managing and monitoring child progression, and liaising closely with parents, carers and external agencies.
Key Course Details:
Duration
18 months of comprehensive training
Coaching
Expert Skills Coach support throughout
Cost
£9,000 – fully or 95% funded via Levy
Support
Functional Skills & SENCo included
Mentor Support
Regular workplace assessment observations
EPA Support
Full End Point Assessment preparation
Who is this for?
The Operations Manager (L5) apprenticeship is designed for experienced early years professionals ready to step into senior management roles. This qualification is perfect for deputy managers, room leaders, or team leaders aspiring to become Nursery Managers.
This apprenticeship develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to run a successful early years setting, ensuring teams help keep children healthy, safe and learning at all times. You’ll master operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership while advancing your career opportunities and social mobility.
Example Roles
Nursery Manager
Operations Manager
Setting Manager
Childcare Manager
Am I Eligible?
- Management Role
Currently in or aspiring to a nursery management position - Prior Experience
Level 3 Early Years qualification and management experience recommended - Functional Skills
English & Maths at Level 2 (or working towards) - Leadership Responsibility
Managing teams, operations and strategic planning
Criteria:
- Right to Work & Study in the UK (and lives in England with 3+ years’ residency)
- Not currently in full-time education
- Minimum 30 hours per week employment
- Employer commitment to off-the-job training
- Mandatory DBS check required
- Management responsibilities in early years setting
What you will learn
The Operations Manager (L5) focuses on second-line management processes to support teams, room leaders and overall nursery operations
Operational Planning
Managing & Leading a Team
Stakeholder Relationships
Project Scope &Planning
Problem Solving
Using Technologies
Project Implementation
Business Evaluation
Organisational Governance
Programme & Features
What’s Included
- Expert Skills Coach Support
Highly qualified leadership specialists - Masterclass Teaching Sessions
Online sessions via Microsoft Teams - Functional Skills Support
English & Maths Level 2 included - Workplace Observations
Face-to-face observations in your setting - End Point Assessment
Full EPA preparation and support
Exclusive Eden Features
-
Online CPD (£100 value)Access to blended e-learning courses
- The Child’s Developing Mind (£100 value)
Understanding early brain development - SENCo Course (£100 value)
Level 3 SEND Coordinator training - The MINDful Driver (£100 value)
Confidence building for drivers
Total Value of Complementary Features:
£400
End Point Assessment
Assessment Method 1
Project with Report
Complete a substantial management project relevant to your setting, producing a comprehensive written report demonstrating strategic thinking and operational excellence.
Assessment Method 2
Professional Discussion
Underpinned by a portfolio of evidence showcasing your leadership, management skills and operational achievements throughout the apprenticeship.
Julie Storey
Kirkbymoorside Pre-School Playgroup, York
“I have just completed my Level 5 apprenticeship and could not have done it without my Tutors who took me through the end point assessment. Both showed me so much patience, support and kindness. Very easy to talk to and always there whenever I needed them no matter how small the question was. A brilliant qualification. I have learned so much that will support my job role and future. I would recommend Eden Training Solutions to anyone.”
How much does it cost?
The programme is valued at £9,000 with 95% government funding. Your employer contribution is just £450.
How long does it take?
The typical duration is 18 months, combining workplace learning with online teaching sessions and practical management projects..
What happens after completion?
UThis Level 5 qualification equips you to manage early years settings, lead teams, and take on senior management responsibilities across the childcare sector