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Level 5 Apprenticeship

Early Years Speech, Language & Communication Specialist Level 5

Help children overcome speech, language and communication barriers with a specialist pathway focused on speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

This enhanced programme combines the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner curriculum with additional specialist SLCN modules.

Duration
15-18 months
£ Funding
£9,000
£ 5% Contrib.
£450

Register your interest

Next Cohort Deadline: 2nd October 2026

Overview

Introduction to the Course:

Being the person a setting turns to for speech and language support means more than knowing the theory. It means spotting the early signs, knowing what to do next, and helping colleagues and families feel confident too. 

This course has been designed for ambitious early years practitioners who want to build specialist expertise in speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), and grow into a more senior, specialist role within their setting. It’s suited to room leaders, senior practitioners and early years lead practitioners who already work daily with children from birth to five under the EYFS.

Through the programme, you’ll develop practical, evidence-based strategies informed by clinical insight, giving you the confidence and tools to put your learning into practice straight away.

Eden With Speech & Language Link

Delivery:

This programme is delivered by Eden Training Solutions in partnership with Speech & Language Link and leads to a recognised Level 5 apprenticeship.

Designed to fit around your existing role, the programme is studied online with monthly coaching throughout to support you as you put your learning into practice.

Delivered by:

Eden Training Solutions

In partnership with:

Speech & Language Link

Speech and language support practitioner working with a diverse group of young children around a table to develop communication and language skills.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Am I eligible for Early Years Speech, Language & Communication Needs Specialist Level 5?

This programme is for early years practitioners, room leaders and senior staff working directly with children from birth to five in a setting delivering the EYFS.

English and Maths GCSEs in English and Maths at grade C [4] or above, or the ability to work towards Level 2 English and Maths alongside the course.
Early Years experience A Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, or equivalent extensive experience.
UK residency UK residency for the last three years.
Working directly with children Day-to-day work with children aged birth to five in a setting meeting EYFS learning and development requirements.
?
Not sure if you’re eligible? Speak to our team and we’ll help you understand whether the programme is right for you.
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HOW YOU’LL LEARN

Course Delivery

This apprenticeship is built to work around a busy early years role, giving you structured learning, specialist support and the opportunity to put new skills into practice.

01

Facilitated online sessions

Regular live sessions build your knowledge, skills and confidence, with space to reflect on what you’re learning and how it shows up in practice.

02

Monthly coaching

One-to-one support from an experienced high level skills coach helps you apply what you’ve learned, track progress and grow into the specialist role.

03

Online study and portfolio building

Structured resources and activities build into a portfolio of evidence showing the impact you’re making within your setting.

COURSE LENGTH

Up to 21 months

PROGRAMME VALUE

£9,000

ELIGIBLE LEARNERS

Funded to £0 through the Apprenticeship Levy

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SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the programme, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to support children with speech, language and communication needs, implement effective communication strategies, and help create a communication-friendly environment throughout your setting.

MODULE 01

Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Understand SLCN in practice, key terminology, common diagnoses and how these needs can affect a child’s learning and development.

MODULE 02

How Speech and Language Skills Typically Develop

Explore typical speech and language development, how language processing works and the attention and listening skills underpinning communication.

MODULE 03

Creating a Communication-Supportive Environment

Develop a whole-setting approach to communication and discover practical ways to create a communication-friendly environment that supports every child’s development.

MODULE 04

Identifying SLCN and Knowing What to Do Next

Recognise possible signs of SLCN, understand the difference between SLCN and EAL, monitor progress and know when a referral may be needed.

Alongside the specialist SLCN modules, learners will explore the key subject areas that underpin the Early Years Lead Practitioner role, including:

Understanding the child
Self-regulation and attachment
The planning cycle
Pedagogy
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Creativity and curiosity
Leadership
Collaborative working
Safeguarding
Legislation and regulation
Supporting transitions
Learning and development
Accurate records and reports

SLCN DELIVERY PARTNERS

Specialist speech and language expertise

Eden Training Solutions works alongside Speech & Language Link, recognised specialists in supporting children with speech, language and communication needs, bringing genuine specialist expertise into the programme.


That means learners get input shaped by qualified speech and language therapists, grounded in strategies already used in early years settings day to day, alongside Eden’s track record delivering national early years training and apprenticeships. The result is a programme that’s both rigorous and genuinely practical for setting-based practice. 

“Skilled Practitioners working in Early Years settings play a vital role in laying the foundations for each child’s developmental journey; contributing to the growth and development of their speech, language and communication skills and ensuring better outcomes.

The Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Needs Specialist Level 5 apprenticeship is enhanced with content developed by experienced Speech and Language Therapists from Speech and Language Link, and is designed to enable Practitioners to develop their skills and give them specialist knowledge and confidence that can make a lasting difference to children’s lives.”

Milly Clarke, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Speech & Language Link 

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MORE THAN AN APPRENTICESHIP

Included in your Level 5 learning experience:
The Child’s Developing Mind

Your learning with Eden goes beyond the core Level 5 Speech, Language & Communication programme. As part of the wider learner experience, you’ll also have access to our specialist The Child’s Developing Mind enrichment course.

This additional learning explores how children’s conscious and subconscious minds develop, how early experiences and communication can influence confidence and emotional security, and how practitioners can use positive approaches to support children in everyday practice.

✓ Broaden your expertise

Build knowledge beyond the apprenticeship standard.

✓ Apply it in practice

Use new insight to support children’s learning and development.

✓ Added value from Eden

An additional specialist course included within your learner journey.

✓ Learn at your own pace

A focused 90-minute online enrichment course.

Explore The Child’s Developing Mind
childs developing mind course

🧠

EDEN ENRICHMENT

Understand more about how young minds develop

Explore the relationship between early brain development, communication, confidence, memory and emotional security, giving you another perspective to bring into your work with children.

Included as part of your Eden experience

Specialist enrichment alongside your Level 5 programme

See Our Other Courses….

Early Years Initial Teacher Training

A progression route for practitioners who want to achieve Early Years Teacher Status and lead high-quality practice.

⏱ Duration 12 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Outcome EYTS

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Early Years Practitioner Level 2

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 12–14 months
♙ Funding £5,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

effective learning in early years

Early Years Educator Level 3

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 12–16 months
♙ Funding £7,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

teaching assistant

Teaching Assistant Level 3

A progression route for teaching support staff who help pupils learn, develop and progress in school settings.

⏱ Duration 12–15 months
♙ Funding £7,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Nursery Manager Challenges for hiring new staff

Early Years SENCO Level 3

A specialist route for early years practitioners supporting children with SEND and inclusive practice in the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 6 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Qualification Level 3

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 15–18 months
♙ Funding £9,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

sign and speech therapy course image two people signing to communicate

Early Years Speech, Language & Communication Specialist Level 5

Help children overcome speech, language and communication barriers with specialist Level 5 training designed for early years practitioners ready to become their setting's speech and language champion.

⏱ Duration up to 21 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Qualification Level 5

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Speech and Language Course FAQs

You’ll generally need a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification or equivalent extensive experience, alongside GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or a willingness to work towards Level 2 English and Maths during the course. 

Learning combines live online sessions, independent online study and monthly one-to-one coaching, typically over up to 21 months, fitting around your existing role. 

No. The course is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, so it’s free for eligible learners.

The programme is delivered by Eden Training Solutions in partnership with Speech & Language Link, whose qualified speech and language therapists shape the specialist content. 

Assessment includes a Gateway stage confirming you’re ready to progress, followed by an End Point Assessment made up of an observation with questions and a professional discussion supported by your portfolio of evidence. 

Early years practitioners, room leaders, senior practitioners and early years lead practitioners who work daily with children from birth to five and want to build specialist expertise in speech, language and communication.