Course may be subject to change.
The Early Intervention Practitioner plays a vital role in supporting individuals, families and communities by providing timely, person-centred interventions that prevent issues from escalating into more complex needs requiring statutory intervention. Practitioners work with individuals experiencing a range of challenges, including social, emotional, behavioural, health and environmental factors, and aim to improve outcomes through early support, guidance and coordinated intervention. You will be expected to attend New College Durham once per fortnight, within term time. This will be on a week day between the hours of 09:00 and 16:00. Whilst in attendance, you will be involved in theoretical and practical lessons in line with your apprenticeship standards and assessment plan.
Entry Criteria
GCSE Grade 3 or above in English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 1
What are the next steps?
You will be expected to undertake an interview with the tutor and Apprenticeship team prior to enrolment on to the course.
Study Aims
Throughout the programme, apprentices develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours through a structured and applied approach to learning. The curriculum is organised into key areas of practice, with delivery aligned to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) within the occupational standard. Apprentices are required to demonstrate competence across all areas of the standard, which is evidenced through a combination of workplace practice and off-the-job learning.
Assessment takes place through a range of methods that reflect real practice within early intervention roles. These include direct observations, professional discussions, case-based activities, written assignments and reflective accounts. Workplace competence is assessed through work-based assessments and observations, carried out by a suitably qualified assessor with relevant sector experience. The workplace is a fundamental part of the apprenticeship, providing apprentices with the opportunity to apply learning in real situations, build confidence and develop the professional skills required within their role.
The programme is designed to reflect the complex and varied nature of early intervention practice. Apprentices develop a strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, equality, diversity and inclusion, and professional boundaries, ensuring they are able to respond appropriately to the needs of individuals and families. A key focus is placed on developing the ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively and make informed decisions within a range of contexts.
Modules Studied
Throughout the programme you will cover a variety of units arranged in veining themes to ensure the development of the underpinning skills, knowledge and behavior. These themes are:
Foundations of Early Intervention Practice
Assessment and Analysis
Planning and Intervention
Communication and Relationship Building
Multi-Agency Working and Contextual Practice
Caseload Management and Professional Practice
Safe Practice and Wellbeing
Professional Development and Reflective Practice
End-Point Assessment Preparation
Times of Delivery
Thursdays 9am - 4pm
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
The learning on this module is achieved using a range of methods I.e., lectures, workshops, case studies, direct reading, role play, one to one and small group sessions, presentations and debates. Specialist practitioners are invited to contribute to sessions where appropriate.?? The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE, aka Microsoft Teams) provides students with educational materials and guidance that is structured to fit the teaching and learning programme and is accessible to students outside of college. Set learning tasks are posted on the VLE and use of learning materials will be tracked. Such tasks within this module will be aimed at addressing the wide range of topics covered within the classroom, to develop thinking and research skills which is particularly useful preparation for undertaking the dissertation module at level 6.??
Working environment and to develop the following skills and behaviours:? Excellent communication skills, verbally and written? Able to work as part of a team?? Use own initiative?? Knowledge of the current frameworks? Good organisational skills to plan and respond to the different needs of the service user.? Patience and a caring nature?? Emotional resilience and effective problem solving? Skills to be able to support local healthcare needs and development.?
Learners are taught in a variety of diverse ways so they can develop their skills and behaviours to become a successful practitioner. There is a mixture of group work, independent tasks, and practical activities. Learners need to be well organised and can carry out independent research to widen their background knowledge in order to be successful on the programme. This will also prepare learners for the real working environment and further studies.??
As part of the programme learners will study Level 2 Maths and English if they have not already achieved this. During induction learners are asked to complete a Maths and English assessment to assess their knowledge in both Maths and English.
Maths and English
Developing your mathematics and English skills is an essential part of your programme at New College Durham and depending on your GCSE grades you will follow one of three paths. If you achieved a GCSE Grade 4 (grade C) or above (or Functional Skills Level 2), your maths and English skills will be developed within your main study programme If you achieved a GCSE Grade 3 (grade D) or lower you will be assigned to a Functional Skills maths and/or English class, where you will continue to develop those skills As an apprentice any functional skills lessons will be delivered within a block, usually over the course of one week. You would study for 4 days and if your tutor feels you are ready you will then sit the exam on the 5th day.
Placement
Your allocated Apprenticeship Skills Coordinator – ‘ASC’ (Assessor) will visit you in placement on a regular basis, to undertake assessments online with your assessment plan. Your ASC will be confirmed. These will be agreed in advance between you, your ASC and your employer. This is to ensure good progress and you achieve to the highest of your ability by your planned end date. This will then form part of your skills portfolio and is inclusive of: -Workplace Observations -Professional Discussions -Witness testimonies -Questioning.
You will have regular contact with your ASC and once confident you have successfully met the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour criteria, you will then be put forward and apply for your End Point Assessment (EPA). The End Point Assessment is an assessment of your knowledge, skills and behaviour, and will confirm that you are competent to practice, and then conclude your apprenticeship. Within your EPA, assessment methods will include a practical assessment, an interview, a project, a presentation and a written assessment, which we will support and guide you through fully.
