Frequently asked questions
Upon successful completion, an apprentice will qualify as a Level 5 Operations Manager, a Thrive Advanced Practitioner and a Family Thrive Course Leader.
- Be employed in a role working closely with children and young people in a classroom environment.
- Have a minimum of one year's experience in a relevant role.
- Have support from an employer and levy account holder.
- Have held UK residency for at least three years.
- Be based in England.
- Have achieved GCSE grade 9-4 (A* - C) or equivalent in English and maths. If you haven't secured a grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English and maths, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 2 in these areas. You will be fully supported by your tutors using a range of materials best suited to you.
Suitable job roles may include; teachers, SENDCos, Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), members of the senior leadership team, pastoral leads, support staff, high level teaching assistants (HLTSs), behaviour leads, attendance mentors, mental health leads, or other roles working directly with children and young people that are empowered to lead the implementation of Thrive, such as in care homes or secure facilities.
It is also well-suited to professionals working with children and young people in social care, youth organisations, charities, across local authorities or multi-academy trusts.
Employers will need to allow full-time apprentices six hours per week of off-the-job training. Part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.
Employers will also offer a mentor and facilitate the apprentice’s monthly virtual sessions and overall development.
It’s fully funded for those working in local authority schools or those paying into the apprenticeship levy. For non-levy payers, the government offers co-funding, covering 95% of the cost, or levy transfers are available for additional support.
Download information about the apprenticeship levyThis triple-award apprenticeship is an ideal fit for people who have previously trained as Thrive Licensed Practitioners (even if their licence has expired) because it builds on existing experience and knowledge of children and young people's wellbeing.
If you're just starting your career pathway with Thrive, the 3-month Thrive Licensed Practitioner course or the levy-funded 14-month Wellbeing Leadership Level 5 Apprenticeship would be a more appropriate place to start.
Yes, it’s equivalent to a foundation degree (Level 5).
Completing this apprenticeship earns you a triple qualification: Level 5 Operations Manager, Thrive Advanced Practitioner and Family Thrive Course Leader. You’ll also become a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, an Institute of Leadership and Management Fellow and be able to use post-nominal designations to demonstrate your commitment to professional standards and showcase your credentials and skills.
By developing your skills in leadership, operational planning, stakeholder collaboration and strategic decision making, you’ll boost your career prospects and strengthen your credibility – you’ll also be empowered to make a lasting impact on children’s lives.
Due to the time commitment, we recommend that only one candidate per setting takes part on any given cohort.
Yes, sessions are scheduled within typical school hours, with options for morning or afternoon sessions to align with off-the-job training requirements.
This apprenticeship is a work-based programme for people already in employment.
Your employer will need to give you time during your working hours each week for activities and learning related to your apprenticeship. This is called off-the-job training.
Thrive and our delivery partner Best Practice Network will work with employers to ensure this time is spent on activities that both build the apprentice’s capabilities and benefit the organisation.
Off-the-job training can include:
- Thrive training
- Inset days
- In-house training
- Mentoring
- Shadowing
- Conferences & seminars
- Reflective learning
- Networking
- Project work
- Research
The exact blend of activities will be agreed with the apprentice and employer at the start of the programme.
Full-time apprentices are required to have six hours per week of off-the-job training, while part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.
This apprenticeship benefits your current role by developing essential skills in leadership, strategic planning and operational management. You’ll also build on your existing expertise in supporting pupils’ social and emotional development, which underpins behaviour, attendance and learning outcomes.
Key areas covered in the training include:
- Communication and collaboration: Present to stakeholders, motivate teams, and champion inclusivity.
- Problem-solving and decision-making: Identify issues, analyse data, and implement solutions.
- Data management: Analyse, interpret and cascade data to enable decision-making for managing objectives and targets.
- Planning and delivery: Manage projects, budgets, and organisational goals.
- Continuous improvement: Lead professional development, adapt to changes, and enhance outcomes.
- Regulatory and risk management: Apply policies, assess risks, and ensure continuity.
- Leadership and people management: Lead and influence the team and individuals to support an inclusive culture of equity, diversity and the promotion of wellbeing.
- Sustainability and strategy: Deliver sustainable solutions and align plans with strategic objectives.
Not only will this apprenticeship enhance your professional skills and advance your career, but it will also position you as a key advocate for pupil wellbeing, making a lasting impact on the school community.
This role is a fit for educational settings - from early years, primary and secondary schools to alternative provisions and further education. It's also a fit for care homes or secure facilities and people working across local authorities or multi-academy trusts. The advanced apprenticeship is best suited to those individuals who have previously completed Thrive Licensed Practitioner training.