Apprenticeship Summary
Develop highly skilled childcare professionals who make a lasting difference
The Early Years Educator - Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for employers who want to develop highly skilled practitioners capable of delivering outstanding early education and care.
Early Years Educators play a vital role in helping young children learn, develop and thrive. They create safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environments, support children's development through play and learning, and work closely with families and other professionals to achieve the best outcomes for every child.
This apprenticeship is an ideal route to recruit new talent or develop existing employees, helping your organisation build a confident, qualified and future-ready workforce.
Is this apprenticeship right for your business?
If you're looking to strengthen the quality of your provision, develop future leaders or improve staff retention, this apprenticeship offers a powerful workforce development solution.
Early Years Educators are highly trained professionals who support children's learning, development, health and wellbeing while ensuring compliance with EYFS requirements. They often take on key person responsibilities and play a significant role in shaping children's early experiences and school readiness.
What will Apprentices Learn?
Apprentices develop the advanced knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become qualified Early Years Educators.
Training combines workplace learning, professional coaching, structured study, observations of practice and college-based learning to ensure apprentices can confidently apply theory in real-world settings.
The programme is delivered in the workplace.
Programme content includes:
- Child development from birth to age 7
- Play, learning and school readiness
- Observation, assessment and planning
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Supporting children with SEND
- Health, wellbeing and physical development
- Language, literacy and numeracy development
- Building positive relationships with families
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Professional practice and multi-agency working
- Leadership responsibilities within early years settings
The programme develops practitioners who can support children's learning through evidence-based approaches while creating safe, engaging and inclusive environments.
Learning combines expert teaching with practical workplace application, enabling apprentices to make an immediate impact within your setting.
We'll work closely with you to ensure the programme supports both organisational priorities and the apprentice's professional development.
Qualifications included:
As part of the apprenticeship, learners must achieve:
- Early Years Educator Qualification (Level 3)
- Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid Qualification
- Required English and maths qualifications where applicable
These qualifications ensure apprentices meet the professional standards expected within the early years sector.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices should be employed in a suitable role that allows them to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the occupational standard.
Apprentices should also hold a grade 4 or equivalent in both GCSE English and maths (or Functional Skills English and maths).
Apprentices may be required to work towards English and maths qualifications as part of their apprenticeship where appropriate. We will provide advice on the requirements that apply to your apprentice and support them throughout their learning journey.
How is the Apprentice Assessed?
Apprentices are assessed throughout the programme through workplace practice, professional reviews and achievement of the required qualifications.
The End-Point Assessment (EPA) includes:
• Knowledge Test
• Professional Discussion underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
This ensures apprentices can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a qualified Early Years Educator.
Need Help Finding the Right Apprentice?
Our Apprenticeship Onboarding Team can support you through every stage of the recruitment process, including promoting your vacancy to prospective candidates, including talent within our existing student cohort here at the College.
Whether you're recruiting your first apprentice or expanding your workforce, we'll help you find the right candidate for your business.
Ready to get started?
If you're looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill an existing employee, our Employer Engagement Team is here to help.
Get in touch today to discuss your workforce needs, funding options and upcoming start dates.
Funding and Employer Incentives
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to recruit new talent or develop your existing workforce, with significant government funding available for eligible employers.
Our Employer Engagement Team will explain the funding and incentives available to your organisation. View our latest Apprenticeship Funding and Employer Incentives for the most up-to-date information.
Career Progression
The Early Years Educator Apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for long-term career development within the sector.
Potential progression opportunities include:
• Early Years Lead Practitioner
• Room Leader
• Nursery Supervisor
• Deputy Manager
• Nursery Manager
• Higher-level early years qualifications and leadership programmes
With additional experience, Early Years Educators can progress into leadership and management roles within the sector.