Build Your Skills. Support Development. Give Children the Best Start.
Develop a rewarding career helping young children learn, grow and thrive. The Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship combines practical workplace experience with structured learning, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high-quality Early Years education and care.
This programme is ideal for those entering a suitable Early Years role or existing practitioners ready to develop their expertise and take greater responsibility for children’s learning and development.
For employers, it provides an opportunity to develop skilled practitioners who deliver inclusive care, build strong relationships with families and contribute to positive outcomes for children.
About the Course
Early Years Educators play a vital role in supporting children from birth to five, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). They create safe, stimulating environments where children learn through purposeful play, positive relationships and experiences that reflect their individual needs.
You will develop your ability to plan and deliver learning activities, assess children’s progress and provide responsive physical and emotional care. You will also learn to fulfil the key person role, working closely with families and other professionals to support children’s wellbeing and development.
The typical training duration is 18 months, followed by a typical three-month end-point assessment period. Your individual training plan will take account of your existing knowledge, skills and experience.
What You Learn
Child Development and Learning
Understand how children develop and learn, using relevant theories and evidence to support their communication, physical, social and emotional development.
Planning, Observation and Assessment
Apply the observation, assessment and planning cycle to identify children’s interests, recognise progress and plan learning experiences that support their next steps.
Learning Through Play
Create engaging indoor and outdoor environments that encourage exploration, curiosity and independence. Balance child-led experiences with purposeful adult support to extend learning.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Recognise safeguarding concerns, follow reporting procedures and maintain safe environments that protect children’s welfare and promote their emotional wellbeing.
Inclusive Practice and SEND
Adapt activities, environments and your approach to support children with different needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Promote equality and ensure every child can participate.
The Key Person Role
Build secure relationships with children, respond sensitively to their needs and support them through transitions and significant changes.
Develop effective partnerships with parents, carers, colleagues and external professionals, sharing information appropriately to support coordinated care and learning.
Opportunities
This apprenticeship supports roles such as:
- Early Years Educator
- Nursery Educator
- Nursery Nurse
- Early Years Worker
- Nursery Worker
- Childminder Assistant
With further experience and development, you can progress towards senior practitioner or room leader responsibilities. The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship offers a further development route for those moving into a suitable role with responsibility for leading practice and supporting colleagues.
Here’s What You Can Expect
Hands-on Training and Experience
Apply your learning directly within your workplace, developing practical skills while earning a wage.
Personalised Training and Support
Receive guidance and feedback to help you build confidence, strengthen your practice and work towards your apprenticeship goals.
Learning That Connects to Your Role
Combine workplace experience with dedicated training that helps you understand child development and put effective Early Years approaches into practice.
Opportunities to Progress
Develop your expertise as an Early Years Educator and build a foundation for further professional learning and increased responsibility, including progression towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.
Off-the-job Training
Off-the-job training takes place during your normal paid working hours and develops new knowledge, skills and behaviours linked to the apprenticeship. This may include taught sessions, practical training, guided learning and relevant development activities.
Training Plan
Your training plan will explain how this learning fits alongside your workplace responsibilities.
What are the entry requirements for the Apprenticeship?
You will need to be employed, or secure employment, in a suitable Early Years role that provides opportunities to develop the skills required by the apprenticeship.
Your starting point, previous learning and support needs will be assessed before enrolment. English and maths requirements will be discussed as part of this process. Working with children also requires the appropriate suitability and safeguarding checks.
Eligibility includes:
- Age: Must be 16 years or older.
- Education: Generally, a minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, typically grades 4 (C) or above.
- Experience: Some experience in childcare or working with children is beneficial but not always required.
- DBS Check: An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure suitability for working with children.
- Interest in Childcare: A genuine interest in early childhood development and education.
- Right to Work in the UK: Must have the legal right to work in the UK.
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