Early years educator
Level 3 · AdvancedEducation and early years 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Early years educators work with children from birth to five years old in nurseries, pre-schools, and childminding settings, planning and delivering activities that support learning and development across all areas of the EYFS. You will build caring relationships with children and families, track developmental progress, and work as part of a team to create a safe, stimulating environment. This qualification leads to a Level 3 full and relevant qualification for the EYFS workforce.
On the job
What you’ll learn
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and its seven areas of learning
Child development from birth to five, including developmental milestones
How to plan and deliver play-based activities that support learning
Observation, assessment, and progress tracking for individual children
Safeguarding, child protection, and online safety procedures
Working in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals
Supporting children with SEND and promoting inclusion
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up and lead activities that support physical, creative, and cognitive development
Observe children at play and document their progress accurately
Build warm, consistent relationships with the children in your key group
Communicate daily with parents and carers about their child's day
Carry out nappy changes, mealtimes, and sleep routines safely and sensitively
Attend team planning meetings to design the weekly learning programme
Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns to the designated person
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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