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Skill Details

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Is Apprenticeship

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Skill Overview

Early Years Educators work in settings such as nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes, children’s centres, and home-based care. They play a vital role in delivering high-quality education and care for children from birth to age five.

What they do:
•	Support children’s learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
•	Create safe, inclusive environments that promote equality and diversity
•	Plan and deliver engaging learning experiences, including for children with SEND
•	Observe, assess, and plan to track and support each child’s progress
•	Act as a key person and work closely with parents, carers, and professionals

Early Years Educators may lead activities or work under the supervision of a manager, ensuring every child thrives in a secure and stimulating environment.


Duration: 18 Months plus End Point Assessment

Funding Band: £7,000

Delivery Location: National

Progression
On successful completion, apprentices can progress onto higher-level apprenticeships, or supervisory roles within childcare.

Learning Objectives

The Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship equips apprentices with the core skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for a successful career in childcare.

This apprenticeship will cover the following knowledge, skills and behaviours:

Knowledge
•	Child development from birth to 5 years (and understanding development up to age 7)
•	Theories of learning and how they influence practice
•	The importance of attachment and promoting positive relationships
•	Diversity, equality, and inclusion in early years settings
•	Early literacy and numeracy, including phonics
•	Safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety requirements
•	Supporting transitions and significant life events
•	Current early years curriculum (Early Years Foundation Stage)

Skills
•	Plan and lead purposeful play and educational activities
•	Support speech, language, and communication development
•	Promote positive behaviour and socialisation
•	Carry out accurate observations and assessments
•	Work in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals
•	Encourage healthy lifestyles and manage physical care routines
•	Maintain records and ensure confidentiality
•	Apply infection control and risk management procedures

Behaviours
•	Professional, caring, and child-focused
•	Inclusive and respectful of diversity
•	Committed to safeguarding and wellbeing
•	Reflective and eager to develop your practice

Delivery
This programme blends on-the-job experience with structured off-the-job training, ensuring apprentices gain practical skills while learning theory.

Your apprentice will:
•	Complete the required off-the-job training hours
•	Attend mandatory monthly tutor-led sessions
•	Keep a reflective learning log to record progress and achievements
•	Receive ongoing support from a Skills Development Tutor, who works closely with your workplace mentor to monitor development
This approach helps apprentices apply learning in real-world settings, building the skills your organisation needs.

Funding Option

Funding Eligibility

This apprenticeship is available to employers and employees looking to upskill in their organisation. We cannot support applications from unemployed individuals.

Sole traders or self-employed individuals cannot enrol themselves but may enrol a new employee.

For apprentices aged 16-21 the training costs are fully funded by the government. For apprentices aged over 21, there is a 5% co-investment which would be paid by the employer. Alternatively, the training costs can be covered by utilising the Apprenticeship Levy Fund. Submit an enquiry to find out more.

Skill Price ex VAT (£)

Skill Length

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Skill Eligibility (Prerequisites for skill/software requirements)

For apprentices aged 16–18:
•	If they do not have Level 2 English and maths, they’ll need to achieve these qualifications as part of the apprenticeship.

For apprentices aged 19+:
•	Functional Skills is no longer mandatory.
•	However, if an apprentice opts out, employer approval is required, as they will not be counted in staffing ratios unless they hold a Level 2 English qualification.

Additional Requirements:
•	An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is essential for anyone working in this industry.
•	To progress to Gateway, apprentices must hold a current certificate in Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid.

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