Early Years Educator Level 3

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.

Qualification

On successful completion, apprentices will achieve a Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship details

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.

Entry 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.

Progression

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