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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.

 

Key Facts

Duration

18 Months plus EPA

Funding Band

£7,000

Delivery Location

National

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.

   

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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.