Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre schools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

This Apprenticeship is a Full and Relevant Qualification that meets the Department for Education requirements.

• Ages 16–18: Applicants must hold a minimum of Grade 4 in both English and maths.
• Ages 19+: Adults are exempt from the English and maths requirement, subject to employer approval.

All applicants will be required to attend an interview and undertake initial assessments, you will need to demonstrate an interest in the early years sector. 

• Understand the importance of promoting diversity, equality and inclusion, fully reflecting cultural differences and family circumstances.
• Understand the importance to children’s holistic development of:  – speech, language and communication  – personal, social and emotional development  – physical development
• Explore systematic synthetic phonics in the teaching of reading, and a range of strategies for developing early literacy and mathematics.
• Understand the potential effects of, and how to prepare and support children through, transitions and significant events in their lives.
• Encourage children’s participation, ensuring a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities.
• Recognise when a child or a colleague is in danger or at risk of abuse and act to protect them in line with safeguarding policy and procedure.
• Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the setting (for example, food safety, diets, starting solid food, allergies, COSHH, and accidents, injuries, and emergencies).

You will be continually assessed throughout your apprenticeship by a nominated Assessor. Most of the assessments will take place in the workplace where you will complete a portfolio of evidence, you will also take external and internal examinations for your functional skills (if required). Your progress will be reviewed regularly and achievable targets set, to ensure you complete your apprenticeship on time.

You will also be required to complete the Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid. (RQF) or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF), or complete a first aid course as per the EYFS requirements.  

Guidance on any equipment or uniform required for this role will be provided by your employer. At the college, you will be allocated a certain amount of free printing, after which a small fee will be incurred. You can purchase more printing credits on our online store, which can be found here. 

All employees within this occupation would require an advanced DBS check. 

Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you may be interested in continuing your education at university or you may wish to progress onto a level 4 qualification. Many apprentices will also continue their education and employment through their apprenticeship employer.