Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

• Hybrid learning designed for working professionals – Benefit from a flexible delivery model combining online learning with on-campus study.
• Experience university life – Attend two on-campus residential days each term and enjoy a traditional university experience alongside your apprenticeship.
• Accommodation and meals included – On-campus accommodation and sustenance are included for residential study days.
• Employer support funding available – Eligible employers may be able to access an £8,236 EYTDA employer support grant per apprentice, paid across the duration of Year 1. Only 400 grants are available.
• Up to 100% apprenticeship funding available – Eligible employers may be able to access full course funding through the Government’s apprenticeship funding scheme.

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop:

• Expert understanding of child development and early learning
• Curriculum planning and assessment skills
• Safeguarding and child protection expertise
• Inclusive practice and SEND knowledge
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Communication and partnership-working skills
• Reflective and evidence-informed practice
• Professional behaviours aligned to the Early Years Teacher apprenticeship standard

You’ll be employed through the apprenticeship enabling you to apply theory directly to your professional setting, building up knowledge and professional skills through your studies.

The Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is open to new and experienced early years professionals employed in schools or registered early years settings. As per the EYTDA standard and apprenticeship funding rules, entrants must as a minimum:

• Be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in an eligible early years setting delivering the EYFS
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Meet the relevant apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements
• Hold GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 4/C or above (or recognised equivalent qualifications) alongside 96 UCAS points from appropriate qualifications
• Hold a Level 3 qualification or equivalent that meets the University of Roehampton’s entry requirements and provides the required 96 UCAS points. This could include A Levels, a Level 3 BTEC, T Level, CACHE Level 3 Diploma, Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a relevant Level 3 apprenticeship
• Meet any additional admissions, suitability and professional practice requirements set by the University of Roehampton
• Be deemed suitable to train as an Early Years Teacher

Additionally, entrants will need to:

The specific Level 3 qualification does not necessarily need to be childcare-related, provided it meets the university’s entry and UCAS requirements. Applicants with extensive relevant experience but without a standard Level 3 qualification may be considered on an individual basis, subject to the university’s admissions and equivalency assessment.

As part of our commitment to accessibility, applicants who do not currently hold the required GCSE equivalents may be able to complete the corresponding Functional Skills alongside their apprenticeship studies, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Study flexibly while remaining in employment

The programme is designed to balance professional responsibilities with academic study through both online teaching sessions and on-campus learning.

Teaching may include:

• Live online teaching sessions
• Guided independent study
• Workplace-based learning activities
• Collaborative discussions and peer learning
• Reflective practice
• Professional mentoring and support
• Structured workplace observation and feedback
• Regular progress reviews involving the learner, employer and university

Demonstrate your learning through professional practice

Assessment is designed to reflect the realities of working in early years education.

You may be assessed through:

• Portfolios of evidence
• Reflective writing
• Presentations
• Workplace projects
• Professional discussions
• Observation of practice
• Applied academic assignments

Throughout the programme, learners will build evidence demonstrating achievement of the apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) and Early Years Teacher standards.

Shape the future of children’s learning and development

Graduates will be well positioned to progress into a range of roles across the early years sector, including:

• Early Years Teacher
• Early Years Lead Practitioner
• Room Leader
• Nursery Manager
• SEND-focused Early Years Practitioner
• Family and Community Support Practitioner

The programme combines academic achievement with extensive workplace experience, helping you develop the expertise, confidence and professional recognition needed to advance your career within a sector experiencing continued demand for skilled practitioners and leaders.

Apprenticeship training costs are typically funded through the Growth and Skills Levy or employer co-investment arrangements. Learners remain employed throughout the programme and continue to earn a salary while studying.

• Fully Funded Training: The apprenticeship is fully funded for both Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and apprenticeship levy-paying employers, provided the enrolled apprentice is 24 years of age or under.
• Employer Support Grants: There are 400 available employer support grants to assist settings with costs. You can read further details on allocations and eligibility via the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Employer Support Grant Funding Manual. – £8236 per apprentice, paid across duration of year.

Trainees attend a 2-day campus induction at the start of the programme, followed by intensive learning blocks on the Roehampton campus two days per term. For the 2026–27 academic year, accommodation and sustenance on campus are fully included as an added-value proposition at no additional cost.

The Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based programme delivered by the University of Roehampton that enables early years professionals to gain a full degree and achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). It combines academic study with workplace learning, allowing learners to continue working in an early years setting while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a qualified Early Years Teacher.

This Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is suitable for early years professionals who are already working within an early years setting and are ready to progress into a qualified Early Years Teacher role while continuing in employment.

It is particularly suitable for learners who:

• Are currently employed in a nursery, pre-school, school-based early years setting or similar EYFS environment
• Work with children from birth to five years old on a regular basis
• Are looking to develop their practice, leadership skills and knowledge at degree level
• Are motivated to progress into a more senior or specialist early years role
• May have completed a Level 5 qualification, such as the Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship

Previous experience and requirements

Applicants will typically need:

• Experience working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• A relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare (or equivalent)
• Experience in roles such as Nursery Practitioner, Room Leader, Deputy Manager or Early Years Lead Practitioner
• A current role in an eligible early years setting, as the apprenticeship is delivered through workplace learning

This programme is designed for practitioners who are confident in their day-to-day practice and are ready to build on their experience to develop advanced knowledge, leadership capability and professional expertise.

Learners should also demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to working with young children
• The ability to reflect on and improve their practice
• The motivation to progress into Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and leadership within the sector

The apprenticeship typically takes 36 months (3 years) to complete. It is designed to be flexible and employment-based, meaning learners study alongside their day-to-day role in an early years setting.

You’ll need to be employed for at least 30 hours per week in an eligible early years setting, have the right to work in the UK and meet apprenticeship funding requirements. You’ll also need the required GCSEs or equivalents, a suitable Level 3 qualification meeting the university’s entry and UCAS requirements, and meet the University of Roehampton’s admissions and suitability criteria. Applicants without standard Level 3 qualifications or GCSE equivalents may be considered on an individual basis, with Functional Skills options available where eligible.

Yes. You must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in an eligible early years setting delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

The programme combines academic study with workplace learning, allowing you to apply your knowledge and develop your professional practice within your setting throughout the apprenticeship.

Off-the-job training is structured learning that takes place during your paid working hours but is separate from your normal day-to-day duties. You’re required to complete a minimum of six hours per week of this training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your apprenticeship. Activities can include online learning, workshops, research, mentoring and other development tasks relevant to your role.

You can also use our Learner Enrichment Calendar to help plan and log suitable off-the-job activities that count towards your training hours, giving you a variety of ways to grow your skills throughout the programme.

All off-the-job training hours must be recorded on your e-portfolio system, Aptem, to ensure your progress is tracked throughout your apprenticeship.

Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is a specialist professional status for those working with children from birth to age five. It confirms that an individual has met the national Early Years Teacher Standards and has the expertise to lead high-quality early years education, support child development, and improve outcomes for young children within EYFS settings.

This apprenticeship is delivered by the University of Roehampton, a leading provider of teacher education and early childhood studies, in partnership with The Childcare Company. We work closely with the university to promote and support this programme as part of a clear early years progression pathway, helping learners progress from Level 5 study into degree-level learning and Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

Through this partnership, learners benefit from the University of Roehampton’s academic expertise alongside our specialist focus on early years workforce development. This ensures a joined-up approach that supports both learners and employers in developing confident, highly skilled practitioners who are ready to take the next step in their career.

This programme is currently subject to validation and is not yet open for applications. Subject to approval, the University of Roehampton expects the programme to commence from September 2026. Learners and employers can register their interest to receive updates when applications become available.

Assessment is designed to reflect real-world early years practice and may include:

• Portfolios of evidence
• Reflective writing and professional journals
• Workplace projects linked to EYFS practice
• Presentations and professional discussions
• Observations of teaching and practice
• Applied academic assignments

Learners will build a portfolio demonstrating progress against the apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) and the Early Years Teacher Standards.

On successful completion, learners will achieve a Level 6 degree qualification aligned to the QAA Early Childhood Studies Benchmark Statement, alongside Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). This provides professional recognition to lead practice within early years settings and support children’s learning and development from birth to five years old.

Yes. Apprenticeship training costs are typically funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or employer co-investment. Apprentices remain employed and continue to receive a salary while completing the programme, making it a cost-effective way for employers to develop highly skilled early years staff.

This apprenticeship supports progression into a range of senior early years and education roles, including:

• Early Years Teacher
• Early Years Lead Practitioner
• Room Leader or Senior Practitioner
• Nursery or Early Years Manager
• SEND-focused Early Years roles
• Family support and early intervention roles

It is designed to strengthen leadership capability and improve long-term career progression within the early years sector