Early Years Career Pathway: From Level 2 to Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree

Your Early Years Career Pathway:

Starting a career in early years can open the door to a wide range of opportunities. Whether you’re new to childcare or already working with children and looking to progress, there are different apprenticeship levels to help you build your knowledge, experience and responsibilities over time.

At The Childcare Company, our early years apprenticeship pathway can take you from Level 2 Early Years Practitioner through to Level 3 Early Years Educator, Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner and, for eligible learners, Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.

Level 2: Early Years Practitioner

The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship is a starting point for people beginning their career in childcare and early years.

You’ll develop practical skills and knowledge to support children’s learning, development, health and wellbeing while gaining valuable experience in your workplace.

After completing Level 2, you can continue developing your career by progressing onto a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (Men in Childcare Pathway also available).

Level 3: Early Years Educator

The Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship allows you to develop your knowledge and take on greater responsibility when supporting children.

You’ll build your understanding of child development, safeguarding, learning and development, professional practice and working with families.

Completing Level 3 can open the door to roles such as Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Senior Nursery Practitioner and Room Leader.

It can also provide a pathway into higher-level early years training, including the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship.

Level 5: Early Years Lead Practitioner

The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship is designed for experienced practitioners who are ready to develop their leadership and professional practice.

You’ll explore areas such as leadership, child development, reflective practice, professional enquiry and improving practice within your setting.

This level can support progression into roles such as Room Leader, Early Years Lead, Deputy Nursery Manager or Nursery Manager.

For eligible learners, successful completion of the Level 5 apprenticeship can also provide a direct progression route into the Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.

Level 6: Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

The Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is the highest level within our Early Years apprenticeship pathway.

Delivered in partnership with the University of Roehampton, the programme combines degree-level study with workplace learning and professional practice.

Successful completion provides a route to a full honours degree and Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), subject to meeting the programme and professional requirements.

For eligible Level 5 completers, progression can be available at learning stage 2, reducing the EYTDA programme to two years, subject to meeting the remaining entry requirements.

Where could your early years career take you?

Your career doesn’t have to follow one fixed route. Your next step will depend on your experience, current role and career goals.

You could progress from:

• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
• Level 3 Early Years Educator
• Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
• Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

Along the way, you could progress into roles including Early Years Educator, Room Leader, Early Years Lead, Deputy Nursery Manager, Nursery Manager or Early Years Teacher.

You can also explore specialist routes in areas such as SEND, leadership, education and children and young people’s services.

Do I have to start at Level 2?

Not necessarily. The right starting point depends on your existing qualifications, experience, job role and the entry requirements of the apprenticeship you’re interested in.

If you already have relevant experience or qualifications, you may be able to start at a higher level.

Our team can help you understand which apprenticeship could be the right fit for your current career stage.

Your career, your next step

An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to continue working while developing your skills and gaining a recognised qualification.

Whether you’re taking your first step into childcare, developing your practice or working towards becoming an Early Years Teacher, there are different routes available to help you build your career.

Explore our Early Years apprenticeships to find your next step.