Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

The Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is an advanced childcare apprenticeship designed for learners who want to build a successful career in early years education and childcare. Early Years Educators work with babies and children from birth to 5 years old, supporting their learning, development and wellbeing in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

This apprenticeship is suitable for learners already working in an early years setting, including nurseries, preschools and school nursery classes. It is ideal for those looking to build on their existing childcare knowledge, take on more responsibility and progress within the early years sector.

Many learners progress onto this programme after completing a Level 2 childcare qualification or gaining experience working as a Nursery Assistant, Childcare Assistant or Early Years Practitioner. Learners should be employed in a role where they can apply their learning in practice throughout the apprenticeship.

To succeed on the programme, learners should have a passion for supporting children’s development and be committed to creating safe, engaging and inclusive learning environments that help children thrive.

To enrol onto the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship, learners should ideally hold GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above or equivalent qualifications. Learners without these qualifications may need to complete Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship, depending on current apprenticeship requirements.

Apprentices must also be employed within an early years setting where they can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required throughout the programme.

You can learn more about apprenticeship eligibility, Functional Skills and funding within our Learner and Employer Hub.

During the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship, learners develop the advanced knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing within early years settings. The programme helps learners build confidence working independently with children while developing the professional behaviours expected within the childcare sector.

As part of the apprenticeship, learners also have access to optional additional qualifications designed to further enhance their knowledge and skills within early years education.

Learners can choose to complete a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Course delivered by our sister company, First Response First Aid (FRFA), part of the Impact Futures Group. This optional 12-hour course meets Ofsted requirements and equips learners with essential first aid skills to confidently respond to emergencies involving babies and young children in early years settings. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification valid for three years. Annual refresher training is recommended to help maintain practical first aid knowledge and skills.

At Month 6 of the apprenticeship, learners also have the option to complete a Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), subject to agreement between the learner, employer and The Childcare Company before enrolment. This optional 12-week programme develops understanding of SEND, inclusive practice and relevant legal frameworks while helping learners build the skills needed to support children with additional needs within early years environments.

Upon successful completion, learners will achieve an accredited Level 2 TQUK qualification in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), further enhancing their professional development and career opportunities within childcare and early years education.

Qualified Early Years Educators can work in a variety of childcare and education settings, including:

• Day nurseries
• Preschools
• Nursery schools
• Reception classes
• Childminding settings
• Children’s centres
• Private childcare settings

This gives learners the opportunity to build experience supporting children across a range of early years environments while developing a rewarding career in childcare and education.

The Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship typically lasts 18 months. During this time, learners complete a blend of online learning, workplace training, one-to-one support and practical assessment within their early years setting.

Our delivery model has been designed to be flexible and to fit around the needs and working patterns of learners in early years settings.

Instead of traditional monthly masterclasses, learners will take part in Spotlight Sessions — flexible, engaging digital learning experiences that replace taught sessions. These are designed to be completed at your own pace and provide interactive, high-quality content that can be accessed anytime and anywhere to support your learning.

Learners will also have access to the “Ask the Expert” podcast series, delivered quarterly. These episodes provide expert insight into key sector topics, real-world examples, and reflective practice from experienced professionals. They also include answers to apprentice questions, helping you connect your learning directly to your workplace practice.

Throughout the programme, learners are supported by a dedicated development coach who will provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and support to help you progress and apply your learning effectively in your role.

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.

For the learner, there is no cost.

For employers, the cost depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy:

• Levy-paying employers: You can use your apprenticeship levy funds to cover the full cost of the programme. These funds are accessed through your digital apprenticeship service account.
• Non-levy employers: The government will fund 95% of the training cost, meaning you only pay the remaining 5%. Based on the £5,000 funding band, this equates to just £250.

This makes apprenticeships a highly cost-effective way to develop your workforce, with the majority of training costs covered through government support.

Learners aged 16–18 who do not hold a Level 2 qualification (GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent) in Maths will be required to work towards achieving this as part of their apprenticeship.

Please note, within Early Years settings, a Level 2 qualification in English (GCSE or equivalent) is required to be counted in staff-to-child ratios under EYFS guidance.

In addition, those progressing into management roles are expected to achieve Level 2 Maths within two years of starting the role, so it is recommended this is completed during the apprenticeship.

Functional Skills are nationally recognised qualifications in Maths and English that help learners develop practical skills used in the workplace and everyday life. These qualifications support areas such as communication, problem-solving, reading, writing and numeracy.

The Childcare Company understands that completing Functional Skills in Maths and English alongside your apprenticeship can feel daunting at first, as well as time consuming. That’s why we provide enhanced support to make the process as straightforward and efficient as possible.

We’ve partnered with Pass Functional Skills (PASS) to give you access to a new, improved online learning platform designed to help you achieve your qualifications more quickly and with greater confidence.

Through this platform, you’ll benefit from a clear and structured learning journey, including a diagnostic assessment to identify your starting point, personalised learning pathways, and high-quality interactive resources. You’ll also have access to bite-sized learning modules, practice questions, mock assessments, and progress tracking tools to help you stay on track.

Alongside this, you will continue to receive support from your tutor or development coach throughout your apprenticeship, ensuring you have guidance, feedback and encouragement at every stage of your Functional Skills journey.

Upon successful completion of the programme and End-Point Assessment (EPA), learners will achieve a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship and a Level 3 qualification aligned to the apprenticeship standard. These qualifications demonstrate that learners have developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work independently within early years settings and support children’s learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Learners also have the opportunity to enhance their professional development through optional additional qualifications available alongside the apprenticeship.

Those who choose to complete the optional Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Course delivered by our sister company, First Response First Aid (FRFA), will achieve a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification valid for three years. This qualification meets Ofsted requirements and helps learners develop the confidence and practical skills needed to respond to emergencies within early years environments.

In addition, learners may also have the option to complete a Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), subject to agreement between the learner, employer and The Childcare Company before enrolment. Upon successful completion, learners will achieve an accredited Level 2 TQUK qualification in SEND, further strengthening their understanding of inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs within early years settings.

Yes. Apprentices are employees and are entitled to paid holidays and workplace benefits in the same way as other members of staff. Holiday entitlement will normally be outlined within your employment contract and may vary depending on your employer and working hours. Most apprentices are entitled to at least 20 days of paid holiday per year plus bank holidays.

As an apprentice, you will earn a wage while gaining valuable experience and working towards a recognised early years qualification. Apprentices are also entitled to workplace rights including rest breaks and a safe working environment.

After completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship, learners can progress into a range of childcare and early years roles, including:

• Early Years Educator
• Nursery Practitioner
• Senior Nursery Practitioner
• Room Leader
• Preschool Practitioner
• Teaching Assistant
• SEND Support roles within early years settings

This apprenticeship also creates opportunities to progress onto higher-level childcare and leadership qualifications, including Level 4 and Level 5 apprenticeships within early years, SEND and management pathways.

Many learners choose to progress onto the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship, which focuses on leadership, mentoring and supporting high-quality practice within early years settings. This advanced pathway is ideal for experienced practitioners looking to move into senior, supervisory or specialist roles within childcare and education.

Learners may also continue their professional development through specialist pathways such as SEND support, leadership and management, mentoring or wider children and young people’s services.