Level 3 Early Years Educator (Men in Childcare Pathway)

The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship helps you develop the knowledge, skills and experience to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing. The Men in Childcare pathway combines professional training with a focus on encouraging more men to build careers in Early Years.

Earn while you learn
Gain practical experience in your workplace while working towards a recognised apprenticeship.

Develop your professional skills
Build the confidence and expertise needed to support children’s development and take on greater responsibility in an Early Years setting.

Explore the experiences of men in Early Years
Through the pathway’s focus on gender diversity, you’ll have opportunities to explore stereotypes, discuss challenges and learn more about the experiences of men working in the sector.

Receive ongoing support
Your Development Coach will help you monitor your progress, apply your learning in the workplace and work towards your apprenticeship goals.

Explore future career opportunities
Develop a strong foundation for progression into roles such as Senior Nursery Practitioner or Room Leader, depending on your experience and opportunities within your setting.

This apprenticeship is designed for men working in Early Years settings who want to develop their professional knowledge, strengthen their practice and build a career supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

It is particularly suited to childcare assistants and Early Years practitioners looking to develop into qualified Early Years Educators, with opportunities to progress into roles such as Senior Practitioner or Room Leader as they gain further experience.

Apprentices must be employed in a suitable Early Years setting where they can apply their learning in practice and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard.

Through the Men in Childcare pathway, delivered in partnership with Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs (MCTJ), apprentices can also explore the experiences of men working in Early Years and the opportunities available to develop their careers in the sector.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing in an Early Years setting.

Your learning will cover areas including:

• Child development and wellbeing: Understand how children grow, learn and develop, and how to support their individual needs.
• Safeguarding: Learn how to help keep children safe and understand your responsibilities when working in Early Years.
• Health, safety and risk management: Help maintain safe environments and support children’s health and wellbeing.
• The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): Understand the framework and how it guides practice within Early Years settings.
• Play, learning and interactions: Explore how play, relationships and everyday experiences support children’s development.
• Observation, assessment and planning: Learn how to observe children, understand their progress and contribute to planning meaningful learning experiences.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion: Develop your understanding of inclusive practice and how to help every child feel valued and supported.
• Professional relationships: Build effective working relationships with colleagues, families and other professionals.
• Reflective practice and professional development: Review your practice, recognise areas for improvement and identify opportunities to develop your skills.

The pathway also explores gender diversity in Early Years, including challenging stereotypes, creating inclusive environments and understanding career opportunities within the sector.

The Level 3 Early Years Educator (Men in Childcare Pathway) apprenticeship is designed for male practitioners who want to develop their skills and progress in Early Years.

To undertake the apprenticeship, you’ll need:

• Relevant employment: You must be employed in a suitable Early Years role where you can apply your learning in practice.
• Relevant experience: Experience in a childcare or Early Years setting is expected, such as working as a childcare assistant or nursery practitioner.
• Residency eligibility: You must meet the apprenticeship residency requirements, including the current requirement to have been resident in the UK, EEA or EU for at least three years, subject to the applicable funding rules.
• Maths and English: Requirements depend on your age and existing qualifications.

Learners who do not already hold a Level 2 qualification in English (or equivalent) must achieve one as part of the apprenticeship. Where required, Functional Skills English will be included in the programme, regardless of age.

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

Those progressing into management are expected to achieve Level 2 Maths within two years, so this is recommended during the apprenticeship.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, speak to our team to discuss your circumstances before applying.

You’ll combine online learning, face-to-face training and practical workplace experience throughout the 14-month apprenticeship. You’ll also need to complete a minimum of six hours of off-the-job training each week during your paid working hours.

Your learning is supported by a dedicated Development Coach, who will provide guidance, feedback and support as you develop your skills, review your progress and apply what you learn to your role.

The programme also includes flexible digital learning through Spotlight Sessions, alongside access to the quarterly Ask the Expert podcast series. These resources help you explore key topics, reflect on your practice and connect your learning with real workplace situations.

Support through the Men in Childcare pathway

Delivered in partnership with Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs (MCTJ), the pathway places additional focus on the experiences of men working in Early Years.

The programme includes guest speaker topics exploring challenges men may encounter in the sector, tackling gender stereotypes, creating inclusive environments and exploring career opportunities.

The partnership aims to encourage greater gender diversity in Early Years and help male practitioners explore their professional development and future opportunities.

The apprenticeship is delivered over 14 months, combining structured learning with opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in the workplace.

Each apprentice receives support from a dedicated Development Coach, who helps them review progress, develop their practice and prepare for assessment.

Progress is reviewed at five checkpoints during Months 3, 6, 9, 12 and 14. These reviews involve the apprentice, employer and Development Coach, providing opportunities to recognise achievements, identify development needs and check assessment readiness.

Mandatory: Level 3 Paediatric First Aid

A suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification is required to complete the apprenticeship.

Apprentices who already hold a valid, suitable qualification should provide their certificate for review. If accepted, no further course is needed.

Those who need a qualification can access a course through our sister company, First Response First Aid (FRFA), at no additional cost, or use another provider if the qualification meets the requirements.

The qualification must be completed and verified before apprenticeship completion.

Optional: Level 2 Certificate in SEND

Apprentices can also choose to complete an optional Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), agreed with their employer and The Childcare Company before enrolment.

This 10-week programme develops understanding of SEND, inclusive practice and legal frameworks, helping apprentices build the skills to support children with additional needs and promote inclusive environments.

On completion, apprentices achieve an accredited Level 2 TQUK qualification in SEND.

Assessment is built into the 14-month programme, with no separate three-month End-Point Assessment (EPA) period.

To complete the apprenticeship, each apprentice undertakes two assessment methods:

Mandatory: Workplace observation with questions and answers

An independent assessor observes the apprentice’s practice in their workplace and asks questions to explore their knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Plus one additional assessment method

Apprentices can choose the assessment approach that best suits their strengths and preferences:

• Professional discussion: A structured discussion with the independent assessor about their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• Case study: A case study based on a child study, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding and professional practice.

This gives apprentices greater choice and flexibility in how they demonstrate their occupational competence. The two assessment methods may take place in either order once assessment readiness has been agreed.

The Development Coach supports each apprentice throughout the programme, helping them build evidence, develop their practice and prepare for assessment.

Completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship can help you develop your career in childcare and Early Years education.

Depending on your experience, skills and available opportunities, you could progress into roles such as:

• Early Years Educator
• Nursery Practitioner
• Senior Nursery Practitioner
• Room Leader
• Preschool Practitioner

You may also be able to explore roles supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities or take on additional responsibilities within your setting.

Where could your career take you next?

The Level 3 apprenticeship can provide a foundation for further professional development. You may choose to progress to the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship to develop your leadership skills and prepare for greater responsibility within an Early Years setting.

For those looking to continue their studies further, the Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship offers a route towards a degree and Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), subject to the relevant entry requirements.

Your next step will depend on your experience, career goals and the opportunities available to you. Our team can help you explore the options that best suit your ambitions.

Employers play an active role throughout the apprenticeship, supporting apprentices to demonstrate the professional behaviours required in early years.

From Month 1, employers should observe the apprentice’s everyday practice and identify authentic examples of the eight professional behaviours (B1–B8).

Employers are expected to:

• Observe and identify examples of professional behaviours in workplace practice.
• Maintain and review evidence against behaviours B1–B8.
• Take part in progress reviews at Months 3, 6, 9, 12 and 14.
• Review and confirm the behaviours checklist at each checkpoint.
• Discuss progress, strengths, development needs and any additional support required.

Employer confirmation contributes to assessment readiness and Gateway to Completion. The independent assessor remains responsible for the formal assessment and final grade.

The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship is being updated from the 1st November 2026. The reformed programme includes a revised 14-month structure, five progress checkpoints and updated assessment methods, with no separate three-month EPA period.

These changes affect how learners develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours, and how employers support them throughout the apprenticeship.

Click here to read our article explaining the reforms in more detail, including what’s changing to the programme, curriculum and assessment.

The Level 3 Early Years Educator (Men in Childcare Pathway) Apprenticeship is an advanced childcare apprenticeship designed for men who want to build a successful career in early years education and childcare. Delivered in partnership with Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs, the programme has been created to help address the gender imbalance within the childcare sector by championing the role of men in nurseries and schools.

Early Years Educators support children’s learning, development and wellbeing from birth to 5 years old in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This apprenticeship is ideal for male childcare assistants, nursery practitioners and early years staff who want to take on more responsibility, progress into room leader positions or eventually move into leadership and management roles within childcare settings.

Learners should already have some experience working within an early years environment and be employed in a role where they can apply their learning in practice throughout the apprenticeship.

As part of the Men in Childcare pathway, learners also benefit from specialist mentorship, networking opportunities, guest speaker sessions and career support designed specifically to encourage and support men working within early years education.

The Level 3 Early Years Educator (Men in Childcare Pathway) Apprenticeship typically lasts 14 months. During this time, learners complete a blend of online learning, face-to-face training, workplace activities and one-to-one support while continuing to work within their childcare role.

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.

Learners who do not already hold a Level 2 qualification in English (or equivalent) must achieve one as part of the apprenticeship. Where required, Functional Skills English will be included in the programme, regardless of age.

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

Those progressing into management are expected to achieve Level 2 Maths within two years, so this is recommended 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.

The Men in Childcare pathway is delivered in partnership with Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs, an organisation focused on increasing gender diversity within the early years sector.

Through this partnership, learners benefit from specialist mentorship from experienced male educators, networking opportunities, and additional career support. This helps build confidence, develop practical skills and encourages progression within a more inclusive and diverse early years workforce.

You will typically need some experience working in a childcare or early years setting, such as a role as a childcare assistant. Many learners progress onto this programme after completing a Level 2 qualification or gaining hands-on experience in the sector. You will also need to be employed in a role where you can apply what you learn in practice and commit to completing the full apprenticeship programme.

During the reformed Level 3 Early Years Educator (Men in Childcare Pathway) Apprenticeship, learners develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing in Early Years settings. The apprenticeship covers key areas including child development, safeguarding, health and safety, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), play and learning, observation and assessment, inclusive practice and professional relationships.

Through the Men in Childcare pathway, delivered in partnership with Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs (MCTJ), learners will also explore gender diversity and inclusion within Early Years. This includes understanding the experiences of men working in the sector, challenging stereotypes and exploring opportunities to develop a rewarding career in childcare.

Additional Qualifications

(Mandatory) Level 3 Paediatric First Aid

A suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification is required to complete the apprenticeship.

If a learner already holds a valid qualification that meets the required standard, they can provide their certificate for review. If accepted, they won’t need to complete another first aid course during their apprenticeship.

Where required, learners can complete the training through our sister company, First Response First Aid (FRFA), part of the Impact Futures Group. The course develops the practical knowledge and skills needed to respond to emergencies involving babies and young children.

(Optional) Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Learners may also have the opportunity to complete an optional Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This 10-week programme develops understanding of SEND conditions, inclusive practice and relevant legislation, helping learners build the knowledge and skills needed to support children with additional needs in Early Years settings.

Upon successful completion, learners achieve an accredited Level 2 TQUK qualification in SEND, providing further opportunities to develop their professional knowledge and practice.

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.

The apprentice will complete the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship (Men in Childcare Pathway) and undertake the required apprenticeship assessment. Please speak to our team for confirmation of the exact qualification outcome and any associated certificate.

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.

Yes. The Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is available as an optional additional qualification. It takes 10 weeks to complete and develops your understanding of additional needs and inclusive practice.

Yes. A suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification is mandatory for completion.

If you already hold a valid qualification, you can submit your certificate for review. If it meets the requirements, you won’t need to complete another course.

If you need a qualification, you can access a course through our sister company, FRFA, at no additional cost, or use another provider if the qualification meets the requirements.

There are two assessment methods: a mandatory workplace observation with questions and answers, plus one additional method chosen by the apprentice. They can choose between a professional discussion or a case study based on a child study, giving them greater flexibility in how they demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours.

There is no separate three-month EPA period. Both methods take place once assessment readiness has been agreed and may be completed in either order.

Your employer supports your development by observing your workplace practice and gathering evidence of the eight professional behaviours (B1–B8) from Month 1.

They also take part in progress reviews at Months 3, 6, 9, 12 and 14 and review the behaviours checklist at each checkpoint. Employers contribute to assessment readiness but do not carry out the independent assessment or determine the final grade.

Gateway to Completion is the stage where the apprentice’s progress and readiness for assessment are reviewed. The apprentice, employer and Development Coach consider learning, workplace evidence and professional behaviours before confirming readiness to proceed to assessment.

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.

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.