Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

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.

This apprenticeship is suitable for people working in early years settings who want to develop their professional knowledge, strengthen their practice and progress in their careers.

It is particularly relevant to experienced childcare assistants and practitioners looking to develop into roles such as Early Years Educator, Senior Practitioner or Room Leader.

Apprentices must be employed in a suitable early years setting where they can gain the workplace experience and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship.

To undertake this apprenticeship, all applicants must have been a UK, EEA or EU resident for at least the past three years.

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.

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

The training centre selects one of the following:

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

The two assessment methods may take place in either order once assessment readiness has been agreed.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apprentices develop their knowledge and skills across 14 core modules, covering safeguarding, child development, wellbeing, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), play, observation, assessment, planning, inclusion and professional practice.

Alongside the core apprenticeship, apprentices must complete a suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification to meet the requirements for completion.

Apprentices who do not already hold a suitable qualification can access a course delivered by our sister company, First Response First Aid (FRFA), part of the Impact Futures Group, at no additional cost. Alternatively, they can use another provider, provided the qualification meets the required standard. Existing certificates are subject to review and approval.

An optional Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is also available, subject to agreement between the apprentice, employer and The Childcare Company before enrolment. This 10-week programme develops understanding of SEND, inclusive practice and relevant legal frameworks, helping apprentices build the skills needed to support children with additional needs in early years settings.

Upon successful completion, apprentices will achieve an accredited Level 2 TQUK qualification in SEND, supporting their ongoing professional development and broadening their knowledge of inclusive early years practice.

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 apprenticeship takes 14 months to complete. It combines structured learning, workplace experience and regular progress reviews involving the apprentice, employer and Development Coach.

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.

There are two assessment methods: a mandatory workplace observation with questions and answers, plus one additional method selected by the training centre. This will be either a professional discussion or a case study based on a child study.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Apprentices who already hold a valid qualification can submit their certificate for review. If it meets the requirements, no further course is needed.

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

Employers support the apprentice’s development by observing 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.

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.

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

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.