Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship


Early Years Educators and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes and as childminders.

The Level 3 Early Years Educator prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. On completion of this apprenticeship learners will be able to be included in the ratios as Early Years Educators.

Course duration – 18 – 21 months


Course overview


This apprenticeship will cover a broad range of knowledge, skills and behaviour topics including: planing and supervising child-initiated and adult-led activities which are based around the needs and interests of each individual child. Supporting children to develop numeracy and language skills through games and play. Having key person responsibility to help ensure each child feels safe and secure. Observing each child and shapes their learning experience to reflect their observations. Meeting the care needs of the individual child such as feeding, changing nappies and administration of medicine. Working in partnership with other colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals to meet the individual needs of each child. With additional experience, an Early Years Educator can become the manager of an early years setting.

Learners must be aged 16+, not currently undertaking another funded programme of learning, employed a minimum of 16 hours per week, currently a resident in England, a resident in the UK for the last 3 years (unless exempt) and must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Apprentices will be required to have Level 2 English and Maths, either Functional Skills or equivalent before completing their End Point Assessment (EPA).

On completion of this apprenticeship learners will be able to be included in the ratios as Early Years Educators. Apprentices can progress onto a Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship or qualification.

Accredited by: