Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
Early Years Educators work in a variety of settings, including nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes, children’s centres, playgroups, and home-based care. They play a vital role in delivering high-quality education and care for children from birth to age five.
What they do:
- Support children’s learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
- Create safe, inclusive environments that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Plan and deliver engaging learning experiences, including for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Observe, assess, and plan to track and support each child’s progress.
- Act as a key person for individual children and work closely with parents, carers, and professionals such as health visitors and speech therapists.
Early Years Educators may lead activities or work under the supervision of a manager, ensuring every child thrives in a secure and stimulating environment.
You can start this apprenticeship at any time, please contact us for further information.
This apprenticeship will cover the following knowledge, skills and behaviours:
Knowledge
- Child development from birth to 5 years (and understanding development up to age 7)
- Theories of learning and how they influence practice
- The importance of attachment and promoting positive relationships
- Diversity, equality, and inclusion in early years settings
- Early literacy and numeracy, including phonics
- Safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety requirements
- Supporting transitions and significant life events
- Current early years curriculum (Early Years Foundation Stage)
Skills
- Plan and lead purposeful play and educational activities
- Support speech, language, and communication development
- Promote positive behaviour and socialisation
- Carry out accurate observations and assessments
- Work in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals
- Encourage healthy lifestyles and manage physical care routines
- Maintain records and ensure confidentiality
- Apply infection control and risk management procedures
Behaviours
- Professional, caring, and child-focused
- Inclusive and respectful of diversity
- Committed to safeguarding and wellbeing
- Reflective and eager to develop your practice
Your progress will be reviewed regularly through a mix of:
- Assignments and practical activities
- Reflective discussions
- Expert witness testimonies
- Workplace observations
When you’ve met the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours, your employer and Skills Development Tutor will confirm your readiness for Gateway, the point where you move to the End Point Assessment (EPA).
This programme combines on-the-job and off-the-job training to give you practical experience and structured learning.
- You’ll complete the minimum requirement of off-the-job training
- Attend mandatory monthly tutor-led sessions
- Record your independent study in a reflective learning log, capturing your experiences, reflections, and achievements
- Receive regular support from a Skills Development Tutor, who will work closely with your workplace mentor to monitor progress
On successful completion, you will achieve the following:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard
- Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)
You may wish to progress to a Foundation Degree in Early Years Childhood Studies.
- If you are aged 16–18 and do not have Level 2 English and maths, you’ll need to achieve these qualifications as part of your apprenticeship.
For apprentices aged 19+:
- Functional Skills is no longer mandatory.
- However, if you choose to opt out of Functional Skills, you must have employer approval as you will not be counted in the class ratios if you do not hold a suitable qualification in English.
Additional Requirement
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to work in this industry.
- You must hold a current certificate in Paediatric First Aid.
There is no cost to the apprentice. Please get in touch for further information.
