Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3
The Early Years Level 3 Educator Apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with children and want to build a rewarding career in early years education. It suits school leavers, career changers, or those already working in childcare who wish to gain a recognised qualification while earning and learning. On completion, learners gain a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, enabling them to work as qualified early years educators and progress into employment or further training.
Occupation Summary
An Early Years Educator provides high-quality education and care in a safe, inclusive environment, supporting children’s learning, play, and development. They act as key persons for children and may work independently, in leadership roles, or under a manager’s supervision.
Typical Duration to gateway: 18 Months
Typical EPA period: 3 Months
Suitable for:
– Those who have completed their Level 2 Early Years practitioner qualification.
– People who enjoy working with children and supporting their learning, development and wellbeing.
– Those who aim for a long-term career in early years education or childcare leadership.
Skills and Qualities:
– Strong communication skills.
– Patience and Empathy
– Commitment to safeguarding and child development.
Eligibility Criteria
To access Government Funding for this apprenticeship, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria.
– Before an apprenticeship place can be confirmed, it must be agreed between the Training Provider and the Employer that the apprenticeship is the most appropriate and beneficial training route for the applicant.
– As part of this process, the applicant will be required to complete an Initial Assessment, which will evaluate their existing knowledge, experience, and prior learning. This assessment helps ensure that the apprenticeship is a suitable match and that the correct level of support can be provided.
– The Initial Assessment must be completed as soon as possible to avoid delays in the enrolment process.
Apprenticeship Components
~ Apprenticeship Standard – Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s).
~ Level 1/2 Functional Skills in English
~ Level 1/2 Functional Skills in Maths
~ 20% Off the Job Training – 6+ hrs per week
~ End Point Assessment (EPA)
KSB’s
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour
Duties and Relevent KSB’s
Support children’s learning and development through applying knowledge and pedagogy, and the observation, assessment, and planning cycle.
KSB’s
K6 K17 K18 K22 K23 K24 K25
S18 S20
Develop secure and supportive relationships with children and families as the key person for children in their care, advocating for those children.
KSB’s
K3 K10 K11 K14 K15
S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S17
B1 B5
Provide respectful and responsive physical and emotional care to children, promoting health and well-being.
KSB’s
K1 K5 K9 K20 K26
S7 S8 S9
B4 B5
Work with key individuals in children’s lives (for example, parents, families, and carers) to improve all children’s outcomes and well-being.
KSB’s
K9 K11 K14 K15 K16 K19 K21 K23
S5 S6 S7 S8 S10 S17
B1 B2 B5 B6
Work in partnership with other organisations and agencies to support children’s learning, development, health and wellbeing.
KSB’s
K1 K2 K3 K6 K8 K9 K11 K12 K13 K14
S5 S6 S10
B1 B2 B5 B6
Support the implementation of change to improve practice.
KSB’s
K8 K14 K27
B1 B6 B8
Initiate and engage in continuous professional development, underpinned by reflective practice.
KSB’s
K9 K27
S21
B6 B8
Ensure compliance with child protection and safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures.
KSB’s
K2 K3 K5 K7
S1 S16
B1 B3 B4
Work in ways that promote and support equality, diversity, and the inclusion of all children, respecting their social and cultural context.
KSB’s
K1 K6 K7 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21
S2 S9 S10 S11 S12 S16 S20
B1 B2 B3 B4
Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, policies, and procedures.
KSB’s
K2 K4 K5 K7 K18 K20
S2 S3
B3 B4
Use technology to record and update information, for example, observations, assessments, reports, risk assessments, and safeguarding concerns.
KSB’s
K2 K3 K4 K24 K25
S1
Promote and engage in children’s play. Support all children to create and adapt the environment to reflect their interests and enable their learning and development.
KSB’s
K1 K5 K6 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K22 K23 K24
S4 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S19 S20
B7
Ensure legal requirements of statutory frameworks are met within policy, procedure, and practice.
KSB’s
K1 K2 K3 K6 K7
S1 S2 S3
B1 B3 B4
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA consists of 2 assessment methods.
-> Assessment method 1 – observation with questioning:
Fail
Pass
Distinction
-> Assessment method 2 – professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Fail
Pass
Distinction
-> The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
Fail
Pass
Merit
Distinction
Off-The-Job Training
Whilst on programme, an Apprentice must spend a minimum of 20% of their working day conducting ‘off-the-job training’ towards their qualification. This equates to a minimum of 6 hours per week.
This could include: Lectures, role-playing, simulation exercises, online learning, manufacturer training, industry visits and attendance at shows/conferences/competitions.
This could also include time spent writing assignments/assessments.
This does not include: English, Maths, progress reviews, on-programme assessment, or training which takes place outside the apprentice’s paid working hours.
Functional Skills Maths & English Level 2
For new starts since 11th February 2025:
~ Aged 16-18 at start: No changes – the existing rules remain in place. Maths & English Level 2 remains mandatory.
~ Aged 19+ at start: As part of the initial assessment, providers must discuss and agree with the apprentice and employer whether English and Maths will be included in the apprenticeship. This decision must be documented in the training plan.
~ If English and/or Maths are included, apprentices must attempt the exams, but achievement is not required before taking the End Point Assessment (EPA).
Funding is available for eligible learners, subject to standard eligibility checks.