Description
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 enter the workforce as Early Years Educators.

More Information
This qualification is suitable for a range of learners, either working or wishing to work in early years education and care. Placements are required for achievement of this qualification. A minimum of 350 placement hours is required. During placement, learners will need support from a professional within the real work environment who will be required to complete professional development records.
There are 23 mandatory units and 486 guided learning hours.
To gain this qualification, the learner will need to:
- Pass all units
- Complete longitudinal study
- Show competence in a real work environment
- Pass an End-Point-Assessment
An Early Years Educator:
- Plans and supervises child initiated and adult led activities which are based around the needs and interests of each individual child
- Supports children to develop numeracy and language skills through games and play
- Has key person responsibility to help ensure each child feels safe and secure
- Observes each child and shapes their learning experience to reflect their observations
- Meets the care needs of the individual child such as feeding, changing nappies and administration of medicine
- Works 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.
Behaviours:
These are the behaviours expected of all Early Years Educators carrying out their role:
- Care and compassion – provide the very best childcare to every child every day combined with the ability to professionally challenge poor practice
- Being team-focused – work effectively with colleagues and other professionals and support the learning and development of others through mentoring and sharing of professional expertise and experience.
- Honesty, trust and integrity – develop trust by working in a confidential, ethical and empathetic manner with a common sense and professional attitude.
- Commitment to improving the outcomes for children through inspiration and child centred care and education
- Work in a non- discriminatory way, by being aware of differences and ensuring all children have equal access to opportunities to learn, develop and reach their potential.
- Working practice take into account fundamental British values including democracy, the rule of the law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
To gain this qualification, the learner will need to:
- Pass all units
- Complete longitudinal study
- Show competence in a real work environment
- Pass an End-Point-Assessment
The End Point Assessment consists of 2 assessment methods:
Assessment method 1: Knowledge Test
Assessment method 2: Professional Discussion underpinned by the Portfolio
Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard
Course Entry
Aged 16+, not currently undertaking another funded programme of learning, employed a minimum of 16 hours per week, currently resident in England, resident in the UK for the last 3 years, has the right to live and work in the UK.
GSCE English and Maths Requirement
Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirements are Entry Level 3, and the British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for apprentices for whom this is their primary language.
On completion of this apprenticeship learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators.
Quick Facts
Typical course duration: 18 – 24 months
Eligibility criteria: Aged 16+, not currently undertaking another funded programme of learning, employed a minimum of 16 hours per week, currently resident in England, resident in the UK for the last 3 years, has the right to live and work in the UK.
You will have a dedicated tutor to support you throughout your qualification
Learners must be able to work in a real work environment.
You will gain a nationally recognised qualification enabling you to work in Early Years.
Benefits
Achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
Evidence your competency to employers
Further your personal and professional development
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