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Early Years Educator Level 3

Programme overview 

Perfect for those passionate about Early Years education, this course equips early years staff with the skills to observe, communicate and shape effective learning experiences for children under 5. 

Apprentices understand the ‘why’ behind everything they do in their early years setting and how to effectively support the holistic development of children, putting theory into practice as they learn.  

After completing the programme, staff have a recognised qualification that can support further learning and career development.  

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Key details

Funding
Duration
Delivery
On-the-job / study split
Funding

Funding

Maximum funding : £7,000

The full cost of training is covered through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-funding, meaning it is completely FREE for the learner.

Levy-paying employers can use their levy funds to cover 100% of the training costs. Non-levy employers contribute just 5% (£350), with the government funding the remaining 95%.

Duration

Duration

Typical duration : 18 months

The programme consists of 15 months of active learning, followed by a 3-month End-Points Assessment (EPA) period, making the total length around 18 months.

Learners with prior  experience may complete it faster through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Delivery

Delivery

Blended learning with 1-1 support

The course combines online and face-to-face learning with:

  • Live virtual sessions and recorded resources for flexibility
  • Regular one-to-one tutor support for personalised guidance
  • Workplace mentoring and applied learning
On-the-job / study split

On-the-job / study split

80/20

Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their working hours on off-the-job training. This doesn’t mean a day a week in a classroom but includes:

  • Training sessions and coursework
  • Shadowing experienced colleagues
  • Work-based projects linked to the apprenticeship

Modules

  1. Continuing professional development in early years education
  2. Safeguarding and child protection in early years
  3. Support children through transitions
  4. Understanding child development
  5. Providing physical and emotional care, promoting health and wellbeing
  6. PROJECT
  7. Parental engagement project
  8. Support the holistic development of children
  9. Support the development of reading, literacy and mathematical skills
  10. Equality, diversity, inclusion and additional needs in early years settings
  11. Assessment and observation in early years settings
  12. Support positive behaviour in children

Counts towards the
staff:child ratio

How it works

Programme structure
In-person days
Assessment
Eligibility criteria
Support during the apprenticeship
What employers need to do
After the apprenticeship
Programme structure

Programme structure

An apprenticeship is made up of two key stages:

The Practical Period (On-Programme Learning)
This is the main learning phase of the apprenticeship, where apprentices develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for their role. They will complete a mix of workplace training, online learning, assignments, and practical tasks, all supported by their Programme Lead and workplace mentor.

Gateway and End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Once an apprentice has completed their training and is confident in their role, they go through “Gateway,” where their employer and Programme Lead confirm they are ready for the final assessment. The End-Point Assessment is a formal process where apprentices demonstrate what they’ve learned through a combination of assessment methods depending on their apprenticeship programme.

In-person days

In-person days

We offer two in-person days throughout the programme to provide the opportunity for cohorts to come to one of our central offices or a hosting school to network and have a full day of learning.  Lunch will be provided, and each cohort will have an opportunity to opt in or opt out and days will only go ahead once fully confirmed.

Assessment

Assessment

Programme Leads and Tutors will check apprentices’ understanding using informal question-and-answer sessions, quizzes, assignments, reflections, and other suitable methods such as:

  • Observations
  • Professional discussions
  • Portfolio reviews
  • Self-assessments
  • Workplace projects

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The End Point Assessment (EPA) is where apprentices demonstrate their competency in the role by completing a formal assessment at the end of their apprenticeship. The specific EPA requirements vary by programme:

  • Knowledge test
  • Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
  • Observation with questioning
Eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria

Apprentices can join this new course with little to no prior experience. While some classroom experience is beneficial, it is not essential. 

To complete the EPA, apprentices are required to have Level 2 maths/English functional skills or equivalent GCSE qualifications.

It is a requirement to provide evidence of GCSE English and maths (minimum Grade 9/C) or equivalent. If applicants are unable to provide evidence, they will be required to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in these subjects and are supported in completing these alongside their apprenticeship. 

Support during the apprenticeship

Support during the apprenticeship

Apprentices 

  • Apprentices are supported through monthly webinars, and 1:1 tutorials with the programme lead. Tutorials are apprentice-led, addressing course-related queries or concerns. 
  • Progress meetings with the programme lead and mentor are held every 2-3 months to the apprentice is on track and feeling supported. Mentors will be present in the classroom to offer practical support too. Our resources include extensive links to external research, answer booklets, and tailored feedback on tasks.  
  • Apprentices are provided with the necessary resources to support their learning throughout.
What employers need to do

What employers need to do

Apprenticeships work as an agreement between United Learning Apprenticeships, the employer, and the apprentice.  Positive collaboration between the three parties allows the apprentice to gain the best value from their apprenticeship and for the organisation to gain optimal benefits from the apprentice’s work.

It is the employer’s responsibility to:

  • Assign a suitable workplace mentor who can support and guide the apprentice throughout the programme
  • Allocate 6.5 hours a week ‘off-the-job’ time for apprentices 
  • Conduct observations as and when required to support the collation of evidence
  • Incorporate regular formal 1:1 support/conversations where appropriate to support with any work-based questions or issues
  • Make sure apprentices have opportunities to observe and learn from staff in other areas of the school
  • Invited to attend mentor briefings to enable them to support their apprentice
  • Have access to the Programme Lead
  • Attend learner progress reviews
After the apprenticeship

After the apprenticeship

Obtaining a Level 3 qualification opens doors for further progression. Staff could continue with further study or progress in their career. 

Potential roles include: 

  • Supervisor
  • Room Leader
  • Special Educational Support Worker
  • Deputy Manager
  • Child Minder
  • Nursery Nurse
  • Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Apprenticeship 
Apply now