Please note, to enrol on an apprenticeship you must be working in a relevant sector for at least 16 hours per week. If you are not currently employed, you can view our apprenticeship vacancies here. You do not need to be employed to apply for these and new vacancies are added regularly.
The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship is for people working with young children in settings such as full day care, children’s centres, pre schools, reception classes or as childminders. You’ll plan and supervise activities built around each child’s needs and interests, support their numeracy and language through play, and help every child feel safe and secure. With more experience, you can progress to a manager role.
You learn while you work, building your skills in an early years setting. Your training follows the national apprenticeship standard published by Skills England, which sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours you’ll need to show. To finish, you’ll complete an end point assessment made up of a professional discussion and a knowledge test, and your performance decides your overall grade. You’ll also complete a Level 3 paediatric first aid award, and achieve Level 2 English and maths alongside your apprenticeship if you don’t already have them.
You learn while you work, building your skills in an early years setting. Your training follows the national apprenticeship standard published by Skills England, which sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours you’ll need to show. To finish, you’ll complete an end point assessment made up of a professional discussion and a knowledge test, and your performance decides your overall grade. You’ll also complete a Level 3 paediatric first aid award, and achieve Level 2 English and maths alongside your apprenticeship if you don’t already have them.
Apprenticeships:
Level 5 Early Years Senior Practitioner
Careers:
It's a work-based training programme that lets you earn a salary while qualifying as an Early Years Educator, working with children from birth to five. You'll split your time between hands-on experience in a real childcare setting and structured off-the-job training (OTJT) — planned learning time built into your paid working hours. It's open to both new starters and existing staff looking to upskill. Once combined with a Paediatric First Aid qualification and the required English standard, it's recognised by the Department for Education as a full, relevant qualification meaning you can count within statutory staffing ratios.
Yes - you get a recognised qualification while earning a wage, with no tuition fees or student debt, since the government and your employer fund the programme. It's a direct route into a long-term childcare career, backed by a dedicated tutor and your employer throughout. As you progress into room leader, deputy manager or management roles, there's real potential for higher pay and more responsibility. Many employers also treat their apprentices as a long-term investment, keeping them on as qualified staff once they finish.
No - you don't need previous childcare qualifications to start a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship, though requirements can vary by employer. What matters most is being in a suitable Early Years role where you can build and show the skills the apprenticeship covers. You'll need reasonable IT skills and access to a device and internet, since much of the learning happens online. English and maths requirements depend on your age and existing qualifications, with Functional Skills support available if you need it.
It typically takes 15–18 months, depending on your experience, working hours and progress. You'll stay employed throughout, with support from a dedicated tutor and protected time for off-the-job training built into your paid hours. Your employer also provides mentoring and supervision along the way to help you complete on time.
You could move into roles like Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Preschool Practitioner, Room Leader or Childcare Practitioner. It's recognised across the sector as a full, relevant qualification, and many employers keep successful apprentices on as qualified staff. From there, it can lead into senior practitioner, management or other leadership roles in Early Years.
