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Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3

Develop a career in early years education with a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship. Gain current skills and develop advanced knowledge to work with children aged 0-5 years in a nursery, preschool or childcare setting.

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Course Level

3 Advanced

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Typical Duration

19 Months

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Training Method

Blended Learning

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Assessment Method

Knowledge Test

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Funding Value

£7,000

EPA Organisation

NCFE

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Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3

Develop a career in early years education with a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship, designed for those looking to take the next step in their childcare career while gaining hands-on experience in an early years setting.

This apprenticeship enables you to work with children from birth to five years old, developing the practical skills needed to support their learning and development.

Gain a license to practice and paediatric first aid qualification as part of this programme to support career development.

Learn to become a highly trained professional who plays a vital role in helping young children learn, grow, and stay healthy and safe.

The apprenticeship focuses on delivering high-quality education and care, equipping you with the knowledge to plan activities, observe children’s development, and promote positive outcomes for every child.

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain valuable experience working alongside industry professionals, with personalised support and one-to-one mentoring.

This work-based qualification provides the foundation for a rewarding career in early years education, opening up opportunities to progress into leadership roles or further study.

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Employer benefits

Taking on an Early Years Educator Apprentice is a valuable investment for employers looking to strengthen their team and nurture future talent in the childcare sector. Apprentices bring enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and a willingness to learn, helping to create a skilled and motivated workforce.

Hiring an apprentice is a cost-effective way to grow your team. This apprenticeship is government-funded (up to 100% depending on the size of your business) and can be funded using the apprenticeship levy.

Apprentices are trained on the job, allowing you to shape their skills to fit your setting’s specific needs. They learn directly from your experienced staff while studying key topics such as child development, safeguarding, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring they align with your business’s standards and values.

Apprenticeship programmes can also be used to upskill existing members.

By offering apprenticeships, you’re investing in the future of your workforce. Apprentices are more likely to stay with employers who support their development, helping to improve staff retention rates and create a loyal, highly skilled team. Developing staff from within also boosts team morale and creates a positive working environment.

An Early Years Educator Level 3 is a childcare professional responsible for providing care and education to children aged 0-5 years in a nursery, childcare or preschool setting.

The focus is on creating a safe and stimulating environment while actively planning and delivering age-appropriate activities to support children’s holistic development, including observing, assessing, and recording their progress, all while adhering to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines and working collaboratively with parents and colleagues.

As an Early Years Educator apprentice, you play a key role in nurturing young children’s learning and wellbeing through planned, engaging experiences.

Typical job roles

Practitioner in Day Nursery, Practitioner in Nursery School, Practitioner in Primary School Reception Class, Pre-School Worker, Childminder and Nursery Nurse.

Upon achievement you will gain a license to practice and will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educator or progress to higher education.

Are you ready to take your early years career to the next level?

LMP Education offers an Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Apprenticeship which is your next step towards becoming an experienced early years professional.

To start this apprenticeship, you must have lived in the UK 3+ years minimum and have a form of UK ID required at enrolment. You must be age 16+ (with no upper age limit) with no prior learning within the area of study.

Hands-on Experience: gain practical, real-life workplace experience.

Recognised Qualification: upon completion of this programme, you will receive a nationally recognised certification and license to practice.

Earn While You Learn: you’ll receive a salary while completing your qualification, so no need to worry about student debt. National Minimum Apprentice Wage applies, but some employers pay more.

Ongoing Support: you’ll have a workplace mentor and LMP tutor, providing 1-2-1 support through your learning journey.

Anspear Programme: access a suite of CPD courses designed to support you with additional skills and knowledge.

Career Pathway: After completing Level 3, you can move on to higher qualifications (like Level 4 or Early Years Practitioner. It opens doors to permanent job roles such as Nursery Practitioner, Preschool Assistant, Room Leader or Teaching Assistant.

Develop Key Skills: Learn essential skills to work independently with children including communication, safeguarding and child development. You’ll also gain confidence in working with children aged 0-5.

LMP’s comprehensive curriculum blends theoretical learning with practical application, covering essential skills such as identifying when a child is in need of additional support, following the legal requirements and guidance on health and safety, security, confidentiality of information, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and understanding safeguarding policies and procedures.

During this programme you will expand your knowledge in areas such as the expected patterns of children’s development from birth to 5 years, the significance of attachment and how to promote it effectively, and how children’s learning and development can be affected by their stage of development and individual circumstances.

To learn more about the programme, download the brochure!