Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

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, childrens centres, pre schools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

By the end of this course, not only will you possess the knowledge, skills and confidence for a successful career in early years education, but you will also have a nationally-recognised qualification.

Apprentices will be supported in the workplace and online via Zoom by a qualified and competent assessor/trainer. All students must complete 20% off-the-job training through a range of learning methods including college sessions. You will be assessed by written assignments, completing a small scale project and an End Point Assessment which will include a multiple choice test, a presentation and professional discussion.

Apprentices must ideally hold recognised qualifications in English and Mathematics prior to commencement on the programme. These can include Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications or GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above. Functional skills can be gained alongside the apprenticeship.

Progression to Level 4 and 5 qualification and management and team leading roles and qualifications such as Nursery Nurse, Nursery Manager.

All course fees associated with Apprenticeships are paid by the employer. If your employer pays into the Apprenticeship Levy your fees will be paid through this process. If your employer is not a levy paying employer then training for 16 18 year old learners is free and the training is subsidised for Apprentices over 19 years old. Course fees paid by the employer will vary but are likely to be in the region of £300 £1200 depending on the qualification.

This qualification can also be studied as a stand alone Level 3 qualification which carries a fixed fee of £2,885 (student loan available) This route does not require English and maths. However, you will be required to gain these if you want to count in the staff ratio.

All apprentices must be employed in a relevant area to their apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are mostly delivered in the workplace. Some qualifications involve classroom delivery and this can take place at College or on employer premises. The College offers a range of day release, block release and 1:1 tuition options to suit the needs of employers and Apprentices alike. Your assessor, who will support you through your apprenticeship, will visit you in the workplace every 4 6 weeks.

Once you have completed your online application you will receive an invite to interview. Once you have received an offer you will be invited to attend an induction session at the College which will be followed up with a visit with your employer. When your enrolment has been completed, your delivery and assessment can commence.