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Early Years Apprenticeships

Early Years and Childcare
Apprenticeships

Are you passionate about working with young children and helping them learn and grow? An Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeship could be the perfect path for you.

Levels
Level 2 to 5
Pathway
Earn and Learn
Support
Skills Coaches
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early years apprenticeship courses uk

Start Your Career

Join the Exciting World of Early Years and Childcare

Looking to start a career in childcare? Our Early Years apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this rewarding field.

With Eden, you can become a skilled Early Years professional and help shape the future of the next generation.

Why Choose Eden?

Practical Training, Real Support and Clear Progression

At Eden Training Solutions, we offer a range of Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeships designed to provide practical experience and qualifications for your childcare career.

Our programmes cater to different career goals, from entry-level roles to more advanced leadership and specialist pathways.

Browse apprenticeships →

teacher and children in a childcare apprenticeship course

Childcare Apprenticeships

A Pathway Into Early Years Education

Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeships are designed to help learners build the practical experience, confidence and knowledge needed to thrive in nurseries, preschools and other childcare settings.

As an apprentice, you can gain valuable workplace experience while working towards a recognised qualification, supported by Eden’s training team.

Hands-on Experience

Develop real skills in Early Years settings while learning on the job.

Recognised Qualifications

Work towards qualifications that support childcare career progression.

Career Progression

Progress from entry-level practice into senior and leadership roles.

Our Apprenticeships

Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeships

Here are our range of apprenticeships in Early Years and Childcare, from Level 2 to Level 5.

Early Years Initial Teacher Training

A progression route for practitioners who want to achieve Early Years Teacher Status and lead high-quality practice.

⏱ Duration 12 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Outcome EYTS

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Early Years Practitioner Level 2

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 12–14 months
♙ Funding £5,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

effective learning in early years

Early Years Educator Level 3

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 12–16 months
♙ Funding £7,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

teaching assistant

Teaching Assistant Level 3

A progression route for teaching support staff who help pupils learn, develop and progress in school settings.

⏱ Duration 12–15 months
♙ Funding £7,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Nursery Manager Challenges for hiring new staff

Early Years SENCO Level 3

A specialist route for early years practitioners supporting children with SEND and inclusive practice in the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 6 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Qualification Level 3

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5

A progression route for practitioners who plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care in line with the EYFS.

⏱ Duration 15–18 months
♙ Funding £9,000
✩ £0 co-investment*
Eligible apprentices aged 16–24

*For new starts from 1 August 2026. Eligibility and funding band limits apply.

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

sign and speech therapy course image two people signing to communicate

Early Years Speech, Language & Communication Specialist Level 5

Help children overcome speech, language and communication barriers with specialist Level 5 training designed for early years practitioners ready to become their setting's speech and language champion.

⏱ Duration up to 21 months
♙ Funding Fully funded
✩ Qualification Level 5

Fully funded opportunities available, get in touch to enquire.

Eden's Short Courses

All our short courses are FREE with every apprenticeship.

childs developing mind course

The Child's Developing Mind

A specialist short course helping Early Years teams understand how children think, learn, develop confidence and respond to the world around them.

⏱ Duration 90 minutes

♙ Format Online course

✩ Included Free with apprenticeships

childcare apprenticeships student

Early Years Career Guide

Explore the Benefits and Career Routes

Childcare apprenticeships provide benefits to both individuals and employers. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in nursery and community settings, while employers benefit from a skilled and trained workforce.

Through a modern apprenticeship, learners can gain functional skills and academic qualifications while working in a real childcare setting. Apprenticeships support adaptability, communication and educational skills needed for a successful childcare career.

Whether you are just starting your childcare career or looking to advance your skills, Eden Training Solutions offers a range of apprenticeship programmes to support your goals.

Early Years apprenticeships can support progression into room leader, senior practitioner, nursery manager, Early Years Teacher and other specialist roles.

Childcare offers a wide range of job roles and career opportunities for those interested in supporting the growth and development of young children.

With a childcare apprenticeship, learners can gain valuable job training and experience that can lead to roles in nurseries, preschools, family homes and wider Early Years settings.

FAQs

Early Years Apprenticeship Questions

Find answers to common questions about Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeships, including eligibility, qualifications, learning and career opportunities.

An Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that provides individuals with the opportunity to gain practical experience and a recognised qualification in Early Years education and childcare.

Anyone over the age of 16 who is not in full-time education can apply for an Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeship. Specific entry requirements may vary depending on the employer and the level of apprenticeship.

Generally, there are no formal qualifications required to start an Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeship. Employers may look for candidates who have some experience or qualifications in childcare, depending on the role and apprenticeship level.

As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience working with young children, including providing high-quality care, planning and leading activities, and working with families and other professionals. You will also attend regular training sessions to develop your knowledge and skills.

The length of an apprenticeship depends on the programme level and individual circumstances. Level 2, Level 3 and Level 5 routes each have different expected durations, which are shown on the individual course pages.

You can start by exploring Eden’s apprenticeship routes and getting in touch with us. If you are already qualified, or you are a nursery hiring manager, Eden can help you understand the best next step.

After completing an Early Years and Childcare Apprenticeship, you may progress into roles such as nursery assistant, nursery nurse, room leader, senior practitioner, nursery manager, Early Years Teacher or family support worker, depending on your qualification and experience.

Get Started With Eden Training Solutions

Ready to start or enrol an apprentice? Complete the form below and our team will help you with the next step.