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Level 3 Apprenticeship

Early Years Educator
Level 3

Develop the skills to plan, deliver and assess high-quality early education and care.

Duration
12–16 months
£ Funding
£7,000
£ 5% Contrib.
£350

Help Practitioners Progress With Confidence

Support your team with a specialist Level 3 Early Years apprenticeship built around real nursery practice.

Overview

What Is the Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship?

The Early Years Educator supports and promotes children’s early education and development. Learners develop effective teaching and learning practices that help children progress and prepare for school.

This apprenticeship supports practitioners to provide inclusive opportunities and learning experiences for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Who It’s for

Who Is This Course For?

This apprenticeship is ideal for practitioners progressing from Level 2 or those already working in Early Years settings who want to strengthen their knowledge, confidence and professional practice.

It is a logical next step for Early Years Practitioners who want to take on greater responsibility and improve career opportunities.

Next Step:


Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 →

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What You’ll learn

What Learners Will Develop

Learners will build practical knowledge across key EYFS themes, including:

✓Risk management
✓Key person and attachment
✓Learning and development
✓Environments
✓Equality, diversity and inclusion
✓Safeguarding children
✓Relationships
✓Child development
✓Continuous professional development
skills coach

Eden Support

Specialist Support Throughout the Apprenticeship

Eden’s Skills Coaches work closely with the apprentice and employer to coordinate off-the-job learning, online teaching sessions, assessment activity and EPA preparation.

Skills Teachers deliver scheduled online masterclasses through Microsoft Teams, giving apprentices opportunities to learn from experts and share practice with peers from other settings.

Dedicated Skills Coach
Online Teaching Sessions
EPA Preparation
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Eden Support

Included Eden Enrichment

This apprenticeship includes additional learning resources designed to enhance the overall experience:

The Child’s Developing Mind

Online CPD

Functional Skills support

The MINDful Driver

Dedicated online teaching sessions for 16–18-year-olds

ASSESSMENT

End Point Assessment

1

Assessment Method 1

Observation with questions and answers.

A Skills Assessor carries out face-to-face observations in the nursery setting while the apprentice completes their day-to-day duties.

Observations are planned in advance by the Skills Coach and give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the Level 3 programme.

The observation supports the apprentice in showing how they promote children’s early education, development, wellbeing and safety in real nursery practice.

2

Assessment Method 2

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

The professional discussion gives the apprentice the opportunity to talk through their practice, learning and workplace experience as an Early Years Educator.

The discussion is supported by a portfolio of evidence, showing how the apprentice has applied their knowledge, skills and behaviours across the Early Years Foundation Stage.

EPA requirements are discussed during 12-week reviews with the apprentice and employer, followed by mock-based preparation and a final Gateway Review before independent assessment.

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See What our Learners say….

early years educator level 3 course review image

Beatriz Sousa
23 March 2023

See on Trustpilot

I very much recommend Eden Training…

I have recently completed my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. I could not have asked for a better tutor. She was amazing and so supportive throughout the whole process. Thank you so much for all your help and support, I couldn’t have done it without her.

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Our trustpilot reviews speak for themselves! We’re currently rated at  4.9/5 by our previous students. Contact us below to see how Eden training solutions can help you take the next step to a fulfilling career.

FAQ – Answering your Questions

At Eden Training Solutions, we understand that becoming an Early Years Practitioner can be a complex and confusing process, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Additionally, we have a full guide to becoming an Early Years Practitioner available on our website, which covers everything from the qualifications you need to the skills required to succeed in the field. 

So if you’re looking to start your journey towards becoming an Early Years Practitioner, get in touch with us today and let us help you achieve your goals.

A Level 3 Early Years Educator is a childcare professional who plays a key role in the care of children and their development. They work in a range of settings including full day care, pre-schools, reception classes, and as childminders. This childcare qualification equips individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to provide high-quality early years education, focusing on the learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

A good early years practitioner should be passionate about working with children, patient, and able to communicate effectively with both children and parents. They should also have a good understanding of child development, be able to create engaging and stimulating learning environments, and be committed to providing high-quality care and support.

A Level 3 childcare qualification in the UK is a mandatory qualification for those who want to work in early years education. It covers essential aspects of child development, emotional development, and the care of children, preparing individuals to work effectively in various job roles such as nursery nurse and childminder.

Early years education is crucial because it lays the foundation for a child’s future learning and development. It focuses on the individual child and helps them develop essential skills like language, social interaction, and emotional intelligence. Early years education also promotes British values and ensures that children have a solid start in life, enabling them to reach their full potential.

An Early Years Educator qualification is a certification that proves an individual’s competence and knowledge in providing high-quality early years education. The qualification covers various aspects of childcare, including child protection, outcomes for children, childhood education, and the administration of medicine. This qualification is a minimum requirement for working in the early years sector in the UK.

The duration of an Early Years Educator course depends on the specific apprenticeship programme and the individual’s learning pace. At Eden Training Solutions, the Early Years Educator Level 3 course typically takes 16 months to complete. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring that learners gain a well-rounded understanding of early years education and are prepared for their future job roles.

A Level 3 Early Years Educator Salary can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific job role. In general, a newly qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator can expect to earn a starting salary of around £13,000 to £25,000 per year. With more experience, additional qualifications, or working in specialised roles, the salary can increase over time. Keep in mind that salaries can also be influenced by regional differences and the type of setting you work in, such as private nurseries, pre-schools, or reception classes in schools. If you’re in the market to hire an early years educator, then see our apprenticeships page here.