If you want to start or progress a career working with young children, choosing the right early years qualification matters. There is no single apprenticeship that is right for everyone, and you want to ensure that you are only taking recognised childcare courses . Someone starting their first nursery role needs something very different from an experienced practitioner who wants to lead a team, specialise in SEND or speech and language, or become an Early Years Teacher.
The good news is that there are clear routes through the sector.
From entry-level childcare training to Level 5 apprenticeships and Early Years Teacher Status, here are seven of the top early years courses and qualifications to consider in the UK.
Which Early Years Qualification Should I Choose?
The right early years qualification depends mainly on your current experience and where you want your career to go.
| Early years course | Best for | Level or outcome | Available through Eden? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Practitioner | Starting a career in an early years setting | Level 2 | Yes |
| Early Years Educator | Becoming a qualified early years practitioner with greater responsibility | Level 3 | Yes |
| Early Years SENCO | Practitioners specialising in SEND and inclusion | Level 3 | Yes |
| Teaching Assistant | Supporting children’s learning in a school environment | Level 3 | Yes |
| Early Years Lead Practitioner | Experienced practitioners moving into leadership | Level 5 | Yes |
| Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Needs Specialist | Practitioners becoming speech and language specialists within their setting | Level 5 | Yes |
| Early Years Initial Teacher Training | Graduates wanting to become an Early Years Teacher | EYTS | Yes |
For many people, the main early years career pathway is:
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner → Level 3 Early Years Educator → Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner → Early Years Teacher Status or specialist leadership
You do not necessarily need to complete every stage. Your previous qualifications, experience and job role will help determine the most suitable starting point.
A Note About Early Years Qualifications in the UK
Early years qualification rules are not identical across the whole UK.
This guide focuses mainly on England, where the Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, and Department for Education qualification requirements apply.
If you work in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should check the specific qualification and registration requirements for your nation.
In England, it is particularly important to check whether a qualification is considered full and relevant if you need it to count towards staff-to-child ratios in an early years setting.
The Department for Education provides an official service that employers and practitioners can use to check whether an early years qualification meets these requirements.
Do not choose a course based on the level number alone. Always check the exact qualification, awarding organisation and any additional requirements that may apply.
1. Early Years Practitioner Level 2
Best for: People starting their career in childcare
The Early Years Practitioner Level 2 is one of the most practical ways to begin a career working with babies and young children.
It is particularly suited to people who are new to the sector and want to learn while gaining real experience in an early years setting.
Learners develop core skills such as:
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Health and safety
- Supporting children’s learning and development
- Communication
- Care routines
- Inclusive practice
- Health and nutrition
- Working with parents and colleagues
- Supporting purposeful play
Because an apprenticeship is based around real workplace practice, learners can apply what they study directly within their setting.
Who should choose a Level 2 Early Years course?
A Level 2 course can be a good choice if you:
- Are new to childcare
- Are starting work in a nursery or early years setting
- Want to build confidence before progressing further
- Want a practical route into the sector
- Plan to progress to Level 3 later
For many practitioners, Level 2 becomes the first step towards the Early Years Educator Level 3.
Does Eden offer Early Years Practitioner Level 2?
Yes.
Eden Training Solutions offers an Early Years Practitioner Level 2 apprenticeship built around practical workplace learning.
Learners receive support from a dedicated Skills Coach alongside online teaching, workplace assessment, Functional Skills support where required and preparation for End Point Assessment.
Eden also includes additional enrichment learning within its apprenticeships, helping learners build knowledge beyond the minimum requirements of their programme.
2. Early Years Educator Level 3
Best for: Practitioners who want to build a long-term career in early years
The Early Years Educator Level 3 is one of the most important childcare qualifications for people who want to develop a professional career in the early years sector.
Level 3 practitioners may take greater responsibility for children’s care, learning and development and can be involved in planning activities, observing development and working with families.
Typical areas of learning include:
- Child development
- Safeguarding
- Learning and development
- Attachment and the key person approach
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Supporting children with additional needs
- Creating effective learning environments
- Observation and assessment
- Relationships with children and families
- Professional development
Is a Level 3 childcare qualification full and relevant?
It can be, but you should check the exact qualification.
In England, the Department for Education determines which qualifications can be counted as full and relevant for staff-to-child ratios.
This is one reason it is important not to simply search for any course labelled “Level 3 childcare”.
Check the qualification title and requirements before enrolling.
Who should choose Early Years Educator Level 3?
This route is particularly useful for:
- Level 2 practitioners ready to progress
- Existing nursery staff without a suitable Level 3 qualification
- Practitioners who want greater responsibility
- People building a long-term early years career
- Learners who may later progress into leadership or specialist roles
Does Eden offer Early Years Educator Level 3?
Yes.
Eden’s Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship combines workplace learning with specialist teaching and Skills Coach support.
Learners can develop their knowledge while continuing to work with children, making the course closely connected to what happens in a real early years setting.
For many learners, the natural next step after Level 3 is a specialist qualification or a Level 5 leadership programme.
3. Early Years SENCO Level 3
Best for: Practitioners who want to specialise in SEND
Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities is an important part of early years practice.
The Early Years SENCO Level 3 qualification is designed for practitioners who are already carrying out the Special Educational Needs Coordinator role or are preparing to take on more responsibility for SEND within their setting.
A strong Early Years SENCO needs more than knowledge of policies and paperwork.
They need to be able to:
- Recognise when a child may need additional support
- Help colleagues adapt practice
- Work effectively with parents and carers
- Understand SEND processes and responsibilities
- Support inclusive early years provision
- Coordinate support across the setting
- Help children receive appropriate intervention
Does SENCO training replace an Early Years Educator qualification?
No.
SENCO training is a specialist progression route rather than a replacement for the core Early Years Educator qualification.
It is most useful for practitioners who already have early years knowledge and want to develop specialist SEND expertise.
Does Eden offer Early Years SENCO training?
Yes.
Eden offers the Early Years SENCO Level 3 programme, delivered through a specialist partnership.
It is a useful progression option for practitioners who want to become more confident supporting children with SEND and develop their role within their setting.
4. Teaching Assistant Level 3
Best for: People who want to support children’s learning in schools
Not every career working with young children takes place in a nursery.
Some practitioners may prefer a school environment, particularly if they enjoy supporting children’s learning individually or in small groups.
A Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprenticeship develops the skills needed to support teachers and pupils within education settings.
Typical areas include:
- Supporting learning
- Understanding learning objectives
- Helping pupils develop positive learning behaviours
- Supporting children with SEND
- Working with teachers and other professionals
- Promoting pupil progress
- Supporting children’s social and emotional development
Is Teaching Assistant Level 3 the same as Early Years Educator Level 3?
No.
Although both are Level 3 programmes, they prepare learners for different roles.
An Early Years Educator qualification focuses specifically on early education and care.
A Teaching Assistant programme focuses on supporting teaching and learning within a school environment.
The course you choose should therefore be based on where you want to work.
If your main goal is becoming a qualified practitioner in a nursery or other EYFS setting, an Early Years Educator route is usually more appropriate.
If you want to work alongside teachers in a school, Teaching Assistant Level 3 may be a better match.
Does Eden offer Teaching Assistant Level 3?
Yes.
Eden offers a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship for both new and existing teaching support staff.
5. Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5
Best for: Experienced practitioners moving into senior or leadership roles
Once you have built solid early years experience, progression does not have to mean moving away from working directly with children.
The Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 is designed for experienced professionals who want to lead high-quality practice while continuing to make a difference within their setting.
A Level 5 practitioner may support colleagues, influence practice and help improve provision across a nursery or early years organisation.
The programme can develop areas such as:
- Leadership in early years
- Child development
- Inclusive practice
- Curriculum and pedagogy
- Safeguarding
- Observation and assessment
- Supporting other practitioners
- Reflective practice
- Working with families
- Improving provision
Who should choose a Level 5 childcare course?
A Level 5 route may suit you if you are already working as a:
- Senior Early Years Practitioner
- Room Leader
- Deputy Manager
- Early Years Educator
- Experienced nursery practitioner
It can also be useful if you want to move towards setting leadership, specialist practice or teacher training.
Does Eden offer Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5?
Yes.
Eden offers the Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 apprenticeship for experienced professionals who want to strengthen both their practice and leadership skills.
The programme is workplace-led, allowing learners to use their own setting and responsibilities as part of their professional development.
6. Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Needs Specialist Level 5
Best for: Experienced practitioners who want to specialise in speech and language
Speech, language and communication are at the heart of children’s learning.
When children struggle to communicate, it can affect relationships, behaviour, confidence and later learning.
That makes skilled early identification and support extremely important.
The Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Needs Specialist Level 5 is designed for experienced practitioners who want to become a speech and language champion within their setting.
Learners can develop their understanding of:
- Typical speech and language development
- Speech, language and communication needs
- Attention and listening
- Language processing
- Communication-supportive environments
- Identifying possible SLCN
- Supporting children with communication difficulties
- Knowing when further support or referral may be needed
- Helping colleagues improve communication practice
Who is the Speech and Language Level 5 course for?
This route is particularly suited to:
- Room Leaders
- Senior Practitioners
- Early Years Lead Practitioners
- Experienced Level 3 practitioners
- Staff responsible for speech and language practice within a setting
It is a specialist progression route rather than an entry-level childcare qualification.
Does Eden offer a Level 5 Speech and Language course?
Yes.
Eden delivers its Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Needs Specialist Level 5 programme in partnership with Speech & Language Link.
Specialist content is shaped by qualified speech and language therapists, while learners also develop the wider leadership knowledge expected at Level 5.
The programme is built on the Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 apprenticeship standard and is designed to help practitioners apply specialist speech and language knowledge directly within their setting.
7. Early Years Initial Teacher Training
Best for: Graduates who want to achieve Early Years Teacher Status
For experienced practitioners who want to progress further, Early Years Initial Teacher Training, usually shortened to EYITT, provides a route towards Early Years Teacher Status, or EYTS.
This is different from an apprenticeship level.
EYITT is specialist teacher training focused on the education and care of children from birth to five.
Successful completion leads to Early Years Teacher Status.
Who is EYITT for?
Depending on the route, EYITT can suit graduates who:
- Already work in an early years setting
- Want to become an Early Years Teacher
- Want to develop graduate-level early years practice
- Want to lead teaching and learning
- Want to progress into more senior professional roles
There are several EYITT routes, so eligibility will depend on your qualifications and circumstances.
It is also important to understand that Early Years Teacher Status and Qualified Teacher Status are not the same thing.
EYTS is specifically focused on early years teaching. QTS has different requirements and applies differently within maintained schools.
Does Eden offer EYITT?
Yes.
Eden offers a 12-month Early Years Initial Teacher Training route leading to Early Years Teacher Status, delivered in conjunction with a specialist teacher training partner.
For experienced graduates already working within early years, it can provide a clear next step beyond practitioner and leadership qualifications.
Which Early Years Course Is Best for Me?
Rather than looking for one course that is “best”, start with the role you want to do next.
I am completely new to childcare
Start by looking at:
Early Years Practitioner Level 2
This gives you a practical introduction to working with babies and young children and can lead naturally into Level 3.
I already work in a nursery and want to become a qualified practitioner
Look at:
Early Years Educator Level 3
This is one of the main professional routes for people building a career within early years education and care.
I want to specialise in SEND
Consider:
Early Years SENCO Level 3
This can help you take greater responsibility for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.
I would rather work in a school
Consider:
Teaching Assistant Level 3
This focuses more directly on supporting teachers, learning and pupil progress.
I am experienced and want to lead practice
Consider:
Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5
This is designed for experienced practitioners who want to influence quality and support other professionals.
I want to become my setting’s speech and language specialist
Consider:
Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Needs Specialist Level 5
This gives experienced practitioners a much deeper understanding of communication development and SLCN.
I am a graduate and want to become an Early Years Teacher
Look at:
Early Years Initial Teacher Training
Successful completion can lead to Early Years Teacher Status.
What Should You Check Before Choosing an Early Years Course?
Course titles can look similar, so do a little checking before enrolling.
Check the exact qualification
Do not assume that every childcare qualification at the same level has the same status.
If you need a qualification that counts within staff-to-child ratios in England, check whether the exact qualification is recognised as full and relevant.
Think about your next job, not just your next certificate
Ask yourself what you want the qualification to help you do.
Do you want to become a qualified practitioner?
Move into leadership?
Become a SENCO?
Specialise in speech and language?
Work in a school?
Become an Early Years Teacher?
Starting with the job you want makes choosing a course much easier.
Check how you will learn
For workplace-based courses, ask about:
- Skills Coach or tutor support
- Online teaching
- Workplace observations
- Off-the-job learning
- Functional Skills support
- Assessment
- End Point Assessment preparation
- Additional learning resources
The qualification matters, but the support around it can make a big difference to the learner experience.
Look beyond the minimum course content
Good professional development should help you become more confident in your role, not simply complete assessments.
For example, Eden apprentices also receive additional enrichment learning, including The Child’s Developing Mind, which explores how children think, learn, build confidence and respond to the world around them.
This type of additional learning can help practitioners connect their qualification with what they see every day in their setting.
Early Years Career Progression at a Glance
There is no single fixed career path in early years, but one route might look like this:
New Practitioner
↓
Early Years Practitioner Level 2
↓
Early Years Educator Level 3
↓
Early Years SENCO Level 3 or another specialist route
↓
Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5
↓
Speech, Language and Communication Specialist Level 5 or another leadership specialism
↓
Early Years Initial Teacher Training and Early Years Teacher Status
You can move between specialist and leadership roles depending on your experience, interests and the needs of your setting.
That flexibility is one of the strengths of a career in early years.
Early Years Training With Eden
Eden Training Solutions specialises in early years training and professional development, supporting learners and employers across England.
Current routes include:
- Early Years Practitioner Level 2
- Early Years Educator Level 3
- Early Years SENCO Level 3
- Teaching Assistant Level 3
- Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5
- Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Needs Specialist Level 5
- Early Years Initial Teacher Training leading to EYTS
Apprentices receive practical workplace learning alongside Skills Coach support, online teaching, assessment guidance and additional enrichment resources.
Explore early years training with Eden Training Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best early years qualification in the UK?
There is no single best early years qualification because it depends on your experience and career goal. Level 2 is often suitable for people entering the sector, while the Early Years Educator Level 3 is a common route for practitioners who want greater responsibility. Experienced professionals may progress to Level 5, specialist training or Early Years Teacher Status.
What qualification do I need to work in a nursery?
The qualification you need depends on your role and responsibilities. In England, employers must also consider whether qualifications are recognised by the Department for Education as full and relevant for staff-to-child ratios.
Is Level 2 or Level 3 childcare better?
They serve different purposes. Level 2 is well suited to new practitioners developing their basic knowledge and practical skills. Level 3 provides more advanced early years knowledge and can support greater responsibility within a setting.
What can I do after a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification?
Possible next steps include becoming a senior practitioner or room leader, completing Early Years SENCO training, progressing to an Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 apprenticeship or moving towards Early Years Teacher Status if you meet the entry requirements.
What is the highest early years qualification?
There is no single final qualification. Practitioners can progress through Level 5 and higher education or move into teacher training. Graduates may complete Early Years Initial Teacher Training to achieve Early Years Teacher Status.
Is Early Years Teacher Status the same as QTS?
No. Early Years Teacher Status, or EYTS, and Qualified Teacher Status, or QTS, are different professional statuses. EYTS specialises in teaching and development from birth to five. Different rules apply when working in maintained schools.
Can I complete an early years qualification while working?
Yes. Apprenticeship routes are specifically designed around employment and workplace learning. Learners develop their knowledge while applying what they learn in their own setting.
How do I know if an early years qualification is full and relevant?
In England, the Department for Education provides an official qualification checking service. You may need details including the qualification level, awarding organisation, date the course was started and date it was achieved.
Does Eden Training Solutions offer early years apprenticeships?
Yes. Eden offers early years apprenticeship routes from Level 2 through to Level 5, alongside specialist SENCO and speech and language programmes and Early Years Initial Teacher Training.
Find the Right Early Years Course for Your Career
The best early years course is the one that matches both where you are now and where you want to go next.
If you are entering the sector, that may mean building a strong foundation at Level 2. If you already have experience, Level 3, specialist training or Level 5 could help you take on more responsibility.
For graduates, Early Years Initial Teacher Training can provide a route towards Early Years Teacher Status.
Whichever stage you are at, check the exact qualification, entry requirements and recognition before enrolling.
Most importantly, choose training that helps you become better at the part of early years that matters most: supporting children to learn, communicate, develop and thrive.
Explore Eden Training Solutions and find the right early years course