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Early years educator apprenticeship

Ensure your nursery is prepared for the future by investing in outstanding practitioners with the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship!

Course overview

At a glance

Level

3

Duration

14 months

Location

Workplace

About the course

The Early Years Educator apprenticeship is an ideal way to enhance confidence and skills in nursery practitioners.

This programme equips staff with the essential skills to support young children and guide them through crucial development stages, all while focusing on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Programme highlights:

  • Monthly Teaching Sessions: One-to-one with a dedicated trainer.
  • Flexible Learning: Access to remote webinars and independent tasks.
  • Paediatric First Aid: Vital training for any situation.

With continuous support, your team will gain the confidence and competence needed to deliver outstanding care. All apprentices will undergo a DBS check as part of the recruitment process.

Invest in your staff today and give children the best start in life.

Struggling with a skills shortage?
We can help!

Prepare for the future today.

  • Develop Expertise: Equip your staff with a deeper understanding of child development.
  • Boost Confidence: Ensure your team is confident and competent in delivering top-quality childcare.
  • Future-Proof Your Nursery: Get ready for the increased demand in childcare places and funding changes.
  • Give Children the Best Possible Start: Whilst nurturing a skilled, qualified workforce for your setting.
  • Invest in your team, invest in your nursery.

Is this course a good fit?

Typically, apprentices who complete the Early Years Educator programme and gain additional experience will be well positioned to become managers of early years settings.

The flexible and blended approach to training allows activities to be scheduled around individual needs. All learning is conducted either on a one-to-one basis or through small group webinars, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Throughout the programme, regular meetings are held with apprentices to ensure they understand their programme, to report on their development and progress, and to ensure that all programme requirements are being met.

Topics covered

Apprentices will develop a range of essential skills and behaviours that employers value in the sector, enabling them to make a positive difference in the lives of children.

Key learning topics covered during the Early Years Educator apprenticeship include:

  • Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
  • Safeguarding
  • Child development
  • Theories and approaches to how children learn and develop
  • Legal requirements, including Health & Safety

As part of the apprenticeship, participants will also complete the:

  • TQUK Level 3 Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator, RQF)
  • Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid or Emergency First Aid course

I’ve learnt so much and having the early years educator qualification has given me so many opportunities already.

Kyra Cooper, Hilltop Tots

My apprenticeship has been pivotal in developing my knowledge of early years. Realise’s course was exceptional.

Natalie Cunningham, Mommabears Day Nursery Apprentice

Thanks to the support I received from Realise, I now truly believe my disability is not an inability.

Fudia Bachett, MerryKidz Childcare

Learning methods

Sector expert staff will support participants in achieving the apprenticeship.

The programme is delivered by highly skilled and knowledgeable trainers with significant industry experience, who will provide support throughout the programme and assist with future goals and ambitions.

The programme is offered throughout the year, providing participants with the flexibility to start the apprenticeship when it best suits their needs. All learning is conducted on a one-to-one basis or through small group webinars, ensuring the best possible experience with sector experts.

The delivery model includes:

  • One-to-one sessions with a tutor
  • Professional webinars featuring experts like Anna Ephgrave, Kym Scott, The Curiosity Approach, and Laura Henry-Allain
  • Remote support
  • Independent learning
  • Ongoing mentoring, coaching, advice, and guidance
  • Specialist English/maths support (if needed)
  • Impartial Information, Advice & Guidance
  • End point assessment preparation and support, including
  • Gateway Readiness
  • Check and mock tests

Our experts

The people that make it happen

Shelley

Trainer assessor

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Shelley

Trainer assessor

I am a qualified trainer assessor for childcare. My experience is within early years settings, where I was a nursery manager, room leader and deputy. My experience, gained in the last 25 years, has given me the passion and commitment to give something back and be that trainer for my specialist subjects.

I have come a long way in my current role, my confidence has grown with Realise, I am delivering many webinars across the early years educator and teaching assistant standards. I always look forward to seeing my learners going into gateway and achieving their apprenticeships which makes me feel like a very proud trainer when they do.

Rebecca

Training & development officer

Nola

Trainer assessor

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Nola

Trainer assessor

I am a Childcare Trainer with over 22 years experience in Childcare. I have had varied roles and experience including; working in a school, private day nursery, special educational needs support and Children’s & Young People’s Services before becoming an Assessor. I have been assessing for 12 years, I specialise as a Safeguarding Deputy.

Nicola

Trainer assessor

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Nicola

Trainer assessor

I’m a qualified childcare trainer who has 10 years’ experience within the industry. I have a degree in childhood studies and I spent three years prior to that working in a nursery working my way up from nursery nurse to deputy manager before making the leap into education – where I’ve never looked back. I love supporting others to achieve their goals within childcare.

Lindsey

Curriculum lead

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Lindsey

Curriculum lead

I am a passionate and motivated trainer who loves to help others become the best that they can be. I am a qualified teacher and have worked in all aspects of the childcare sector from being a nanny to nursery settings. I love developing curriculum and supporting learning as part of my job role!

Mandy

Trainer assessor

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Mandy

Trainer assessor

I am into my 13th year as a Trainer Assessor, i have experience of managing 2 private day nurseries and have a lot f passion for childcare. I want to be able to share that passion with apprentices and help to teach and guide them into being .competent practitioners. I am also a qualified Paediatric First Aid trainer and deliver this alongside the standard qualifications.

Claire

Trainer assessor

Leah

Trainer assessor

Kerry

Trainer assessor

Tracey

Trainer assessor

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Tracey

Trainer assessor

I have been a qualified childcare trainer assessor for 15 years, prior to this I gained 10 years’ experience as a practitioner as well as management in early years. I have a degree in education as well as quality assurance qualifications and more recently qualified to deliver first aid.

Frequently asked questions

What is a level 3 early years educator qualification?
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The level 3 early years qualification is an apprenticeship programme designed to create outstanding early years professionals committed to helping young people learn to the best of their ability. It’s the ideal programme for those working with young children during their early years development as well as for those looking at continuing professional development.

What jobs roles are suited to the level 3 in early years?
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With a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, individuals can pursue careers as early years educators, nursery practitioners, or childminders. More importantly, they will become highly trained professionals within their settings, playing a crucial role in ensuring that young children learn, develop well, and are kept healthy and safe. Opportunities include working in full day care, children’s centres, preschools, reception classes, or as childminders.

How long does a level 3 early years course take?
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Typically, this level 3 early years course will take 14 months to complete.

How does someone qualify for the level 3 early years?
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Typically, a level 3 early years apprentice will already be qualified at level 2, have an element of responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of children and working in roles such as an early years educator, childminder or nursery nurse.

Once an apprentice completes their early years education at level 3 they will be qualified to work in a range of settings including  work in a range of settings including day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, and as childminders. 

How do you work in a nursery without a degree?
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To work in a nursery, a degree is not required. Individuals can become apprentices without a university education. In fact, many people prefer the apprenticeship route because it allows them to learn on the job while earning a wage.

Early years professionals dedicated to continuing professional development may later choose to attend university as BA Early Childhood students or specialise by taking on key responsibilities, such as delivering emergency paediatric first aid or obtaining a British Sign Language qualification.

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s talk. You’re only a few clicks away from enquiring about this course. Don’t delay, get in touch and start something exciting today!