Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship
Everything the standard requires. Plus five exclusive enrichment sessions.
Most Level 3 apprenticeships teach the standard and stop there. We wanted ours to go further.
Our newly redesigned Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship develops confident, highly skilled practitioners through expert coaching, workplace learning and on-programme assessment. Apprentices build the knowledge, skills and behaviours employers need to create exceptional outcomes for children.
Every apprentice learns directly from five specialists working at the top of the sector, covering inclusion and SEND, neuroinclusive practice, safeguarding, creative teaching, and the neuroscience of play.
With no separate End-Point Assessment (EPA) adding up to 3 months at the end of your course, learners can achieve their qualification faster, accelerating their career progression and delivering impact in the workplace sooner.
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At A Glance
Level 3 Level
13 monthsDuration
WorkplaceLocation
About The Course
Every stage of the programme is designed to build confidence, competence and professional impact in real-world settings.
You will build knowledge, skills and behaviours through a structured series of milestones, applying what you learn directly in your setting as you go. Because assessment is built into the programme, there is no separate End-Point Assessment at the end, so you can achieve your qualification faster.
Progress is measured through clear milestones and regular reviews, giving learners, employers and trainers full visibility of development throughout the apprenticeship.
With dedicated support, personalised feedback and full visibility of progress throughout the journey, apprentices are empowered to achieve more, while employers benefit from a highly skilled practitioner who can make a meaningful contribution from the very start.
How is this course funded?
If your employer pays the apprenticeship levy, your training is funded through their levy account. If they don’t, the government funds 100% of training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 16 to 24. For apprentices aged 25 and over, the government funds 95% and your employer contributes the remaining 5%.
Exclusive enrichment sessions
At Realise, we are committed to giving our learners more. That’s why we’ve teamed up with industry experts to deliver a packed enrichment programme. All learners will take part in sessions with:
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Alice Sharp
Inspiring educators to enrich play, strengthen practice and improve outcomes for children.
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Cheryl Warren
Neuroinclusive practice and the different ways children experience and communicate.
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Dingley's Promise
Understanding inclusion in practice and building a room where every child can join in.
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ECP Safeguarding
Child protection and the confidence to act rather than just spot the signs.
Learn moreIs this course right for you?
This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals working in an early years setting who are ready to take the next step in their career.
Whether you're new to the sector or looking to build on your existing experience, the programme will help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become an effective Early Years Educator.
This course could be right if you:
- Want to gain a recognised Level 3 qualification
- Are passionate about supporting children's learning and development
- Want to build your confidence and professional skills
- Learn best through practical, real-world experience
- Are ready to take greater responsibility in your role
- Value regular coaching, feedback and support
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What you’ll learn
Milestones for the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship include:
- Safeguarding, health, safety and reflection
- Holistic child development
- Observation, planning, assessing and enabling environments
- Advocacy, equality, diversity, inclusion and SEND
- Inclusive relationships and partnerships
How you’ll learn
Learners benefit from a blended learning approach that combines:
- Interactive workshops
- Enrichment webinars with industry experts
- One-to-one coaching and mentoring
- Practical workplace learning
- Immersive e-learning content
- Ongoing feedback and support
- Independent research and reflection
- Regular reviews and development planning
How is the course assessed?
You will be assessed throughout the programme, with two formal assessments required to complete the course.
Career progression
Successfully completing the Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship can open the door to a range of career and development opportunities within the early years sector.
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Level 5 Early Years Specialist Apprenticeship
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Level 5 Leadership Excellence
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Level 3 Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
How does this course improve outcomes?
This apprenticeship is designed to develop confident, capable practitioners who can make an immediate impact in the workplace.
Because assessment, coaching and workplace learning run alongside each other, you apply new knowledge as you gain it rather than waiting until the end of the programme to show what you can do.
For employers, that means staff who are better equipped to deliver high-quality education and care, support children's development, uphold safeguarding and strengthen the setting around them. For learners, it means greater confidence, stronger practice and a recognised Level 3 qualification.
Why choose Realise?
We are a trusted training provider with over 30 years of experience delivering exceptional early years training. With a strong track record of excellence, we currently support over 1,600 learners through a network of 120 local trainers, ensuring personalised guidance and practical support.
Our commitment to quality is reflected in our Ofsted Good rating and our learners consistently achieve outstanding outcomes.
At Realise, we combine experience, expertise and a learner-focused approach to empower early years professionals to thrive.
