Early Years Apprenticeships for every career stage

Apprenticeships for every stage of your early years career

Whether you’re just starting out, building skills and confidence in your role, or ready to move into leadership, there’s an early years apprenticeship to support you at every stage.

Our programmes are designed to support progression, with each level building the skills and knowledge needed for the next stage of your career.

Starting your career: Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship is ideal if you’re new to early years or looking for a supported way into the sector.

You’ll gain essential skills and experience to support children’s learning and development within the Early Years Foundation Stage(EYFS), while learning on the job with guidance and support.

Best for:
- School leavers
- Career changers
- Anyone new to early years

Becoming fully qualified: Level 3 Early Years Educator

The Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is a key qualification in early years and a common next step from Level 2.

You’ll build knowledge in areas such as child development, safeguarding and inclusion. This qualification is recognised by the Department for Education and allows you to be counted in staffing ratios.

Best for:
- Aspiring early years educators
- Practitioners building professional confidence

Growing into leadership: Level 4 Advanced Childcare Practice and Management

While this is not a funded apprenticeship, the Level 4 Advanced Childcare Practice and Management Diploma supports practitioners who are ready to deepen their knowledge and begin developing leadership and management skills.

The programme explores policies, legal requirements and best practice, helping learners build the understanding needed to progress into more senior roles.

Please note: this is a diploma course and may be eligible for student loan funding.

Best for:
- Experienced practitioners
- Those interested in leadership roles

Leading and Managing: Level 5 Apprenticeships

Our Level 5 apprenticeships are designed for those ready to lead practice and people.

• Level 5 Early Years Specialist – focuses on coaching others and leading improvements in quality.
• Level 5 Nursery Manager – designed for those already managing a nursery or setting.

Best for:
- Room leaders
- Deputy managers
- Nursery managers

Taking the next step: Level 6 opportunities

After completing a Level 5 apprenticeship, learners may be able to apply for a 12 month degree top-up course with selected universities.

This can lead to further progression, including the Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme (EYITT).

Best for:
- Experienced leaders
- Those aiming for teacher status

A clear pathway forward

Our apprenticeships are designed to support progression at every stage. By matching the right programme to the right learner, we help people build confidence, develop skills and deliver high-quality early years practice.

No matter where you are now, there’s a pathway to help you move forward.

Discover more about all of our early years apprenticeships