Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice

You’ll work alongside experienced childcare professionals, helping to create a safe, caring and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and develop. You’ll gain practical experience while building the skills and knowledge needed for a long-term career in early years.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting children with their learning, development and daily routines

• Planning and taking part in fun, age-appropriate activities

• Encouraging children to develop new skills and build confidence

• Helping create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment

• Supporting children's physical, emotional, social and intellectual development

• Observing children's progress and identifying their individual needs and interests

• Supporting children's personal care, including hygiene, meals and other daily routines

• Building positive and professional relationships with children, parents and colleagues

• Supporting children with different needs, including SEND and EAL

• Encouraging positive behaviour, independence and social development

• Helping children understand and manage their emotions

• Following safeguarding, health and safety and nursery procedures

• Supporting indoor and outdoor learning and play

• Helping maintain a clean, safe and stimulating environment

• Working as part of a team and contributing to the day-to-day running of the nursery

Training & Development

You’ll work towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship while gaining valuable workplace experience.

Your training will cover areas including:

• Child development and learning

• Safeguarding and child protection

• Health, safety and wellbeing

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Supporting children with SEND and EAL

• Planning activities and learning experiences

• Observation and assessment

• Communication and professional relationships

• Personal care for children aged 0–5

• Food hygiene and safety

• First aid

• Fire safety

• Online safety

• Risk assessment and safeguarding procedures

Training will take place alongside your practical work, giving you the opportunity to put what you learn into practice in the nursery.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is caring, patient and enthusiastic about working with young children.

You should have:

• A genuine interest in childcare and early years education

• Good communication skills

• Patience and a caring nature

• A creative approach to activities and play

• Good attention to detail

• The ability to work well as part of a team

• A positive and non-judgemental approach

• Good customer care and interpersonal skills

• A willingness to learn and develop

• A strong commitment to children's safety and wellbeing

Previous experience with children, such as babysitting, volunteering or childcare work, would be useful but is not essential.

Requirements

• GCSE English Grade D/3 or above is desirable

• Level 2 English and Maths may need to be achieved before the end-point assessment if not already held

• You must be committed to completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification

Career Progression

This apprenticeship can provide a strong starting point for a career in childcare and early years education.

After completing the qualification, you could progress into a permanent Early Years Educator or Nursery Practitioner role, with further opportunities to develop into positions such as Senior Practitioner or Room Leader.