Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard
The person who shapes what a child learns next
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Most candidates will have achieved grade C or above in English and Maths. Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirements are Entry Level 3, and the British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for apprentices for whom this is their primary language.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
Working alone or supervising others to deliver the EYFS for children from birth to five.
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They will plan around the individual child
Planning and supervising child-initiated and adult-led activities based on the needs and interests of each individual child, rather than a single plan for the room.
Covers child-initiated and adult-led activities, planning around individual needs
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They will observe, then change what they do
Observing each child and shaping their learning experience to reflect those observations. The second half is what makes the first half worth doing.
Covers observation, shaping learning experiences, assessment
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They will develop numeracy and language through play
Supporting children to develop numeracy and language skills through games and play, which at this age is how it works.
Covers numeracy, language development, learning through games and play
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They will hold key person responsibility
Helping each child feel safe and secure, and meeting individual care needs including feeding, changing and administering medicine.
Covers key person responsibility, safety and security, feeding, changing, administering medicine
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
There is also opportunity for progression to higher education.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 5 FdA Education and Early Childhood Studies At University Campus North LincolnshireAlso at University Campus Doncaster
- Level 5 FdA Children’s Learning and Development Distance Learning At University Campus North LincolnshireAlso at University Campus Doncaster
See all 4 courses
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
At University Campus Doncaster
Careers it can lead to
- Child and Early Years Officers £27,500 a year
- Early Education and Childcare Practitioners £12.96 an hour
- Early Education and Childcare Assistants £13.30 an hour
- Childminders £12.72 an hour
See all 9 careers
- Care Workers and Home Carers £13.39 an hour
- Nannies and Au Pairs £14.13 an hour
With further study or experience
- Early Education and Childcare Services Proprietors £44,300 a year
- Early Education and Childcare Services Managers £22,400 a year
- Nursery Education Teaching Professionals £34,800 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 01724 281111
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.