Ready to take your childcare career to the next level? This advanced apprenticeship is designed for those passionate about supporting young children’s development and creating meaningful learning experiences.

What you will experience

The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship equips you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to become a qualified Early Years Educator. You’ll learn how to plan and deliver purposeful play and learning activities that promote children’s emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

You’ll gain practical experience working alongside experienced professionals in nurseries, preschools, or other early years settings while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Learning is delivered through a blend of:

• On-the-job training in your workplace

• Off-the-job learning including some group lessons at college and some online study

You’ll be supported throughout by an experienced and highly skilled Assessor.

Duration and Assessment

The programme typically takes 18 months to complete. To achieve the apprenticeship, you’ll need to demonstrate all the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the standard.

Assessment includes:

• Evidence-based practice across all age ranges

• An End Point Assessment (EPA)

Early Years Educators follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5, in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Who is it for?

This apprenticeship is ideal for those who are caring, creative, and committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young children.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at CRC. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) for the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship consists of two components: an observation with questioning and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence. Prior to EPA, the apprentice must meet all Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours as set out in the standard, hold English and maths in line with the apprenticeship requirements, must successfully complete a first aid qualification in line with the requirements of the EYFS Framework (Annex A): Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) in Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid and be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer. The EPA is graded as Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction, and typically takes up to three months to complete.

Entry requirements

GCSE English and maths grade 4 (grade C) or Functional Skills level 2 and you must be employed in the correct job role to provide evidence for a portfolio of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.

This apprenticeship aligns with: Department for Education for Full and relevant at Level 3. To count within the ratios at level 3, staff holding an Early Years Educator qualification must also have achieved a suitable level 2 qualification in English.

Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

It is important to be aware that an apprentice is a employed role so the hiring employer may have additional criteria that will have to be met alongside CRC’s entry criteria.

Your next steps...

Upon achievement of this qualification learners will gain their licence to practise and it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators. Learners can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:

• Assistant in Children's Centres• Practitioner in day nurseries

• Practitioner in nursery schools

• Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools

• Pre-school worker

You can progress to the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner if you are in a management role.

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in early years education, with clear pathways for advancement into leadership, specialist roles, or teaching.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.