Early Years Educator | Level 3

Highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.

Course overview

Early Years Educators are essential figures in early childhood education, operating within a diverse range of settings such as daycares, preschools, and playgroups. Their primary goal is to provide high-quality education and care to children aged from birth to 5 years old, in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework mandated by the government. This framework outlines standards for learning, development, and care, ensuring a consistent and evidence-based approach to early childhood education.

In their daily interactions, Early Years Educators engage with children, parents, colleagues, and professionals from various backgrounds. They are particularly focused on supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), aiming to create inclusive environments that foster the development of all children. Their work is grounded in principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion, which they integrate into their teaching practices to ensure every child feels valued and supported.

Central to their role is the creation of safe and nurturing learning environments that cater to the individual needs of each child. Early Years Educators utilise play-based learning methods, recognising the critical role of play in early childhood development. They employ the observation, assessment, and planning cycle to monitor children's progress and tailor their approach, accordingly, providing personalised care and support. Additionally, they often serve as key persons for individual children, establishing strong relationships with both children and their families to ensure continuity of care and support.

The learner journey

1. 18 months on-programme – This is when the individual will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours which will support them for their End-Point Assessment. The learner could partake in a combination of activities, such as classroom based sessions, mentoring, shadowing, bespoke resources and off-site visits in order to support their learning and development.

You will be required to spend at least six hours a week on off-the-job training in order to meet the course requirements.

2. Gateway – After the 18 months teaching and learning, you, your training provider and the learner will review the learners journey and decide whether it is the right time for the on-programme assessment.

3. End-Point Assessment – This is when your learner will need to demonstrate they have learnt the required knowledge, skills and behaviours, through an on demand knowledge test, a professional discussion, practical observation and business project.

Eligibility

Those with an annual wage bill of less than £3m do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Instead, 95% of each apprenticeship is funded by the government whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer to enhance the skills of their employee.

Employers are also be eligible for a £1000 incentive payment if the apprentice is aged 16–18.
Employers with less than 50 employees and where the apprentice is aged 16–18, the government will fund 100% of the apprentice and are eligible for a £1000 incentive payment.
Employers with those aged 19+ the government will continue to fund 95% of the apprenticeship programme whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer.

Businesses can manage this through the Apprenticeship Service online account.