Early Years Educator (Level 3 Standard)

Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, preschools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work in nurseries, pre-schools, or reception classes while attending college one day per week. They take on more responsibility than Level 2 practitioners with tasks such as planning activities, observing development, and leading learning sessions to support children’s growth and wellbeing.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers child development, safeguarding, play-based learning, health and safety, and inclusive practice. Apprentices also learn to work within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, support children with special educational needs, and communicate effectively with families and professionals.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in areas such as speech and language support, outdoor learning, or SEND provision. Employers may offer additional training in early intervention, child psychology, or leadership skills depending on the setting and role.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 24 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles such as room leader, nursery nurse, or early years educator; with progression into teaching assistant roles, or degree-level study in early childhood education.

For a comprehensive understanding of this early years programme and what it entails, please click here. 

This childcare Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day release basis once a week. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer. You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this childcare Apprenticeship will take 2 years to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk