Early Years Educator Level 3

An Early Years Educator plans and supervises both child-initiated and adult-led activities tailored to the needs and interests of each child. They support children in developing numeracy and language skills through play, take key person responsibility to ensure each child feels safe and secure, and observe progress to shape individual learning experiences. They also meet care needs such as feeding, changing, and administering medicine, and work closely with colleagues, parents, carers, and other professionals to meet each child’s needs. With experience, an Early Years Educator can progress to managing an early years setting.

Learning will be built around the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the apprenticeship standard. Examples include:

Behaviours

• Care and compassion.
• Being team-focused.
• Honesty, trust, and integrity.
• Commitment.
• Working in a non-discriminatory way.
• Ensuring working practices take into account fundamental British values.

Knowledge and Understanding

• Expected patterns of development and the importance of holistic development.
• The significance of attachment and how to promote this.
• Theories and philosophical approaches to how children learn and develop.
• The transitions children experience and how these can affect them.
• Promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Phonics, early literacy, and mathematics.
• The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Supporting children with additional learning needs.
• Continuing professional development.
• Relevant legislation.
• Health and wellbeing.
• Managing accidents, injuries, and emergencies.
• Safeguarding and child protection.
• Infection prevention and control.

Skills

• Explain how children develop.
• Promote equality and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Plan and lead activities that support learning and development.
• Provide appropriate learning experiences and environments.
• Encourage children to participate while promoting their independence.
• Extend children’s learning and thinking.
• Support speech, language, and communication development.
• Support children’s group learning and socialisation.
• Model and promote positive behaviour.
• Meet additional needs where identified.
• Observe and monitor children, identifying their needs, interests, and stages of development.
• Work in partnership with parents, key persons, and colleagues.
• Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.
• Plan and carry out age-appropriate physical care routines.
• Promote healthy lifestyles.
• Undertake tasks to prevent and control infection.
• Carry out risk assessments and apply risk management techniques.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Identify and act upon responsibilities in relation to health and safety, security, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

A blend of on-the-job and academic learning

Most learning is on-the-job, guided by your employer and Instructor-Mentor. You will attend Buxton Campus every 6-8 weeks and receive regular workplace visits from your Instructor-Mentor for observations, professional discussions, and progress reviews.

How you are assessed

The Apprenticeship Assessment is the final stage of every apprenticeship. It checks overall competence, not just individual tasks, and gives apprentices the chance to demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) they have developed. For this apprenticeship, there are two elements: an observation in the workplace by an independent assessor, followed by questions and a professional discussion based on the portfolio of evidence submitted by the apprentice, which is collated throughout the apprenticeship. 

• Make a real difference in children’s lives
  You’ll support young children’s learning, development, and wellbeing in nursery, preschool, reception, or childminding settings—helping shape their early experiences. 

• Gain a respected qualification
  Completing this apprenticeship gives you a Level 3 qualification, First Aid training, and improves English & Maths where needed. It’s recognised in the sector and builds your credibility.

• Diverse work settings and responsibilities
  You’ll work in a variety of settings (nurseries, preschools, full-day care, as a childminder) and take on tasks like planning activities, observing children, meeting personal care needs, and being the key person for children. 

• Pathways for progression
  After this apprenticeship, there are further opportunities — you can move into senior early years roles, management, or further qualifications.

We require learners to have a minimum of four Grade 4 or above GCSEs, including Maths and English. 

Additionally;

• You will need to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the application. Applicants will be supported to complete this. 
• You must have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for at least the past three years.
• As this is an apprenticeship, you will also require suitable employment to undertake the programme.

Apprenticeships are funded by either the employer or the government; apprentices do not pay for their training.

Contact us

FE & Skills Apprenticeship Team

• Email: feapprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: 0800 074 0099