In the dynamic world of early years education, finding dedicated and passionate staff is challenging but crucial.
Early Years apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to nurture homegrown talent and ensure high-quality care and education for children.
With funded childcare for working parents increasing to 30 hours per week from September 2025, now is the perfect time to invest in apprenticeships to build and upskill your team, strengthen your business and secure its future success.
Cost-effective training and development
Apprenticeships are largely funded by the government and the apprenticeship levy, reducing your financial burden. Investing in apprentices is a long-term strategy to nurture valuable, loyal members of your team, reducing turnover and recruitment costs.
Practical experience
Early Years apprentices are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours per week employed in the workplace, gaining direct experience under the guidance of your team. You can shape their training and development to meet the specific needs of your nursery, ensuring they are well-versed in your practices and values from the start.
Address staffing challenges
A survey by the Early Years Alliance found that over 75% of early years settings struggled to recruit staff in the past year. Hiring apprentices means investing in individuals keen to grow within your organisation, which reduces staff turnover and creates a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to step into senior roles.
Clear pathways for progression
Early Years apprenticeships provide structured progression routes, allowing you to upskill staff at different levels:
- Early Years Practitioner (Level 2) – A 15-month programme (12-month practical period + 3-month End Point Assessment) for entry-level staff. Apprentices achieve the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma and Early Years Practitioner Standard
- Early Years Educator (Level 3) – A 21-month programme (18-month practical period + 3-month End Point Assessment) for staff already in Key Person roles with knowledge of the EYFS. This supports the delivery of high-quality care and early education
- Early Years Lead Practitioner (Level 5) – A 23-month programme (18-month practical period + 5-month End Point Assessment) designed for experienced staff. Learners work directly with the children leading day-to-day practice at an operational level.
Invest in Your Future
By hiring Early Years apprentices, you can address recruitment challenges while building a skilled, motivated workforce through cost-effective training. Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity to develop expertise, enhance your team’s capabilities, and ensure long-term business success.
Now is the time to explore Early Years apprenticeships and see how they can take your business to the next level.
