Level 3 Early Years Educator assessment updates: what employers need to know

The assessment approach for the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship is becoming more flexible, allowing some assessment activities to take place during the apprenticeship rather than all assessment being concentrated at end-point assessment. 

For employers, that means apprentices can demonstrate competence throughout their programme through established methods such as observation, questioning and professional discussion. Some assessment can now be delivered and quality assured by the training provider during the 

 apprenticeship, reducing the volume concentrated at gateway and creating a more integrated assessment journey. 

What do the changes mean for employers? 

The revised model is designed to make assessment more flexible and better integrated with learning in the workplace. 

Rather than completing all assessment after gateway, apprentices can evidence how they apply their knowledge, skills and behaviours during the programme while supporting children's development, working with families and colleagues, and delivering high-quality early years education. 

This gives employers clearer visibility of competence as it develops and reduces the amount of assessment concentrated at the end of the apprenticeship. 

Why this already aligns with Total People's approach 

At Total People, we've always focused on workplace learning and practical application, so these changes fit naturally with the way we already deliver the apprenticeship. 

84% of Total People Early Years Educator apprentices achieve a distinction grade 

Through regular Learning Coach contact, workplace observations and continuous assessment, we help apprentices develop the confidence and competence needed to succeed. 

1. Regular Learning Coach support 

Every apprentice is supported by a dedicated Learning Coach who maintains regular contact at least every four weeks through progress reviews, coaching and support sessions. This helps keep learning on track, provides tailored support and gives employers clear visibility of progress and achievement. 

2. Face-to-face workplace observations 

Apprentices also receive face-to-face workplace observations throughout their apprenticeship. These enable Learning Coaches to assess practice in real-world settings, provide tailored feedback and support continuous development. 

3. Continuous assessment throughout the journey 

Learning and assessment don't only happen at the end of the programme. Apprentices continually build and evidence their knowledge, skills and behaviours, helping employers see the impact of their development from day one. 

4. Learning linked directly to the workplace 

Everything apprentices learn is connected to their role and the children they support. From planning activities and supporting development to safeguarding and working with families, learning is immediately applied in the setting. 

This means apprentices can add value throughout their apprenticeship while developing the skills needed to become confident early years educators. 

Building a stronger early years workforce 

The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship remains one of the most effective ways to develop skilled practitioners and strengthen your workforce. 

The updated approach allows competence to be evidenced throughout the programme, reducing the amount of assessment concentrated at gateway while maintaining a clear focus on high-quality care and education in a real early years setting. 

With regular Learning Coach contact, workplace observations and continuous development built into our delivery model, Total People is well placed to help employers and apprentices succeed under the more flexible assessment approach. 

How Total People can help 

Whether you're recruiting a new apprentice or developing existing staff, Total People can support you every step of the way. 

Our experienced Early Years team works closely with employers to ensure apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make a positive impact in your setting and achieve their apprenticeship. 

Get in touch to find out how a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship can help you develop and retain talented early years professionals. 

 

*Total People 2025/26 EPA data