Early Years Apprenticeships & Qualifications
Early Years Practitioner and Early Years Educator
As an Early Years Practitioner or an Early Years Educator, you’ree responsible for the care, welfare and education of very young children – one of the most rewarding careers there is.
You’ll be helping to shape a child’s future by building caring and nurturing relationships to help them feel secure, confident and independent.
Your day will consist of being responsible for planning and providing play activities to help young children’s development and learning, and to help them to become ready for school.
To be a good Early Years Practitioner, you need good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team. You’ll need to be caring and nurturing, as well as patient and understanding as you could be working with children from birth to end of Reception year.
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Become a qualified Early Years Educator through Apprenticeships
Overview
On this programme you’ll learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to be an Early Years Practitioner
You’ll also gain:
-
an EYP qualification as recognised by the Department for Education such as the NCFE/CACHE L2 Diploma for the Early Years practitioner
- Functional Skills maths and English
- End Point Assessment
Length of Course
16 months
As an Early Years Educator, you will:
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Plan and supervise child initiated and adult led activities which are based around the needs and interests of each individual child
- Support children to develop numeracy and language skills through games and play
- Have key person responsibility to help ensure each child feels safe and secure
- Observe each child and shape their learning experience, reflecting their observations and assessments
- Meet the care needs of the individual child such as feeding, changing nappies and administration of medicine
- Work in partnership with other colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals to meet the individual needs of each child
With additional experience, an Early Years Educator can become the manager of an early years setting.
On this programme you’ll learn:
-
the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to be an Early Years Educator
- You’ll also gain
- A L3 EYE qualification as recognised by the Department for Education such as the NCFE/CACHE L3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
- Paediatric First Aid
- Functional Skills maths and English
- End Point Assessment
Length of programme
21 months
Overview
An Early Years Lead Practitioner (EYLP) is a proactive and highly skilled practitioner, that competently leads day-to-day practice at an organisational level but is still directly involved with the children.
As a highly skilled practitioner they are influential in the delivery of the care, learning and development of young children, adapting practice to meet individual needs providing an inclusive and holistic provision.
On this programme you’ll learn:
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To promote the health and well-being of all children, self-regulation and resilience
- to provide playful, sensitive interaction opportunities that reflect children’s needs, interests and motivations in order to facilitate and extend deep level learning
- to participate in and lead daily routines and practice, including children’s’ personal care and play and maintaining the physical environment
- to be an effective key person and advocate for the child, supporting the child’s developmental, emotional and daily needs within a secure and caring relationship
Length of programme
24 months
Explore career opportunities in Early Years
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Frequently asked questions
These apprenticeships are ideal for individuals who:
- Have a genuine passion for working with children.
- Are patient, caring, and have good communication skills.
- Are over 16 years old (some employers may prefer candidates who are 18 or older).
- Want to gain practical experience while studying.
- Don’t want to follow the traditional university route.
- May already be working in childcare and want to formalise their qualifications.
There are several benefits to choosing a childcare apprenticeship, including:
- Earning while learning: While gaining valuable experience and qualifications, you’ll also be paid a wage.
- On-the-job training: You'll work alongside experienced professionals, developing practical skills for real-life scenarios.
- Industry-recognised qualifications: Achieving a childcare qualification can lead to more career opportunities and progression.
- No tuition fees: Apprenticeships are funded, meaning you won’t have to worry about paying for courses.
- Career progression: Childcare apprenticeships can lead to further qualifications and specialised roles within the sector such as manager.
At different apprenticeship levels, you can earn the following:
- Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner – for entry-level roles in childcare.
- Level 3 Early Years Educator – qualifies you to work unsupervised in childcare settings.
- Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4 and above) – for those wanting to move into senior or managerial roles within early years settings.
Typically, a Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship takes around 12 to 18 months, while a Level 3 Apprenticeship takes approximately 18 to 24 months. Higher apprenticeships may take up to 2 years, depending on the level and part-time/full-time nature of the role.
Completing an apprenticeship in Early Years can open the door to various careers, including:
- Nursery assistant/nursery practitioner
- Early years educator
- Childminder
- Teaching assistant
- Supervisor in a childcare setting
- Early years centre manager (with further training)
- SEN (Special Educational Needs) support worker
- Playgroup leader
As an apprentice, you’ll be involved in a variety of tasks, including:
- Supporting children’s learning and development through play and structured activities.
- Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the children in your care.
- Building positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
- Observing children’s progress and contributing to assessments.
- Helping with daily routines such as meal times, nap times, and hygiene practices.
- Engaging in team activities, planning, and setting up activities for children.
- Completing coursework and attending classroom sessions with your tutors.
Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
Company
Salary £11980.80 per year
Apprentice Practitioner Apples & Pears
Company
Salary £13312.00 per year
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