Level 3
Early Years Educator, Apprenticeship
Level 3
Early Years Educator, Apprenticeship
Start a rewarding career supporting young children to learn, develop, and thrive. This apprenticeship combines paid employment with professional training, giving you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become a qualified Early Years Educator in a real childcare setting.
Course Overview
If you're passionate about helping children learn through play and supporting their early development, this apprenticeship provides the perfect route into the early years sector. Combining paid employment with college-based learning, you'll gain practical experience while developing the knowledge and professional skills needed to become a qualified Early Years Educator.
Working alongside experienced practitioners in a nursery or early years setting, you will learn how to create safe, stimulating, and inclusive environments where children can flourish. You'll develop an understanding of child development, safeguarding, planning engaging learning experiences, and supporting children's social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
You will attend college one day each week, where you'll be taught by experienced education professionals with extensive knowledge of the early years sector. As a Weston College apprentice, you will also become a member of our Education Career Excellence Hub, benefiting from employer partnerships, guest speakers, industry workshops, and networking opportunities with schools, nurseries, and childcare providers across the region.
The combination of workplace experience and expert teaching ensures you graduate with the practical skills and professional confidence employers are looking for.
What will I study?
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to work successfully as an Early Years Educator.
Topics include:
• Child development • Child and young person development • Safeguarding children and promoting welfare • Supporting positive behaviour • Planning and delivering engaging learning activities • Observation, assessment, and record keeping • Partnership working with families and professionals • Health, safety, and creating positive learning environments • Practical care and daily routines • Equality, diversity, and inclusive practice • Professional practice within early years settings
During the apprenticeship, you will also complete:
• Paediatric First Aid training • Functional Skills in English and maths where required
Your workplace experience will allow you to apply your learning every day while developing confidence working directly with children.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the apprenticeship and concludes with an End-Point Assessment.
Assessment includes:
• Workplace observation • Professional discussion • Knowledge test • Practical workplace assessments • Portfolio of evidence • Regular progress reviews with your assessor
Your assessor will work closely with both you and your employer to support your development throughout the programme.
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Paid employment while completing your qualification • Membership of Weston College's Education Career Excellence Hub • One day per week of specialist college-based learning • Training from experienced early years professionals • Guest lectures and employer workshops • Partnerships with local nurseries, schools, and childcare providers • Career planning and progression support • Opportunities to build professional networks across the education sector The combination of college learning and workplace experience provides an excellent foundation for a long and rewarding career working with children.
Entry Requirements
• A relevant Level 2 Early Years qualification • English and maths at Level 1
You must also:
• Be employed in a relevant early years setting • Complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as required by your employer • Be committed to completing Functional Skills at Level 2 and Paediatric First Aid during the apprenticeship where required
If you are not currently employed, Weston College can provide advice and support to help you find a suitable apprenticeship opportunity.
What can I do after this course?
Successful completion of this apprenticeship qualifies you to work in a range of early years settings.
Career opportunities include:
• Early Years Educator • Nursery Practitioner • Preschool Practitioner • Childcare Practitioner • Nursery Room Leader (with experience) • Childminder • Teaching Assistant (with additional qualifications) • Family Support Worker
You could also progress to higher education, including:
• BA (Hons) Early Years at University Centre Weston • BA (Hons) Education, Society and Childhood at University Centre Weston • BA (Hons) SEND and Inclusive Practice at University Centre Weston • Higher apprenticeships within education and childcare
This qualification provides an excellent foundation for progressing into teaching, education leadership, or specialist roles supporting children's development.
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.
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Full Fee: £0.00 ?
Supported Fee: £0.00
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