Level
3
Duration
14 months
Delivery
Blended learning
Assessment
Integrated apprenticeship assessment
Funding
£7,000
Next cohort
2026/27 rolling intakes
Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
Early Years Educator
Build a rewarding career supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing with the reformed Level 3 standard.
Quality assured by
Includes
Optional
L2 SEND
Certificate
Now enrolling
2026/27 rolling intakes
Register your interest to agree a start date for your setting
Explore this apprenticeship
Jump to what matters most.
The essentials
The apprenticeship at a glance
What will I learn?
- Plan and provide high-quality early education and care for children from birth to five
- Apply the EYFS statutory framework and support children across the seven areas of learning
- Apply safeguarding, health and safety and risk-management practices within your setting
- Support children’s speech, language, communication and early literacy development
- Observe, assess and plan learning experiences around each child’s needs, interests and development
- Work collaboratively with parents, carers, colleagues and other professionals to support each child
How is it delivered?
- Flexible Spotlight Sessions and self-paced digital learning, supported by Quarterly 'Ask the Expert' podcasts and personalised coaching
- Practical, role-focused learning through the PRIME Learning Model, connecting learning to real-world application, inclusion and impact
- Dedicated support from a named Development Coach and workplace mentor throughout the programme
- Protected off-the-job learning during paid working hours, recorded in Aptem; the minimum requirement for the reformed standard is awaiting confirmation
- A suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification is required for programme completion; detailed arrangements are awaiting approval
- Optional Level 2 TQUK (SEND) Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Certificate (12-week course, From month 6)
Who is it for?
- Early years practitioners looking to progress their career
- Nursery and childcare assistants developing their professional practice
- Early years staff working towards a Level 3 qualification
- Teaching assistants working in Reception or nursery settings
- Those entering the early years sector and employed in a suitable role
- Existing practitioners looking to progress into roles with greater responsibility
What do I need?
- A suitable role in an early years setting where you can apply your learning and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required
- Level 2 English or equivalent required; Functional Skills English can be completed as part of the apprenticeship if needed. Maths requirements apply depending on age and existing qualifications
- The appropriate DBS clearance for your role and setting
- Right to work in the UK and meet the eligibility requirements for apprenticeship funding
- Employer support to provide protected off-the-job learning time and opportunities to gather workplace evidence
The apprenticeship
What is the Early Years Educator Apprenticeship?
The first five years of a child's life do more to shape what follows than almost any other stage of education. Getting that stage right takes real skill, not just good intentions.
This Level 3 apprenticeship builds Early Years Educators who can support children's learning and development from birth to five, including children with SEND, with genuine confidence. Learners cover safeguarding, the EYFS framework, observation and assessment, and how to build the secure relationships children thrive on, all while working in a live setting and applying what they learn from day one.
For new starters from the 1st November 2026, apprenticeship assessment is integrated into the 14-month programme, with no separate three-month assessment period. Learners meet the relevant assessment readiness requirements and progress towards Gateway to Completion.
Self-paced learning and Flexible Spotlight Sessions, quarterly 'Ask the Expert' podcasts and personalised coaching support learners throughout the programme. Suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid is required for completion, while the Level 2 SEND certificate is optional.
Apprenticeship architecture
What will you learn?
01
Foundations — Months 1–3
Reflective Practice & CPD Safeguarding Health, Safety & Risk
Progress checkpoint: Month 3
02
The Child — Months 4–6
Wellbeing & Rights Learning & Development Transitions
Progress checkpoint: Month 6
03
Pedagogy — Months 7–9
EYFS & Key Person Theory & Practice Play & Interaction
Progress checkpoint: Month 9
04
Practice — Months 10–12
Environments & Routines Observation, Assessment & Planning EDI & Inclusion
Progress checkpoint: Month 12
05
Consolidation — Months 13–14
Professional Relationships Evidencing Reflective Practice & CPD
Progress checkpoint: Month 14
First Aid Requirements and Additional SEND Training
Mandatory first aid requirement
A suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification is a mandatory requirement for completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.
Learners who already hold a valid qualification that meets the required standard must provide their certificate for review. If it meets the requirements, they will not need to complete another first aid course during this apprenticeship.
Learners who do not hold a suitable qualification can access a course through our sister company, FRFA, at no additional cost, or choose to complete the required training with another provider, subject to the qualification meeting the relevant requirements.
The required qualification must be completed and verified before the learner can complete the apprenticeship.
Need a Paediatric First Aid qualification?
Our sister company, FRFA, offers a 12-hour Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Course that meets Ofsted requirements and equips learners with the skills to respond confidently to emergencies in early years settings.
- Receive a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification, valid for three years.
- Available at no additional cost for eligible learners who need to complete the required training through us.
Optional: Level 2 TQUK SEND Certificate
A 12-week SEND certificate accredited by TQUK, available from month 6 by agreement before enrolment. It develops SEND knowledge, inclusive practice and understanding of relevant legal frameworks.
Grow your people. Strengthen your organisation.
Book a consultationWhy invest in the Early Years Educator ? Here's what employers get when they back their team through this programme, no extra budget needed.
Up to 100% Levy-funded. Delivered around the working day. Built for real workplace impact.
Ratio-counting practitioners
Completers count in the EYFS Level 3 ratios on successful completion, easing rota, cost and compliance pressures.
Up to 100% Levy-funded
£7,000 covered from the Apprenticeship Levy. Non-levy settings pay just 5% (£350) under government co-investment.
Powered by Captiva Learning
Delivered by the National College of Education (NCE), powered by Captiva Learning, combining specialist education expertise with high-quality apprenticeship delivery.
Mandatory first aid requirement
A suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification is required for programme completion.
Retention and progression pipeline
A clear pathway to Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner through our sister company The Childcare Company, helping you retain your best early years talent and support their continued progression.
Consistent, evidence-based practice
A shared professional framework across the team lifts practice for every child in your setting.
Your role throughout the programme
Employers observe and provide evidence of the eight professional behaviours (B1–B8), contribute to progress reviews and assessment readiness discussions, and provide opportunities to apply learning and gather workplace evidence. Employers contribute to assessment readiness but do not award the final assessment grade. The employer checklist/process is in development and is not yet available. For further employer guidance, Find out more about employer responsibilities and assessment changes.
£0
cost to employer
£7,000
funded via Apprenticeship Levy
Levy transfers depend on partner availability and can't be guaranteed on every enrolment. As your training provider we'll pursue every funding route available, co-investment, transfer partnerships and incentive payments, so your workforce journey is as cost-effective as possible.
Cost & funding
How much does the Early Years Educator apprenticeship cost?
The £7,000 funding band covers apprenticeship training and assessment, up to 100% funded through the employer's Apprenticeship Levy, with £0 contribution from the learner for these. Detailed first aid costs and training arrangements are awaiting approval.
Non-levy settings access the same apprenticeship through government co-investment, the government funds 95%, leaving a 5% employer contribution (£350 on the £7,000 band). Levy transfer from a larger partner employer is also available and NCE can help identify partners.
Need help understanding the Levy? Book a callAm I in?
Am I eligible?
- A suitable role in an early years setting where you can apply your learning and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required
- Level 2 English or equivalent required. Maths requirements apply depending on age and existing qualifications
- The appropriate DBS clearance for your role and setting
- Right to work in the UK and meet the eligibility requirements for apprenticeship funding
- Employer support for your off-the-job training, giving you time to complete your learning and apply it in the workplace
- Workplace mentor identified and protected review time agreed
Where it fits
How does this compare, and where does it lead?
Side-by-side against other NCE apprenticeships, plus the progression ladder from starting point to next step.
| Apprenticeship | Level | Duration | Who it's for | Qualification | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years EducatorThis page | Level 3 | 14 months | Practitioners working with children 0–5 | Early Years Educator (ST0135) | £7,000 |
| Teaching Assistant | Level 3 | 13m + EPA | TAs in primary, secondary and special schools | Teaching Assistant | £5,000 |
| Specialist Teaching Assistant | Level 5 | 18m + EPA | Experienced TAs specialising in SEND / intervention | Specialist Teaching Assistant | £12,000 |
| Safeguarding Support | Level 3 | 13m + EPA | DSLs, safeguarding officers and pastoral staff | Safeguarding Support (ST1030) | £5,000 |
Progression ladder
Your journey through the Early Years Educator
- 1
Step 1
During the apprenticeship
Build evidence of high-quality practice and professional behaviours, develop assessment readiness and progress towards Gateway to Completion across 14 months. A suitable Level 3 Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification is required for completion; The Level 2 SEND certification is an optional course.
- 2
Step 2
Immediately after
Count in the Level 3 EYFS ratios; move into room leader, senior practitioner or specialist SEND support roles.
- 3
Step 3
Long-term
Progress to Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner, into initial teacher training, or into setting leadership and management.
Still wondering?
Frequently asked questions about the Early Years Educator .
Related programmes
Learners
Ready to apply?
Register your interest and we'll be in touch with cohort dates and next steps.
Employers
Want to talk it through?
Speak to a real person, register your interest and our employer team will work through fit, funding and cohort planning with you.
020 8221 9089 info@nationaleducation.collegeMon–Fri, 9am–5pm