Level 3 Early Years Educator

The Level 3 Early Years Educator is designed for apprentices who want to further develop their skills, knowledge, and behaviours for roles such as Early Years Educators, nursery nurses, and childminders. These professionals play a key role in ensuring that young children learn, develop well, and are kept healthy and safe.

Activities Covered

• Plans and supervises child-initiated and adult-led activities based on the needs and interests of each child.
• Supports children to develop numeracy and language skills through games and play.
• Has key person responsibility to ensure each child feels safe and secure.
• Observes each child and shapes their learning experience based on observations.
• Meets the care needs of each child, such as feeding, changing nappies, and administering medicine.
• Works in partnership with colleagues, parents/carers, and other professionals to meet individual needs.
• With additional experience, can become the manager of an early years setting.

Learning Hours

The approximate learning duration is 18 months, with 3 months at the end to complete the End-Point Assessment. There is an average of 6 hours per week off-the-job learning, within the minimum requirement to complete 20% off-the-job training during working hours.

Apprenticeship Delivery

For those undertaking an apprenticeship route, the additional components will be delivered alongside the core qualification:

• Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths
• A valid first aid certification (either a Full Paediatric First Aid course or an Emergency Paediatric First Aid course) is required as part of the gateway submission.