Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

Build a Skilled, Confident and Compliant Early Years Team

Invest in the future of your early years provision by developing staff who deliver high-quality care, support early development, and meet national standards. This apprenticeship equips learners with essential knowledge and practical skills aligned to the EYFS framework— ideal for nurseries, early years settings, and childminders.

Key Information

Level 3 Apprenticeship (equivalent to two A Levels)
Duration: 18 months (plus 3 months for End Point Assessment (EPA)
Start Dates: Monthly intakes available
Funding: 100% fully funded through the Government Apprenticeship Levy or Levy Transfer
Delivery: Blended learning (online study + face-to-face observations as needed)
Assessment: Ongoing evaluations, workplace observations, and final EPA

Role overview

A Safeguarding Support Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring individuals live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. As a first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, they apply legislative knowledge, prioritise cases, and contribute to fostering a strong safeguarding culture within their organisation. This apprenticeship provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to excel in safeguarding roles across various sectors.

Why offer this Apprenticeship?

Boost in-house safeguarding capability
Ensure compliance with legal duties (e.g. Children Act, Care Act)
Upskill staff with structured, funded training
Strengthen succession planning and internal promotion
Reduce risk and protect organisational reputation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will:

Understand child development and early learning
Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities using the EYFS framework
Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
Maintain safe, inclusive, and stimulating environments
Build strong relationships with children, families, and professionals
Apply safeguarding, health and safety, and equality procedures
Reflect on their own practice and contribute to continuous improvement

Module breakdown

Months 1 - 3

Induction & Initial Training

Introduction to the apprenticeship
Child development, safeguarding, and health & safety fundamentals

Months 4 - 6

Core Skills Development

EYFS framework
Communication techniques and interaction
Supervising play and daily routines

Months 7 - 9

Specialised Training

Inclusive practice and SEND awareness
Observation and assessment of child development

Months 10 - 12

Applied Practice

Embedding learning in real settings
Reflective practice
Collaboration with families and external professionals

Months 13 - 15

EPA Preparation

Module reviews and consolidation
Mock assessments and workshops

Months 16 - 18

End-Point Assessment & Completion

Practical observation
Professional discussion
Portfolio submission

Delivery and assessment

Blended delivery: A mix of on-the-job learning and remote training sessions
Regular reviews with employers and training providers
End-Point Assessment: Includes observation, a professional discussion and work portfolio review

Training is delivered flexibly to fit around your operational needs.

Ideal Candidates

This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals who:

Are starting or developing a career in early years education
Work directly with children from birth to 5 years old
Support learning and development in nurseries, pre-schools, or childminding settings
Have potential to progress into lead practitioner or management roles

Typical job titles

Early Years Educator
Nursery Practitioner
Nursery Assistant
Childminder Assistant
Pre-School Assistant

Applicable Sectors

The Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is relevant for organisations operating in:

Private and public sector nurseries
Early years and childcare providers
Pre-schools and children’s centres
Schools with reception or nursery provision
Childminding networks and home-based childcare
Social enterprises and community childcare services

Business impact

Maintain high-quality, compliant childcare provision
Adapt to changes in early years funding and ratios
Boost team capability and morale with professional development
Reduce recruitment costs through internal talent pipelines
Improve Ofsted readiness through robust, well-trained staff
Demonstrate commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and early learning outcomes

Next Steps

Interested in enrolling your staff?

Enquire now with the form below, or for further information

Speak to our Apprenticeship Team: apprenticeships@etraining-uk.com

Let’s discuss how this apprenticeship can support your organisation