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National College of Education

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

  • Ofsted Good Provider
  • Cyber Essentials Certified
  • CMI Outstanding Training Provider of the Year
  • Training Qualifications UK
Includes Optional First Aid & L2 SEND Course

Next cohort deadline

1 September 2026

Applications close, fixed cohort

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Explore this apprenticeship

Jump to what matters most.

OverviewCurriculumBenefitsCost & fundingEligibilityProgressionFAQs

The essentials

The apprenticeship at a glance

Level

3

Duration

14 months + EPA (up to 3 months)

Delivery

Blended learning

Assessment

Observation with questions

Funding

£7,000

Next cohort

1 September 2026

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 Professional Learning Mentor          and workplace mentor throughout the programme
  • A minimum of six hours per week of protected off-the-job learning, recorded in Aptem
  • Optional Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Course  (12 hours, meets Ofsted requirements)
  • 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.

The delivery model is deliberately flexible for busy settings. Self-paced 'Spotlight Sessions' are complemented by quarterly  'Ask the Expert' podcasts and a named Professional Learning Mentor (PLM) across the full apprenticeship. Two optional add-ons, Paediatric First Aid and a Level 2 SEND certificate, build extra depth without extending the timeline.

Apprenticeship architecture

What will you learn?

01

Foundations, safeguarding and welfare (months 1–4)

Apprenticeship induction, career information and reflective practice; safeguarding in the early years; health, safety and risk management; children's wellbeing, resilience and rights through respectful care.

02

Learning, development and the EYFS (months 5–8)

Learning and development across the early years; transitions and significant events; the EYFS in practice and the role of the key person; theories and approaches that underpin early years practice. Optional Paediatric First Aid and Level 2 SEND add-ons available from month 6.

03

Play, environment and inclusion (months 9–12)

The importance of play and social interaction; enabling environments and daily routines; observation, assessment and planning; EDI and the inclusion of all children.

04

Professional practice and EPA (months 13–14)

Building effective, professional and collaborative relationships; evidencing reflective practice and CPD; gateway and preparation for End-Point Assessment.

05

Optional: Level 3 Paediatric First Aid (FRFA)

A 12-hour course delivered by our sister company First Response First Aid, meets Ofsted requirements and gives a three-year certification.

06

Optional: Level 2 TQUK SEND Certificate

A 12-week SEND add-on accredited by TQUK, available to learners from month 6, developing knowledge of SEND, inclusive practice and relevant legal frameworks.

Grow your people. Strengthen your organisation.

Book a consultation

Why 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.

Optional Paediatric First Aid built in

A 12-hour course delivered by our sister company First Response First Aid, meets Ofsted requirements and gives a three-year certification.

Consistent, evidence-based practice

A shared professional framework across the team lifts practice for every child in your setting.

£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?

£7,000 fully funded through the employer's Apprenticeship Levy, £0 to the learner for training, assessment or optional add-on qualifications.

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 call

Am I in?

Am I eligible?

Not sure? Ask our team

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.

ApprenticeshipLevelDurationWho it's forQualificationFunding
Early Years EducatorThis pageLevel 314m + EPAPractitioners working with children 0–5Early Years Educator (ST0135)£7,000
Teaching AssistantLevel 313m + EPATAs in primary, secondary and special schoolsTeaching Assistant£5,000
Specialist Teaching AssistantLevel 518m + EPAExperienced TAs specialising in SEND / interventionSpecialist Teaching Assistant£12,000
Safeguarding SupportLevel 313m + EPADSLs, safeguarding officers and pastoral staffSafeguarding Support (ST1030)£5,000

Progression ladder

Your journey through the Early Years Educator  

  1. 1

    Step 1

    During the apprenticeship

    Build a portfolio of high-quality practice, take on wider responsibilities and, if selected, complete Paediatric First Aid and Level 2 SEND certification.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Immediately after

    Count in the Level 3 EYFS ratios; move into room leader, senior practitioner or specialist SEND support roles.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Long-term

    Progress to Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner, into initial teacher training, or into setting leadership and management.

Next steps

Specialist Teaching Assistant Safeguarding Support

Still wondering?

Frequently asked questions about the Early Years Educator  .

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.

0333 123 4567 hello@nationaleducation.collegeMon–Fri, 9am–5pm