Level 3 early years educator apprenticeship
Develop the skills to deliver high-quality early years education
The level 3 early years educator apprenticeship is designed for professionals working with babies and young children, supporting their learning, development, and wellbeing in a variety of early years settings. Building on existing skills, this programme enables practitioners to lead purposeful play, deliver educational programmes, and ensure every child thrives in a safe, nurturing environment.
Delivered nationally by Skern Skills, the programme blends hands-on learning, expert teaching, and flexible delivery — developing confident, reflective practitioners ready to take on greater responsibility within their setting.
During this apprenticeship learners will:
- Plan and supervise child-initiated and adult-led activities.
- Support children’s development of speech, language, and communication.
- Encourage children’s numeracy and literacy through play-based learning.
- Observe and assess progress to shape individual learning experiences.
- Promote children’s health, safety, and wellbeing.
- Work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
- Support children with additional needs through inclusive practice.
Core Knowledge Areas
- Key child development theories and research
- How children learn through play, interaction, and experience
- Factors influencing development and behaviour
- Statutory frameworks, including the EYFS
- The purpose and structure of early years curricula
- Links between early learning and later outcomes
- Legal and ethical principles of inclusive practice
- Understanding a range of additional needs and disabilities
- The impact of inclusive environments on development
- Safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance
- Duty of care, accountability, and ethical practice
- Understanding risk, resilience, and wellbeing
- The role of parents, carers, and wider professionals
- Principles of multi-agency collaboration
- Understanding individual development pathways and early intervention
Key Skills
Learning and development leadership
- Plan and supervise engaging learning experiences tailored to individual children.
- Balance structured learning with child-led exploration and play.
Communication and observation
- Support children’s speech, language, and communication skills.
- Observe, record, and adapt learning plans to meet developmental goals.
Inclusive and safe practice
- Safeguard all children and manage risks effectively.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of care.
Professional relationships and reflection
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Reflect on practice and continue professional growth to improve outcomes.
Programme Details
This apprenticeship will typically take 18 months.
- Must be working with key children or have/develop responsibilities in this area.
- Actively involved in or aspiring to lead day-to-day practice in an early years setting.
- GCSE Grade 2 in English and Maths (or equivalent).
- Learners must achieve Functional Skills Level 2 (GCSE grade 4 equivalent) before completion.
On completion, apprentices will:
- Demonstrate leadership and confidence in early years practice.
- Support every child’s learning, wellbeing, and development.
- Achieve the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard.
- Complete value-adding courses:
- Safeguarding
- Paediatric First Aid
- Safeguarding
For Employers
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Develop skilled, confident Early Years Educators capable of leading practice.
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Improve the quality and consistency of education and care in your setting.
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Strengthen safeguarding, inclusion, and professional standards.
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Support workforce development and succession planning in early years education.
Why choose Skern?
At Skern Skills, we are passionate about helping individuals and organisations achieve their full potential through high-quality training and real-world learning. Our approach is built around understanding each employer’s goals and culture, ensuring every programme delivers meaningful impact. By combining expert delivery, flexible learning models, and a highly supportive partnership approach, we help apprentices grow in confidence, capability, and professionalism.
- Tailored learning – adapted to your organisation
- Experienced trainers – early years specialists
- Flexible delivery – on-site, online, and blended
- Experiential learning – optional residential programmes
- Supportive approach – close employer partnership
Funding
This apprenticeship can be fully funded through your Apprenticeship Levy Account if you are a Levy-paying employer.
If you are a Non-Levy paying employer, the government will fund 95% of the total cost, with the employer contributing the remaining 5%.
However, for apprentices aged 16 to 21, the government will fully fund 100% of the cost, with no employer contribution required.
Additionally, Skern can support you in identifying and applying for Levy Transfer funds, which can cover the full cost for other age groups—making the apprenticeship 100% fully funded for all eligible learners.
Register your interest
