LEVEL 3 EARLY YEARS EDUCATION

Duration: up to 18 months.

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Entry requirements

Relevant Level 2 qualification is preferred, but may not be a requirement depending upon previous experience in the sector.
Disclosure and Barring Service – Checked and Approved
Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their End Point Assessment.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the English and maths minimum requirements are Entry Level 3, and the British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for apprentices for whom this is their primary language.

Assessment methods

End Point Assessment (EPA)
Knowledge test
Practical Observation
Professional review on portfolio of evidence

Progression

On successful completion apprentices will be eligible for the following job roles or further studies.

Higher level qualification
Higher level apprenticeship
Progression within early years education or management

Early years educators and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children are healthy, safe and developing at a good pace. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

Workplace behaviours development

Provide the very best childcare to every child every day combined with the ability to professionally challenge poor practice
Work effectively with colleagues and other professionals
Commitment to improving the outcomes for children through inspiration and child centred care and education
Work in a non- discriminatory way, by being aware of differences

Skills and knowledge development

Know the expected patterns of children’s development from birth to 5 years, and have an understanding of further development from age 5 to 7.
Know the importance of promoting diversity, equality and inclusion, fully reflecting cultural differences and family circumstances.
Understand the legal requirements and guidance on health and safety, security, confidentiality of information, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Know safeguarding policies and procedures including child protection, recognise when a child is in danger or at risk of abuse and know how to act to protect them.

This Level 3 apprenticeship is suitable for those wishing to begin or progress their career within early years education. The benefits of becoming an early year’s educator are vast, giving individuals the opportunity to work as a valuable member of a team and to help shape the lives of children whilst offering a range of opportunities to progress within education. This standard enables career development, whilst gaining a qualification and income. Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, individuals are able to move forward with their career with the knowledge and experience they have gained.

Off-the-job training

Every apprenticeship includes off-the-job training – equivalent to one day per week. This takes place during time normally spent at work but does not include the usual daily duties and responsibilities carried out as part of their normal role. It can consist of work and tasks ranging from projects, lectures and seminars to day release, blended learning and training to use specialist equipment.

It can form part of regular weekly sessions or be combined for larger blocks of time, depending on the approach that works best for the employer.

Month 1-6

Health and safety and safeguarding
Child development
Portfolio tasks

Month 7-12

Session planning and assessment
Observation of practice

Progress monitoring
Portfolio tasks

Month 13-18

Portfolio review
End Point Assessment

Qualifications gained

Apprentices must successfully complete a Department for EducationLevel 3 Early Years Educator qualification. Please refer to the DfE website (www.gov.uk)
Apprentices must successfully complete the Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid. (RQF) or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF) to meet the EYFS requirements.