Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

• Assist in planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate activities
• Promote learning through play in line with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework
• Create a safe and stimulating environment
• Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming learning spaces
• Follow safeguarding and health & safety procedures at all times
• Observe and monitor children's progress
• Record observations and contribute to assessments and development plans
• Share relevant information with senior staff and parents as needed
• Promote positive behaviour and social skills
• Encourage kindness, sharing, and respectful behaviour
• Use positive reinforcement and model appropriate conduct
• Assist with daily routines
• Support children during mealtimes, toileting, dressing, and nap times
• Help establish consistent routines for comfort and stability
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and parents
• Communicate effectively with team members, children, and families
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and follow data protection policies
• Follow nursery/setting policies and procedures
• Adhere to guidelines for safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and diversity
• Support in ensuring the setting meets regulatory and quality standards

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard.

Completing a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the Early Years sector. With this qualification, individuals become fully qualified practitioners, capable of working independently with children in nurseries, preschools, and reception classes.

As they gain experience, they may progress into more senior roles such as:

• Senior Practitioner or Room Leader - overseeing a team within a room, leading planning and observation, and supporting less experienced colleagues
• Deputy Nursery Manager - supporting the nursery manager in daily operations, compliance, safeguarding, and staff development
• Nursery Manager - leading the entire nursery setting, ensuring high standards of care and education, team performance, and regulatory compliance

To support continued growth, NextStep Training offers the following advanced qualifications within Early Years.

Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner:

• Ideal for those who want to specialise in areas such as SEND, safeguarding, or early language development. This course enhances practice and supports progression into leadership

Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner:

• Designed for experienced practitioners ready to take on leadership roles within their settings. It focusses on leading day-to-day practice, mentoring staff, and contributing to strategy and curriculum development

Both qualifications can be delivered flexibly, either online or in-person, and include dedicated support from our experienced tutors and safeguarding officers.

Further progression can include:

• Moving into school-based roles such as Teaching Assistant or SEND Support
• Becoming a Trainer, Assessor, or Mentor for apprentices
• Pursuing a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies, leading towards Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Our structured training and support ensure that every apprentice has a clear and achievable pathway to long-term success in the Early Years sector.

NextStep Training is a supportive, forward‑thinking apprenticeship provider rooted in London. We take pride in celebrating the rich diversity of our community, and we actively promote equality, inclusion, and respect throughout everything we do.
Our approach is rooted in delivering high‑quality training and placements where every apprentice feels guided, valued, confident, and empowered to thrive. We believe that starting a career is a transformative stage of life, and we are committed to helping individuals build skills, ambition, and a strong foundation for long‑term professional success.
Apprentices who progress through NextStep Training are well‑prepared for their future roles and beyond. We maintain close partnerships with trusted local employers — across early years, care, hospitality and more — and deliver excellent training aligned with industry standards and apprenticeship frameworks. This ensures that every apprentice develops the practical skills, knowledge and personal confidence they need to step into their career and make a real difference.
At NextStep Training, we are more than a training provider; we are a growing community where every learner is invested in, every employer is a valued partner, and every day is an opportunity to develop, excel, and build a bright future.