Course Overview
From April 2024, we are excited to be providing the new Standard for the Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship. One of the key changes is that there is no mandatory Diploma in the new Standard. A Full and Relevant Level 3 qualification as required by Ofsted, is awarded to the apprentice once a passing grade has been achieved at the End-Point Assessment. Early Years Educators are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. 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 Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.
What will I learn?
For the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard you will learn how to:
- Plan and supervise children-initiated and adult-led activities which are based on the needs and interests of each individual child.
- Promote communication in social interaction and relationships.
- Support children to develop numeracy and language skills through games and play.
- Have key personal responsibility to help ensure each child feels safe and secure, knowing how and when to record concerns.
- Observe each child and shape their learning experience to reflect your observations.
- Provide respectful and sensitive care needs of the individual child such as feeding, changing nappies and administration of medicine.
- Work in partnership with other colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals to meet the individual needs of each child.
- Carry out risk assessments to ensure you, the children and others are kept safe. Balance risk and benefits in your day-to-day work.
- Support children to manage planned and unexpected changes in their lives.
- Reflect on your practice and explain how this informs your development needs.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
The Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that make up the Apprenticeship Standard will be assessed during your apprenticeship through direct observation of your practice in your workplace by your assessor, manager and peers, as well as through written assignments, professional discussions, producing leaflets and newsletters, and gathering workplace evidence.
The Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours link to these themes:
- Risk management
- Key person and attachment
- Learning and development
- Environments
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Safeguarding
- Relationships
- Continuous professional development
To complete your apprenticeship, you will have an End Point Assessment (EPA) carried out by an Independent Assessor. The End Point Assessment is made up of an observation of you in the workplace with questions (50 minutes for the observation, 30 minutes questions), and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence (90 minutes).
You will also need to achieve a qualification in Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid with your employer. If you already hold one of these, it must be in date when you do your End Point Assessment, otherwise you will need to re-qualify.
The Apprenticeship will be awarded once a passing grade has been achieved at End Point Assessment, this is a Full and Relevant Level 3 qualification as required by Ofsted.
Entry Requirements
Apprentices who do not hold maths and English at Level 2 or GCSE Grade 4 (C) will need to complete them as Functional Skills qualifications prior to beginning their End Point Assessment.
You must have secured a position with an employer and be ready to start working with them before you can begin your apprenticeship course.
If you already have an employer and they have agreed to put you through an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship team and we'll get you started. Email apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 0845 345 2235.
Additional Costs and Information
There are no additional costs incurred as part of this apprenticeship.
The duration of the apprenticeship is 18 months; however it can be completed after 12 months providing the apprentice can clearly demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours required for End Point Assessment.
