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Call us: 01784 222 300
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Send CV: cv@esfapprenticeships.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH
Our friendly, knowledgeable team are ready to chat
Call us: 01784 222 300
Email us: info@esfapprenticeships.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH
For delegates
For employers
Benefits
Course content
How will I learn?
Dates
Eligibility
FAQs
Prepare for a more senior EYFS role and gain the skills to help promote an inclusive environment in your setting
This Level 3 apprenticeship will help you with the planning and delivery of activities, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the government.
You will learn how to initiate purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes whilst enhancing the inclusive ethos of your setting and supporting young children with SEND.
Funding for this apprenticeship
£0
Cost to delegate
£7,000
Funding band for this apprenticeship
QUALIFICATION
Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
STUDY STYLE
Self-paced online. Live online workshops. Virtual progress reviews.
DURATION
Typical duration
14-16 months
DEDICATED TUTORING
One-to-one tuition from a former Early Years practitioner
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION
Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid Level 3.
ASSESSMENT
Learning portfolio & practical observations. Professional discussion.
Benefits for learners
A rewarding, hands-on progression opportunity for staff working with young children during their early developmental stages.
This qualification enables your setting to be counted within the staff-to-child ratio guidelines in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
- Learn as you earn and gain valuable experience in a nursery or Early Years setting
- Suited to learners who have had some sort of experience with children (this could include volunteer work – contact us to discuss).
- Perfect if you enjoy practical projects and applying your knowledge straight away.
For new hires:
- Learn as you earn and gain valuable experience in a nursery or Early Years setting
- Suited to learners who have had some sort of experience with children (this could include volunteer work – contact us to discuss)
- Perfect if you enjoy practical projects and applying your knowledge straight away
For existing staff
- Grow and build on your current knowledge and experience
- Take on more responsibilities to plan, organise and lead enriching learning activities
- Gain opportunities to share good practice and ideas with apprentices from other EYFS settings
- Gain the skills to supervise/mentor others (if relevant to your role)
Course content
- Learning and development in infants and young children, including the significance of attachment, and the role and responsibilities of a key person
- You’ll explore attachment theories and philosophical approaches and how they are linked to early childhood learning
- The importance of holistic development and an understanding of the EYFS and non-statutory guidance to plan, observe and assess in all areas of the Early Years Curriculum
- How to assess within the current Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum framework using a range of assessment techniques
- The legal requirements and guidance on health and safety, security, confidentiality of information, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of babies and young children, including those with additional needs
- How to work cooperatively with parents/carers, colleagues, and other professionals to enhance babies’ and young children’s learning
- How to advocate for all children’s needs, including children who require SEND or EAL support
How will I learn?
- Discover new knowledge in fortnightly live, interactive virtual sessions led by experienced EYFS teachers
- Work through self-paced online learning on our platform, ESF Learn, and complete practical tasks that will directly enhance your current practice
- Engage in optional SEND masterclasses every six weeks, led by qualified teachers and SEND experts
- Collaborate with other apprentices working in similar environments throughout the programme
“Deciding to embark on this apprenticeship was certainly a good move for my career. Initially, I wasn’t sure how I would balance the course with family life, but I soon got into the stride of it. The fortnightly tutor sessions were engaging, interesting and informative.
I felt my confidence in the classroom definitely improved, as a result of my newly found knowledge in childhood development. When I got awarded a distinction it was a fantastic feeling, knowing all my hard work and efforts had paid off.”
SEND Masterclasses
Exclusive invitations to interactive sessions led by an expert in SEND and inclusion.
Benefit from high-impact sessions for schools and nurseries. You’ll be brought up to date in various aspects of SEND and mental health by leading speech and language therapists, dyslexia assessors, educational psychologists, autism specialists and a range of other experts.
- Held every six weeks during term time (attendance optional)
- 2-3 hours presentation and interaction
- Your chance to ask the expert!
- Downloadable resources
- Recordings available on-demand
Eligibility
We’d love to hear from applicants who are:
- Good with people – you’ll need the ability to build positive relationships with young children, staff, and parents
- Effective communicators – clear and confident verbal and written communication skills
- Team players – the role needs a good team player who is passionate about supporting learning
Qualifications and other criteria:
No qualifications are required if you are aged 19+ (although it is desirable to have maths and English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above)
For apprentices aged 16-18 only:
- Grade 4/5 in GCSE English and maths (equivalent to Grade C and above)
- If you don’t hold the above, you must work towards Level 2 Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship.
- Functional Skills are valuable qualifications. Find out more about the support we offer.
- You must have held residency in England for the last three years and have right to work in the UK
Course start dates 2026
We are accepting applications to join in March or September 2026
Learner FAQs
What release time is required?
We have developed a blended teaching and learning model which works for EYFS professionals and their school or nursery.
Scheduled release time:
- 2-3 hours every fortnight for live online learning with an experienced teacher and the chance to share ideas with other EYFS professionals on this apprenticeship programme.
Flexible release time:
- You will have access to our self-paced online learning platform full of resources, activities, research and ideas.
- You will also complete practical projects that can be carried out in a classroom environment and will be of direct benefit to young children in your setting.
- You will also need to have release time for regular progress reviews with your ESF tutor and school/nursery mentor to set new targets and celebrate success. These are short sessions that will take place every 12 weeks (as a minimum).
- Our SEND Masterclasses are 2-3 hour live online sessions held every six weeks during term time. Attendance is optional and recordings are also available.
What career pathway could this lead to?
After completing this apprenticeship you might go on to become room leader, deputy manager, or manager in a nursery.
With additional training, you go on to become a Level 5 Early Years Lead in a school, or work in the community as a health play specialist or a family support worker.
How will I be assessed?
- Submission of a portfolio of evidence that is collated with work-based tasks and evidence, observations, and written assignments.
- Early Years Educators will require a Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualification in line with the requirements of the EYFS Framework.
- Demonstration of competence during an End Point Assessment (EPA) which will include an observation and professional discussion.
All you need to know before you apply!
Study this apprenticeship with us
Complete our short online form and we’ll be in touch with information and application instructions.
Don’t miss out! Next course start date: March 2026
Benefits
Course content
Levy funding
Employer commitments & FAQs
Future-proof your workforce and increase SEND expertise in your EYFS team
Level 3 Early Years Educators bring up-to-date knowledge of the EYFS curriculum and knowledge of supporting children with SEND.
Taking advantage of this fully funded apprenticeship training means you can provide career development opportunities for your team and secure highly trained educators who can be counted in the EYFS staff-to-child ratio according to EYFS requirements.
Funding for this apprenticeship
£0
Cost to delegate
£7,000
Funding value for this apprenticeship
£350
Maximum cost to non-levy paying schools
Funding for this apprenticeship
QUALIFICATION
Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
STUDY STYLE
Self-paced (online). Live online workshops. Virtual progress reviews.
DURATION
Typical duration 14-16 months
DEDICATED TUTORING
One-to-one tuition from a former Early Years practitioner
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION
Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid Level: 3
ASSESSMENT
Learning portfolio & practical observations. Professional discussion.
Benefits for employers
- Enhance support for young children with SEND (we provide specific training in this area)
- Hire a new member of staff or upskill an existing team member who can subsequently count towards the staff-to-child ratio under the EYFS framework
- Upskill an apprentice who can mentor others in your team
- Signal a commitment to providing the highest standards of care and education through upskilling, building trust with parents.
- Improve staff retention and benefit from fresh ideas
- Ensure your team remains up-to-date with the latest best practices and regulations in an evolving sector
Increase capacity and employ an apprentice
Our free of charge hiring service includes job advert creation and placement, applicant screening and first-round telephone interviews. We’ll also help with logistics and apprenticeship onboarding.
Upskill your existing team
Bring new skills and knowledge into your school or nursery and improve staff retention with on-the job training and career progression pathways for staff. Delegates will undertake a series of practical projects that will add value to your setting. They can also share up-to-date knowledge with other members of your team.
“The support we’ve had from ESF has been so positive and so worthwhile. They have really gone the extra mile for my staff and care about them as individuals – the impact on staff confidence has been transformative.”
Course content
- Learning and development in infants and young children, including the significance of attachment, and the role and responsibilities of a key person
- Attachment theories and how they are linked to early childhood learning
- The importance of holistic development and an understanding of the EYFS and non-statutory guidance to plan, observe and assess in all areas of the Early Years Curriculum
- How to assess within the current Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum framework using a range of assessment techniques
- The legal requirements and guidance on health and safety, security, confidentiality of information, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of babies and young children, including those with additional needs
- How to work cooperatively with parents/carers, colleagues, and other professionals to enhance babies’ and young children’s learning
- How to advocate for all children’s needs, including children who require SEND or EAL support
Levy funding
The Growth and Skills Levy (formerly known as the Apprenticeship Levy) is essentially a fund set up to support the training and development of staff through apprenticeships. Funds are collected and put into a digital account for employers.
- Who pays it? Anyone with an annual wage bill over £3 million.
- How does it benefit your school? The money in this account can be used to pay for apprenticeship training for both your existing staff and any new apprentices you hire. Apprenticeships are available for anyone aged 16 and over, from Level 2 right up to Level 7, covering a wide range of skills.
Employer FAQs
What is the release time required for this apprenticeship?
We have developed a blended teaching and learning model which works for EYFS professionals and their school or nursery.
Scheduled release time:
2-3 hours every fortnight for live online learning with an experienced teacher.
Flexible release time:
- Learners will have access to our self-paced online learning platform full of resources, activities, research and ideas.
- They will also complete practical projects that can be carried out in a classroom environment and will be of direct benefit to young children in your setting.
- learners will also need to have release time for regular progress reviews with their ESF tutor and school/nursery mentor to set new targets and celebrate success. These are short sessions that will take place every 12 weeks (as a minimum).
- Our SEND Masterclasses are 2-3 hour live online sessions held every six weeks during term time. Attendance is optional and recordings are also available in the learning library.
How can I access levy funding?
If you pay the Growth and Skills levy, determine who controls the funds, how much you can access, and the steps to get it. Speak to your bursar, nursery business manager, or finance team.
What if we don’t pay the levy?
If you do not pay the Growth and Skills levy then the government will fund 95% of the apprenticeship and your employer will need to commit to paying 5% of the fee. ESF should be able to support your school or nursery to reclaim this 5% via a process known as Levy Transfer.
Larger organisations can support other organisations, by making up to 50% of their annual levy funds available to eligible employers who need financial assistance with apprenticeships. We can provide more information if you are interested in pursuing this route.
What are the Off-the-Job hours?
Off-the-Job-Training is an essential part of an apprentice’s development. It is dedicated time, during normal working hours, in which apprentices can focus on learning and applying new skills.
This protected time is required for apprentices to engage fully with their learning and development activities. All of the required learning, live workshops and projects completed during the programme count towards Off-the-job time.
Our apprenticeship tutors will sign-post opportunities which count as Off-the-Job Training and during the enrolment meeting we can discuss how this can work alongside busy job roles.
What are my commitments as an employer?
- You’ll need to provide a formal employment contract covering the duration of the apprenticeship.
- An apprentice must be paid at least the minimum apprenticeship wage in their first year of learning.
- Apprentices aged 19+ must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age group in their second year of learning.
- You must assign a school or nursery mentor who will participate in termly progress reviews and complete a final “Employer Review” assessing the apprentice’s professional behaviours. Apprentices will gain experience through hands-on tasks and research projects, with much of this learning occurring in the classroom.
- Mentors will need to carry out observations and support the end-point assessment process by attending a “gateway meeting” and assisting with planning the assessment day, which typically takes only a few hours.
Who should mentor this apprentice?
Ideally a mentor would hold a higher level of qualification than the apprentice; this could be a manager, deputy, room leader, class teacher or HLTA.
All you need to know before you apply!
See all >
Case Study
Manor Fields Primary School
“The support we’ve had from ESF has been so positive and so worthwhile. They have really gone the extra mile for my staff and care about them as individuals – the impact on staff confidence has been transformative.”
Case Study
Knebworth Primary and Nursery School
“When we were looking for a training provider to support us with upskilling current staff, ESF Apprenticeships seemed the perfect choice! They came highly recommended by other primary schools in the area. It has been so rewarding to see our staff engaging in such a high-quality qualification.”
Case Study
Melbourn Primary School
“I’d definitely recommend the course to other Headteachers. It’s been an excellent way to give staff an opportunity to develop their skills when they’re still in school. We are seeing the benefits every day for our children.”
Develop your workforce
Complete our short online form and we’ll be in touch to discuss your needs.
Next course start date: March 2026
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