Course overview
The Early Years Educator programme is designed for individuals who provide high-quality education and care to children from birth to five years old within a variety of settings such as daycares, preschools, and playgroups. Grounded in the government-mandated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, this programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills to deliver consistent, evidence-based early childhood education that supports children’s learning and development.
Throughout the programme, learners will develop the ability to create inclusive, safe, and nurturing environments that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. They will learn how to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and work collaboratively with parents, colleagues, and other professionals. The programme emphasises the importance of play-based learning and the use of observation, assessment, and planning cycles to tailor personalised care and educational support for every child.
Participants will also be prepared to build strong, trusting relationships with children and families, often acting as a key person to ensure continuity of care. By the end of the programme, learners will be confident in their ability to foster children’s growth and development in line with the EYFS framework, making a positive and lasting impact on the early years sector.
The learner journey
1. 12 months on-programme – This is when the individual will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours which will support them for their End-Point Assessment. The learner could partake in a combination of activities, such as classroom based sessions, mentoring, shadowing, bespoke resources and off-site visits in order to support their learning and development.
From 1 August 2025, apprentices must complete at least 187 hours of off-the-job (OTJ) training over a minimum of 8 months, with some standards requiring more for those without prior learning. Learn more about OTJ training hours.
2. Gateway – After the 12 months teaching and learning, you, your training provider and the learner will review the learners journey and decide whether it is the right time for the on-programme assessment.
3. End-Point Assessment – This is when your learner will need to demonstrate they have learnt the required knowledge, skills and behaviours, through an on demand knowledge test, a professional discussion, practical observation and business project.
Eligibility
Those with an annual wage bill of less than £3m do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Instead, 95% of each apprenticeship is funded by the government whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer to enhance the skills of their employee.
- Employers are also be eligible for a £1000 incentive payment if the apprentice is aged 16–18.
- Employers with less than 50 employees and where the apprentice is aged 16–18, the government will fund 100% of the apprentice and are eligible for a £1000 incentive payment.
- Employers with those aged 19+ the government will continue to fund 95% of the apprenticeship programme whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer.
Businesses can manage this through the Apprenticeship Service online account.
Find out more
To learn additional information about this apprenticeship, you can explore our Course Sheet or Learner Journey.
Contact us today!
Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. Contact us now to discover how our apprenticeship programme can be perfectly tailored to suit your business.