Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprentice

Salary £15391.99 per year
Duration 12 months
Advert opening date 19/10/2026
Advert closing date 23/11/2026

As an Early Years Educator Apprentice, you will work as part of a supportive early years team to provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children. You will gain practical experience while working towards your Early Years Educator qualification.

Key Responsibilities

Support the planning and delivery of engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote children's learning and development.

Build positive, caring and respectful relationships with children, parents/carers and colleagues.

Help provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children.

Support children's personal care needs, including toileting, nappy changing, handwashing and mealtimes, where appropriate.

Encourage children's independence, confidence and social skills.

Observe children's interests, development and progress and contribute to appropriate records and assessments.

Support children's learning through play and encourage curiosity, creativity and exploration.

Follow the setting's safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and behaviour policies.

Work effectively as part of the nursery team and contribute to maintaining a positive environment.

Assist with maintaining clean, organised and welcoming indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Communicate appropriately with parents/carers and other professionals as directed by senior staff.

Attend training and complete all required apprenticeship learning and assessments.

Take responsibility for your own professional development and respond positively to feedback.

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be expected to understand and follow the setting's safeguarding procedures and to promote the welfare and safety of children at all times. Any safeguarding concerns must be reported promptly to the appropriate member of staff.

Person Specification

Essential

A genuine interest in working with young children and supporting their learning and development.

A caring, patient and positive approach.

Good communication and listening skills.

Willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Reliable, responsible and punctual.

Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.

Willingness to complete the required apprenticeship training and qualification.

Desirable

Previous experience working with children, through employment, volunteering, school placement or childcare.

An interest in child development, education or early years practice.

Basic understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

What We Offer

Full support from experienced early years practitioners.

On-the-job training and mentoring.

Time and support to complete your apprenticeship qualification.

Opportunities to develop practical childcare and early years skills.

A friendly, inclusive and supportive working environment.

Opportunities for continued development and progression within early years education.

Apprenticeship Development

During the apprenticeship, you will develop knowledge and practical skills in areas including:

Child development and early years education.

Supporting children's physical, emotional and social development.

Planning and delivering activities through play.

Observation, assessment and supporting children's individual needs.

Safeguarding and child protection.

Health, safety, hygiene and wellbeing.

Working with parents, carers and colleagues.

Inclusive practice and supporting children with different needs.

Professional practice within an early years setting.

Entry requirements

English Grade 4/C or equivelant

Maths Grade 4/C or equivelant

Lived in UK/EU last 3 years.

Training to be provided

Early Years Educator Level 3

Things to consider

This role is subject to the appropriate safeguarding and recruitment checks.

Skills required

• Communication skills

• Attention to detail

• Organisation skills

• Problem solving skills

• Patience

• Customer care skills

Future prospects

Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3