Apprenticeship – Early Years Educator Level 3

The Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is a natural progression from Level 2 Early Years Practitioner. As an Early Years Educator you will remain employed in an early year’s setting such as a nursery but you will build upon your knowledge and have more responsibilities in your role by having a group of key children. Through the course you will build on the knowledge gained in level 2 and will gain a deeper understanding of child development by looking at different theories and how to put these into practice. In order to complete this course, you will need to complete paediatric first aid training. Candidates needs to be caring, honest, reliable, patient, friendly, use own initiative, have good communication skills, be practical and a problem solver.

4 x GCSE A*-D / 9-3 which must include GCSE English and maths at A*-C / 9-4 or equivalent.

Please note that employers may stipulate higher entry requirements than those listed and should therefore be treated as the minimum entry criteria. However, if you do not currently meet the entry requirements for the apprenticeship you wish to apply for, you may also be considered based on related subject qualifications and/or life/work experience or upon successfully achieving the required Basic and Key Skill Builder (BKSB) results.

Should you meet entry requirements but not hold a level 4/C in English and/or Maths you will need to complete a functional skills course alongside your apprenticeship. As part of the application process you will be assessed to see your current working level, acceptance will be based on this outcome. Your programme duration may be extended to allow for functional skills.

All information correct at the time of publication but could be subject to change.

Apprentices will build a portfolio of evidence containing examples of work-based evidence, assignments and observations. This will confirm competence and knowledge. Each apprentice will be elected a qualified work-based trainer from Runshaw College who will assess their practical skills and competence in the workplace.

Employers must be prepared to work with their Apprentices to develop their knowledge and skills by providing a wide range of learning and training opportunities as well organise and allow off the job training. Employers are also expected to encourage Apprentices to research their chosen vocation and to support any work experience that will benefit the Apprentice to come up to the required level of competence.

After the Level 3 Diploma, if the Apprentice has developed within the workplace, they may be able to progress directly to Foundation Degree in Early years. Other possible qualifications in the sector are Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools Level 2 Certificate and Level 3 Diploma.

Runshaw apprentices will be offered support and be encouraged to develop the ability to work on their own and as team players. We expect our apprentices to show enthusiasm and the motivation to reach and exceed their goals.

It is important to maintain time keeping and attendance for both college (if applicable) and workplace sessions to ensure learners remain on target.

You must be prepared to comply with the vetting procedures for those working with vulnerable adults, children and young people as required by current legislation (ie undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check).

You will need to complete an enhanced DBS for this course and in doing so will need to provide 3 ID documents. These can include; Birth Certificate, Driving License, Passport, Bank statement or a letter.

Please note that if the course is fully funded for you, you may get your DBS for free, if not, there may be an additional fee for this to be processed.

Please contact our Adult Admissions Team to find out more on how to obtain an Enhanced DBS check through the college.

To find out more information on DBS checks, please visit https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/enhanced-dbs-checks

For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.