Up-skilling: Level 3 is the place to be

The new qualification meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Early Years Educator criteria in full and aligns perfectly with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in the Early Years Educator occupational standard in England. Upon completion, this will be classed as a full and relevant qualification, ensuring that practitioners are fully prepared to meet the evolving needs of children and families. Employers can have complete confidence that learners meet all required professional standards.

The qualification consists of 10 mandatory units, each covering a broad range of essential knowledge and skills to equip learners for success in early years settings:

• The role of the early years educator
• Holistic child development
  
• Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  
• Effective communication in an early years setting
  
• Safeguarding and welfare requirements 
• Health, wellbeing, and safety
  
• Promoting an effective early years curriculum
  
• Assessment of children’s learning and development
  
• Understanding play for holistic development and learning
  
• Partnership working
  

This well-rounded qualification is ideal for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children and looking to advance their career in the early years sector. With its blend of practical and theoretical components, learners will be better equipped to support the development of children in their care, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities in early years education.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and career in the early years sector! Get in touch with the Early Years Alliance today by emailing training@eyalliance.org.uk to learn more and begin the application process. This qualification can be funded through the Advanced Learning Loan or privately funded, making it accessible to many.

Plus, Early Years Alliance members can enjoy a £150 discount on the course cost!

We look forward to supporting you on this exciting journey and helping you take the next step toward a fulfilling, impactful career in early years education!

The new Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship standards offer significant benefits to both learners and employers. One of the key advantages is the combination of practical experience and structured learning. Apprentices develop essential skills on the job while receiving formal training that meets the requirements of the Early Years Educator (EYE) criteria, which closely aligns with the new Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Sector (EYE). This ensures that apprentices are fully equipped with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to thrive in early years settings.

The new standards are designed to be more rigorous and reflective of the evolving demands within the sector. They place greater emphasis on safeguarding, communication, child development, and inclusive practices – all of which are critical for delivering high-quality early education and care. The apprenticeship also ensures that learners gain hands-on experience, making them job-ready from day one.

There’s no need for college attendance with an Early Years Alliance apprenticeship, as teaching and learning is delivered through:

• monthly virtual classroom sessions by one of our experienced and highly-qualified assessors
• online courses around the monthly topics
  
• 1-1 sessions via Teams to support understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to succeed
  
• regular observations of practice in the workplace
  
• monthly end point assessment surgeries via Teams on different topics with opportunities to ask questions
  
• mock multiple-choice scenarios and professional discussions to prepare for end point assessments.
  

Our team at the Alliance is here to support all learners, individualising the programme to suit different learning styles as needed.

We have a personal development programme for all learners to support wellbeing, mental health, safeguarding, and the Prevent programme, as well as information, advice, and guidance on progression opportunities. Functional skills in maths and English are supported where needed through the apprenticeship.

Employers benefit from apprentices who are trained to meet the specific needs of their setting while being supported by a well-structured framework. This creates a tailored, practical approach to workforce development, increasing the quality of early years provision. The apprenticeship provides a full and relevant qualification that meets statutory requirements, ensuring that apprentices can be counted in staff-to-child ratios, which is crucial for effective childcare delivery. Overall, the new standards offer a clear pathway to a rewarding career in early years education.

Please contact training@eyalliance.org.uk for more details or to express your interest.