Programme Overview
What is the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship?
The Level 3 EYE apprenticeship is a work-based programme that trains you to plan and provide effective care and education for children aged 0–5, implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in settings such as nurseries and childminders; on completion you gain the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification with full and relevant status aligned to the EYFS. Best Practice Network
How long does it take and what qualification will I receive?
The programme typically takes 15–18 months, during which you’ll be employed in a setting, complete off-the-job training, and earn at least the Apprentice Minimum Wage; successful completion awards the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and full and relevant status. Best Practice Network
Who is the apprenticeship for?
It’s designed for people already working in, or aspiring to work in, Early Years childcare, and is a natural progression for those with a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification who want roles such as Early Years Educator, Nursery Teaching Assistant, Nursery Nurse, Supervisor or Childminder. Best Practice Network
What does an Early Years Educator do?
EYEs plan learning, provide care, and support children’s development from birth to age five, can mentor Early Years Practitioners, and count towards statutory staff:child ratios in settings delivering the EYFS. Best Practice Network
Delivery & Learning
How is the programme delivered?
You’ll be supported by an Apprenticeship Tutor through monthly in-person visits and online webinars, start dates run monthly, work is submitted via the user-friendly Bud online platform (with employer logins to monitor progress), and training/events are delivered nationally with tutors based across England. Best Practice Network
What does the training include each month?
Delivery includes monthly online knowledge sessions, monthly review meetings with your tutor, regular observations and witness statements to evidence skills and behaviours, plus BPN Boost wellbeing webinars and resources for ongoing support. Best Practice Network
What will I learn?
You’ll cover 11 core modules—personal development; safeguarding; health and safety; child development; theories of play and learning; a unique child; enabling environments; teaching, learning and assessment; equality, diversity and SEND; partnership working; and transitions—with sessions also preparing you for the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Best Practice Network
What is off-the-job training and how much time is required?
Off-the-job training refers to guided learning that takes place during paid working hours and focuses on developing new knowledge and skills. For the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, this must total a minimum of 326 hours over the course of the programme. During your enrolment meeting, we’ll confirm the most realistic duration for your apprenticeship, based on your contracted working hours, to ensure you can successfully meet this requirement. Best Practice Network
Do I need maths and English?
If you don’t already have GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), you’ll have the option to complete maths and english on programme- your suitability for this should be discussed and decided between you and your employer. Regardless of whether you complete maths and english on programme, you'll need to pass an initial maths and english assessment as part of the application. Best Practice Network
Assessment & Support
How will I be assessed at the end?
Your EPA is conducted by an external organisation and includes a 50-minute workplace observation with 30 minutes of questioning, plus a 90-minute professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio, delivered either in your setting or via video conference; you’ll receive mock assessments and preparation throughout. Best Practice Network
What grades can I achieve and can I resit?
EPA outcomes are fail, pass, merit or distinction; if you do not pass, you may resit with your employer’s agreement, and employers are responsible for any resit costs. Best Practice Network
What learner support is available?
Best Practice Network provides high-touch tutor support, national delivery, individual learning plans and reasonable adjustments for additional needs, plus access to the BPN Boost wellbeing programme to help you thrive throughout the apprenticeship. Best Practice Network
Eligibility & Entry
Who is eligible to join?
There are no age restrictions; you’ll need employer and levy-holder support, relevant experience, daily interaction with children aged birth–5 in an EYFS-delivering setting, UK residency for the last three years, and—if aged 16–18—GCSE English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above or the ability to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 while on programme. Best Practice Network
Funding & Costs
How is it funded and what does it cost?
The training price is £7,000, but apprentices pay £0. The apprenticeship can be up to 100% funded via the Apprenticeship Levy. For non-levy employers, government co-funding usually means the employer pays 5% of the training cost (for Level 3, the maximum employer fee is £350 +VAT). Additional incentives may apply for small employers or younger apprentices. Best Practice Network
Are there employer incentives or levy transfers?
Eligible employers can claim a £1,000 incentive for new apprentices aged 16–18 or under-25s with an Education, Health and Care Plan, and levy-paying organisations can transfer up to 25% of unspent levy to other employers to cover apprenticeship costs, with live pledges listed via the government’s transfer service. Best Practice Network
Applying & Employers
How do I apply?
If you’re already employed in an early years setting, confirm employer support and apply directly; if you’re not employed, browse current vacancies and complete an online screening—if successful, your details go to employers, and if there’s no local vacancy you can still apply and receive support to find a nearby setting. Best Practice Network
I’m an employer—how will BPN support recruitment?
If you want to upskill existing staff, ask them to apply through Apprenticeship Recruitment; if you need new apprentices, submit a vacancy form and BPN will collect applications weekly, conduct screening interviews, share candidate packs, support formal interviews or trials, and help with enrolment and funding once a hire is made. Best Practice Network
Programme Options & Ratios
What is the Thrive Early Years Educator option?
The Thrive variant includes all core elements of the Level 3 EYE apprenticeship with additional integrated content on child development, behaviour and wellbeing, allowing you to specialise while completing the standard programme. Best Practice Network
Do trainees count towards staff:child ratios?
Yes—while training, apprentices count as Level 2 for ratio purposes, and on completion they count as Level 3, helping settings meet statutory staffing requirements under the EYFS. Best Practice Network
Where can I find the course guide?
A course guide is available from Best Practice Network’s EYE Level 3 brochure page, which links back to the programme information and application options. Best Practice Network+1