Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship
Next Step Training LTD · Sutton · posted 2 September 2026
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As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work:
- Assist in planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate activities
- Promote learning through play in line with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework
- Create a safe and stimulating environment
- Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming learning spaces
- Follow safeguarding and health & safety procedures at all times
- Observe and monitor children's progress
- Record observations and contribute to assessments and development plans
- Share relevant information with senior staff and parents as needed
- Promote positive behaviour and social skills
- Encourage kindness, sharing, and respectful behaviour
- Use positive reinforcement and model appropriate conduct
- Assist with daily routines
- Support children during mealtimes, toileting, dressing, and nap times
- Help establish consistent routines for comfort and stability
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and parents
- Communicate effectively with team members, children, and families
- Participate in staff meetings and training sessions
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
- Handle sensitive information with discretion and follow data protection policies
- Follow nursery/setting policies and procedures
- Adhere to guidelines for safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and diversity
- Support in ensuring the setting meets regulatory and quality standards
Your training
- An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation
- At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying
Where it leads
Completing a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the Early Years sector. With this qualification, individuals become fully qualified practitioners, capable of working independently with children in nurseries, preschools, and reception classes.
As they gain experience, they may progress into more senior roles such as:
- Senior Practitioner or Room Leader - overseeing a team within a room, leading planning and observation, and supporting less experienced colleagues
- Deputy Nursery Manager - supporting the nursery manager in daily operations, compliance, safeguarding, and staff development
- Nursery Manager - leading the entire nursery setting, ensuring high standards of care and education, team performance, and regulatory compliance
To support continued growth, NextStep Training offers the following advanced qualifications within Early Years.
Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner:
- Ideal for those who want to specialise in areas such as SEND, safeguarding, or early language development. This course enhances practice and supports progression into leadership
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner:
- Designed for experienced practitioners ready to take on leadership roles within their settings. It focusses on leading day-to-day practice, mentoring staff, and contributing to strategy and curriculum development
Both qualifications can be delivered flexibly, either online or in-person, and include dedicated support from our experienced tutors and safeguarding officers.
Further progression can include:
- Moving into school-based roles such as Teaching Assistant or SEND Support
- Becoming a Trainer, Assessor, or Mentor for apprentices
- Pursuing a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies, leading towards Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Our structured training and support ensure that every apprentice has a clear and achievable pathway to long-term success in the Early Years sector.
About Next Step Training LTD
Welcome to Monkey Puzzle Cheam. A beautiful nursery setting offering outstanding childcare to Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers aged 3 months to 5 years old.
When we think about Hygge in the Early Years we are focusing on the FEELING. We feel that no matter what their background or situation, “Every child needs a champion”. We as educators stand up for what our children need, value each child as an individual and understand that each child has the potential to learn from their surroundings in their unique ways. Our vision shapes all aspects of teaching and learning from the planning process, the interactions between staff and child and the learning environment.
Our approach is rooted in delivering high‑quality childcare where every child feels healthy, safe, secure, and supported to thrive. We believe that early childhood is a crucial stage of life, and we are committed to helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for future learning.
Children who leave J. Shalom Childcare are well‑prepared for their transition to school. We maintain close relationships with local primary schools and provide an excellent standard of early education that aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This ensures that every child develops the skills they need socially, emotionally, and academically to take their next steps with confidence.
At J. Shalom Childcare, we are more than a childcare setting; we are a nurturing community where every child is valued, every family is welcomed, and every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and shine.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English (grade 4) — desired
- GCSE Maths (grade 4) — desired
Where you'll work
- Priory Crescent, Cheam, Sutton, SM3 8LR
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