Education
Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
NEXT STEP TRAINING LTD · NEXTSTEP TRAINING LIMITED
Location
London
Postcode
SW16 5RZ
Salary
£14,560 a year
Duration
1 Year 4 Months
Hours per week
35h
Positions available
3
Level
Level 3 – Advanced
Qualification
Early years educator (level 3)
Start date
16 October 2026
Application deadline
5 October 2026
Posted
17 September 2026
Vacancy reference
2000054069
Apprenticeships are open from age 16, once you have finished Year 11 (S4 in Scotland).
About the role
- 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
Working week
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm.
Skills
Communication skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsTeam workingCreativeInitiativeNon judgementalPatience
Required qualifications
Desired
GCSE · English/Functional · Grade G4
Desired
GCSE · Maths/Functional · Grade G4
Training & development
- As an apprentice, you'll receive regular training alongside your job to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role
- Part of your working hours will be dedicated to off-the-job training, which includes study time, workshops, and learning activities. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the occupational standard
- You'll be working to complete the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which will include any required Functional Skills in English and maths
- Training is delivered either online or in person at our training centre in Hackney, offering flexibility to suit your needs
- You'll be supported by experienced tutors and assessors throughout your apprenticeship, ensuring you stay on track and successfully complete your qualification
- Training will include a paediatric first aid qualification
Future prospects
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 focuses 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
Based in London
If this one works out
This role is in London. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £900–£1,400 a month.