Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are open from age 16, once you have finished Year 11 (S4 in Scotland).
About the role
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities at Rainbow Cubs
- Support EYFS Play & Learning: Set up engaging, creative, and age-appropriate learning activities that spark children's curiosity, confidence, and independence in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
- Provide Personal Care & Wellbeing Support: Assist young children with personal care routines, including mealtime supervision, hygiene, handwashing, and supporting restful nap times in a safe, hygienic environment
- Observe & Track Development: Work alongside qualified mentors to observe, record, and track individual children's learning milestones and personal progress
- Build Parent Partnerships: Greet parents and carers warmly at drop-off and pick-up, sharing daily feedback and updates on their child's day and development
- Maintain Safety & Supervision: Ensure continuous supervision, help conduct indoor/outdoor risk assessments, and maintain a clean, secure, and nurturing nursery environment
- Promote Positive Behaviour: Guide and encourage positive social interactions, sharing, and emotional development among the children
- Contribute to Team Operations: Participate in daily nursery setup, tidying up, team briefings, and planning sessions to ensure smooth day-to-day nursery operations
Working week
Monday- Friday, 9.00am- 5.00pm.
Skills
Required qualifications
Training & development
- An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation
- Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard
- 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
- 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
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 Rainbow Cubs
Rainbow Cubs is a dedicated early years education provider committed to giving young children a bright, vibrant, and nurturing head-start in life. Following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, Rainbow Cubs focuses on developing capable, confident, inquisitive, and happy children from birth to five years old.
Built on strong parent partnerships, high-quality care, and a big heart, Rainbow Cubs provides a safe, welcoming, and enriching nursery environment where both children and staff are given every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive together.