Early Years Educator

Key Information

Programme Summary

An Early years Educator is a highly trained professional who plays a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well, and are kept healthy and safe.

You may work in a range of settings including children’s centres, pre-school, reception classes, and as a childminder. You may work alone, or supervise others to deliver Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old.

An Early Years Educator plans and supervises activities, child initiated or adult led, based around the needs and interests of each individual child. You will support children to develop numeracy and language skills through play. You are responsible for key children, and help them feel safe and secure. You observe children, and shape learning to reflect the observations made. You meet the care needs of the individual child, such as feeding, changing nappies and administering medication, work in partnership with other colleagues, parents and/or carers, and other professionals to meet the individual needs of each child.

What will you learn?

Apprentices will learn:

• Children’s development from birth to five years, and five to seven, what to expect, and the impact of life events such as the birth of a sibling
• Attachment, why it is significant and how to be effective when promoting it
• Theories and philosophical approaches to learning and development in children and their influence on practice
• Equality, diversity and inclusion, reflecting cultural differences, and family circumstances
• The importance to holistic development of speech and language, personal, social and emotional development and physical development

Apprentices will be able to:

• Plan and lead activities, purposeful play, educational programmes and development areas of current early education curriculum
• Promote equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices
• Create plans that fully reflect stage of development, individual circumstances and needs, providing consistent and responsive care to children
• Encourage children to participate balancing adult-led and child-initiated activities

How is it delivered and assessed?

Elements of learning can be face-to-face tutorials by visit or remote digital means, directed study and research, learning in the workplace via practical demonstration, shadowing, instruction, simulation or by way of courses and reflection.

Assessment methods may include Q&A, work products, observation of practice, witness accounts, recognition of prior learning, and professional discussions.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Apprentices must successfully complete the Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF) to meet the EYFS requirements
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English (unless previously achieved)
• Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics (unless previously achieved)

End Point Assessment

The end point assessment will consist of:

• A knowledge test
• A professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Entry Requirements

• English and maths – Level 1

Apprentices must be in suitable employment and have the opportunity to develop the required knowledge, skills and behaviors aligned to this apprenticeship standard.