Early Years Apprenticeship

Training:

Your full role and responsibilities will be set out by your employer.

NextStep Training will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to up-skill in your role, and your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day.

You will be working towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which includes:

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)

Qualifications required:

Knowledge of the statutory framework for the EYFS and regulatory requirements – Desirable Fluent in written and spoken English – Essential Passionate about learning and developing into a new role – Essential

Skills required:

Great communication skills Excellent organisational skills Ability to work as part of a team Creative thinker Passionate and reliable

Training:

Training is delivered through a flexible combination of in-person sessions at our training centre and online learning with our experienced tutors. Apprentices will use the Laser Learning platform to complete and submit coursework, monitor their progress, and stay engaged throughout their programme. Attendance for monthly lessons is required.

Training Outcome:

Completing a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship is a valuable first step into a rewarding career in the Early Years sector. This qualification allows individuals to work under supervision in settings such as nurseries, preschools, and reception classes, supporting the care, learning, and development of young children.

After gaining experience and confidence, individuals can progress into more advanced roles such as:

Level 3 Early Years Educator – allowing practitioners to work more independently, take the lead in planning and observations, and support the development of key children. Room Assistant or Key Person – working more closely with a small group of children, supporting their learning journeys and liaising with families.

To continue their professional development, NextStep Training offers the following progression routes within Early Years:

Level 3 Early Years Educator
This nationally recognised qualification enables practitioners to become fully qualified and take on greater responsibility within the setting, including key person duties and curriculum planning. Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner
For those who want to build specialist knowledge in areas such as SEND, safeguarding, or early language development, while supporting best practice in their setting. Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
Designed for experienced practitioners looking to move into senior roles such as Room Leader, Deputy Manager, or Manager. The course focuses on leadership, mentoring, curriculum development, and strategy.

All our courses are delivered flexibly through a combination of in-person and online learning, with personalised support from qualified tutors and safeguarding officers.

Further career progression may include:

Transitioning into school-based roles such as Teaching Assistant or SEND Support

Employer Description:
Next Step Training Ltd is an apprenticeship and skills training provider, funded by the Department for Education, delivering apprenticeships in London and across England. We have been in operation since 2012 and during this time have built an established reputation as a reliable and employer-led training provider. We work together with employers and individual learners to design and deliver training programmes that meets both learners and their employers’ needs. Our goal of is to empower as many individuals as possible to reach their full potential, helping them on their journey to find meaningful career that is rewarding. We help to empower businesses with industry-expert staff so they can provide the very best learning experience to their workforce to perform better.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday, varied shifts between 6:30am - 6:00pm. No weekends.

Skills:
Communication skills,Organisation skills,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience