Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship

If you have already achieved a Level 2 qualification and wish to progress further or you are an adult with experience of working in a childcare setting, this course is an ideal way to fulfil your ambition of working with children.

You will obtain a higher qualification, recognised by Ofsted.

During the course you will learn extensively about important subjects connected to childcare such as:

• Safeguarding
• Health & Safety
• Partnership Working
• Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion, including current legislation.

You will also study in depth, Child Development and the Early Years Curriculum.

You will gain the knowledge and skills required to promote children’s play and learning.

In addition to this you will learn about the health and well-being of children, the importance of professional development and reflective practice and how to support children with additional needs.

As part of the course you will also carry out a Longitudinal Study, which will enable you to learn how to observe, assess and plan for the needs of children.

To join this course you need to be working in a childcare setting.

It is desirable that you have GCSEs in maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.

However, initial assessments on maths and English will be carried out.

You will be assigned a work-based assessor who will visit you regularly in the work place to provide support and guidance.

You will learn through a mainly work-based route. Your Diploma will be delivered within your workplace where you may attend workshops with your college assessor.

It is a requirement that you must receive 20% off-the-job training, which can consist of shadowing, college workshops and work-based training.

You will be observed and assessed by your assessor in the workplace engaging in practical activities with the children and routine activities that form part of your role within the setting.

You will provide evidence of knowledge and understanding through written assignments or professional discussion, with your assessor.

You will use an e-learning portfolio to present your evidence for assessment.

You will need to complete a Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) or a Level l 3 award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF).

At the end of your apprenticeship, you will complete an endpoint assessment which consists of a knowledge examination (multiple-choice test) and a professional discussion with an external assessor to gain your apprenticeship certificate.

You can see the full assessment plan here.

Many apprentices are retained by their employers to become a Level 3 practitioner.

This course will equip you with advanced skills and knowledge of childcare. These will be useful in a wide range of workplaces, such as day nurseries, nursery schools, reception classes and pre-schools.

You could also progress into further education such as a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Years.

As a City of Bristol College apprentice, you may incur additional costs on your apprenticeship. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery, and for some apprenticeships you may need to purchase specialist equipment.