Training provider: CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST
Course: Early years educator (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Recognise when a child or a colleague is in danger or at risk of abuse and act to protect them in line with safeguarding policy and procedure.
• Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the setting.
• Apply the principles of risk assessment and risk management within documentation and practice.
• Teach children to develop skills to manage risk and maintain their own and others safety.
• Use a range of communication methods, including technology, with other professionals to meet the individual needs of the child.
• Develop and maintain effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in the education and care of the child.
• Undertake the role and responsibilities of key person.
• Recognise and apply theories of attachment to develop effective relationships with children.
• Provide sensitive and respectful personal care for children from birth to 5 years.
• Advocate for all children’s needs, including children which require SEND or EAL support.
• Promote and facilitate children’s interpersonal communication to develop their social interactions and relationships.
• Support children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture.
• Support children to understand and respond to their emotions and make considered choices about their behaviours.
• Assess the responsiveness of the environment for effective child-centred experiences in line with curriculum requirements.
• Create inclusive, child-centred, dynamic, innovative, and evolving physical environments both indoors and outdoors.
• Create inclusive and supportive emotional environment that enables the child to feel safe, secure, respected and experience a sense of wellbeing; maintaining and prioritising the individual child’s voice.
• Apply strategies that support children’s ability to manage change, transition, and significant events.
• Analyse observation evidence to assess and plan holistic individual learning based on a comprehensive understanding of the child’s needs and interests.
• Facilitate and support child-centred opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy.
• Provide adult led opportunities and experience based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy.
• Use reflection to develop themselves both professionally and personally.

Training schedule

The apprentice will work towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard with support from the training provider and the nursery. Training will include the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a competent Early Years Educator, including:

• Child development from birth to eight years
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Health, safety and wellbeing
• The Early Years Foundation Stage
• Observation, assessment and planning
• Supporting communication and language
• Equality, diversity, inclusion and SEND
• Partnership working with families and professionals
• Paediatric first aid, where required
• Functional Skills in English and mathematics, if required

The apprentice will also receive workplace mentoring, regular supervision, internal training and protected off-the-job learning time.

Requirements

Essential qualifications:

• GCSE in: English (grade 4), Mathematics (grade 4)
• Level 2 in: Early Years (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills:

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Willingness to learn
• Basic literacy skills
• Basic numeracy skills
• Basic digital skills
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to follow safeguarding
• Engaging approach to learning

Other requirements: This is an active and physically demanding role that requires the apprentice to work at floor level, lift and carry appropriate resources, participate in indoor and outdoor play and remain attentive throughout the day. The role involves personal care duties, including nappy changing, toileting and supporting children at mealtimes. The apprentice will also help with cleaning and maintaining the learning environment. Applicants must be able to work varied shifts, including early starts and later finishes, on a rota between 7:00am and 6:30pm. The nursery operates throughout the year, rather than during school term time only. Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, eligibility checks and an enhanced DBS check.

About this employer

Early Learners Nurseries is a family-run nursery group providing high-quality childcare and early education. Our Hoole setting offers a welcoming, secure and stimulating environment for children from birth to five years, supported by a caring and enthusiastic team.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay.

Following successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a permanent qualified Level 3 Nursery Nurse/Early Years Educator position, subject to performance and available vacancies. With further experience and professional development, progression opportunities may include Key Person, Room Leader, Nursery Supervisor, Deputy Manager, Trainee Manager or Nursery Manager.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST
Becky Smythe
becky.smythe@ccsw.ac.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000059014.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 11:59pm)
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