Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 3 is the most recognised.
Level 3 most recognisedOpen entry
Your route in
Employers typically expect around L2
1
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 3)
Any of these strengthens your application.
2
Where this can take you
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner is the entry rung, the Level 3 Early Years Educator is required to be counted as senior/ratio staff, and progression is to the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner.