Early Years Apprenticeship

An early years apprenticeship is a paid job where you work with young children while training in an early years setting.

In England, the two main entry routes are Level 2 Early Years Practitioner and Level 3 Early Years Educator. Both can suit people with no experience.

Your day to day work includes care, play, learning support, and keeping children safe.

What is an early years apprenticeship?

An early years apprenticeship is a paid job where you work with children in an early years setting while you train. You learn how to support play and learning. You also learn how to keep children safe, healthy, and happy. You train to a national apprenticeship standard and you build skills on the job.

Early years apprentices work with children under 5. You support daily routines, play, and learning. You follow nursery policies and safeguarding rules.

Most roles are in nurseries or pre-schools.

Some roles are in other early years settings.

Level 2 vs Level 3 early years apprenticeship (which route suits you)

Level 2 is the Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship. It is a common starting point. It typically takes 12 months to gateway plus a 3-month EPA period. Level 3 is the Early Years Educator apprenticeship. It is a higher level role. It typically takes 18 months to gateway plus a 3-month EPA period.

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner (Level 2)

This route often suits you if you are new to early years work.

You learn core routines and care.

You learn how to support play and learning safely.

Level 3 Early Years Educator (Level 3)

This route often suits you if you are ready for more responsibility.

You support learning in a more planned way.

You may take a stronger role in activities and routines.

A simple way to choose

Choose Level 2 if you want a gentler start and you need to build confidence.

Choose Level 3 if you are ready to step up faster and meet the educator standard.

Some people do Level 2 first, then progress to Level 3.

This is a normal progression route.

What early years apprentices do day to day

Early years apprentices support children’s learning through play and daily routines. You help plan and run play activities. You support meals, naps, and personal care routines where needed. You also keep children safe and follow safeguarding and health rules. You work as part of a team in a busy setting.

Typical tasks include:

• Setting up play activities and learning areas.
• Supporting children to join in and take turns.
• Helping with snack time, mealtimes, and hygiene routines.
• Keeping a close watch on safety in the room and outdoors.
• Sharing updates with your team about children’s needs and progress.

Worked example: supporting a small play activity

You set up a water tray activity.

You explain simple rules.

You model safe play.

You help children share tools.

You use short words to build language.

You tidy and clean the area after.

Where you work (nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, early years settings)

Most early years apprentices work in nurseries and other early years settings that care for children under 5. Some roles can also be linked to childminding settings. Your day can include indoor play, outdoor play, mealtimes, and routine care. The setting and age range shape what your week looks like.

Common settings include:

• Day nurseries.
• Pre-schools.
• Nursery classes attached to schools.
• Childminding related settings and support roles.

Your working pattern depends on the setting.

Some settings are open all year.

Some roles are term time only.

What the job is really like (realistic expectations)

Early years work is rewarding but demanding. You are active for most of the day. You need patience and steady energy. You may deal with crying, tantrums, and tired children. You need to follow safety rules closely. You also need to work well with other staff and communicate clearly with parents and carers.

Realistic parts of the job:

• You will be on your feet a lot.
• You will lift and move equipment.
• You will repeat routines many times.
• You will be busy at drop-off and pick-up times.
• You will follow strict safety and hygiene routines.

Common surprises for new starters:

• How noisy the room can be.
• How fast the day moves.
• How important teamwork is.
• How important observation and notes can be for planning support.

What makes someone good at early years work

Strong early years staff do a few basics well:

• They stay calm and kind when children are upset.
• They keep children safe through constant attention.
• They keep routines consistent so children feel secure.
• They communicate clearly with the team.

Common failure points in the first months

These issues cause problems in many settings:

• Poor timekeeping or poor attendance.
• Not following hygiene and safety rules.
• Using a harsh tone with children.
• Getting distracted and missing risks in the room.
• Not asking for help when unsure.

Signs the role may not suit you right now

These are common mismatch areas:

• You need quiet spaces most of the time.
• You struggle with strong smells and mess.
• You dislike constant routines.
• You find it hard to stay patient under pressure.
• You do not want close responsibility for safety.

This does not mean you can never do it.

It means you may need a different starting role or more preparation.

FAQs

Is an early years apprenticeship a childcare apprenticeship?
Yes. In most adverts, “early years apprenticeship” means a childcare role working with children under 5 in a nursery or early years setting. The two common England routes are Level 2 Early Years Practitioner and Level 3 Early Years Educator. The job is paid and you train to an apprenticeship standard while working.

Is Level 2 or Level 3 better for an early years apprenticeship?
It depends on your starting point. Level 2 Early Years Practitioner is a common first step and is typically 12 months to gateway plus a 3-month EPA period. Level 3 Early Years Educator is higher level and is typically 18 months to gateway plus a 3-month EPA period. Many people do Level 2 first, then progress.

Can I do an early years apprenticeship with no experience?
Yes. Many early years apprentices start without formal childcare experience. You learn core skills in the setting with support from your team and training provider. You still need to be reliable, calm, and ready to follow safety and hygiene rules every day.

Is early years work mostly play or mostly care?
It is both. Early years staff support learning through play and also support daily care routines. This can include snack time, hygiene routines, and helping children settle. You also support safe play and planned activities that build early language and social skills.

Do early years apprentices work with babies?
Sometimes. It depends on the setting and the room you work in. Some nurseries have baby rooms and toddler rooms. Some settings only take older pre-school children. The vacancy should state the age range and the type of setting.

Is the job physically hard?
It can be. You are active most of the day. You may lift equipment, move furniture, and get up and down from the floor often. You also need to stay alert for safety risks. If you have a health condition, you can ask the employer what adjustments are possible.

Is an early years apprenticeship a good route if I want a job quickly?
It can be. An apprenticeship is an employed job from the start. You earn while you train. You still need to commit to learning and assessments over months. Level 2 is typically shorter than Level 3, so it can suit people who want a first step into the sector.

Entry requirements for an early years apprenticeship

An early years apprenticeship is an employed job. The entry requirements depend on the employer and the level. Some employers prefer GCSEs. Some accept other evidence. In England, you must be 16 or over, live in England, and not be in full-time education to start an apprenticeship. The vacancy should always state the job entry requirements.

There are two common levels in early years.

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

This is often a first step role.

Level 3 Early Years Educator

This is a higher level role with more responsibility.

What most employers look for first:

• You can be trusted around children.
• You can follow rules and routines.
• You can communicate clearly with adults and children.
• You can keep calm and patient.
• You can turn up on time and work reliably.

What you must be ready for:

• A busy setting.
• Physical activity.
• Training tasks and written work alongside the job.

GCSEs and Functional Skills English and maths

English and maths requirements depend on the apprenticeship rules and your situation. If you already have suitable English and maths, you usually do not repeat them. If you do not have them, your provider checks what you have and what counts as equivalent.

In early years, English and maths often matter for two reasons:

• The apprenticeship funding rules.
• The job itself, because you write notes and communicate with parents and staff.

For Level 3 Early Years Educator, English and maths at Level 2 are commonly checked at gateway. Some EPA specifications list Level 2 Functional Skills English and maths as evidence uploaded at gateway.

If you do not have GCSEs, Functional Skills Level 2 can be used in many cases. What counts depends on the rules and the provider, so the provider checks this early.

Experience needed and “no experience” applications

You can apply with no formal childcare experience. Early years apprenticeship routes are promoted as suitable for people starting out. You still need the right attitude and reliability.

If you have no experience, you need to show evidence of the right skills.

Examples that can help:

• Helping with younger siblings or family care.
• Volunteering with children.
• Working in customer service with strong communication.
• Any role where you followed rules and worked as part of a team.

Focus on behaviour, not job titles.

Good evidence looks like:

• A time you stayed calm with a child who was upset.
• A time you followed a safety rule carefully.
• A time you worked well in a busy team.

DBS checks, safeguarding, and suitability checks

Early years providers must make sure staff are suitable to work with children. The EYFS statutory framework sets the standards early years providers must meet to keep children safe and healthy. Safer recruitment and suitability checks are part of this.

In practice, most employers will use checks such as:

• Identity checks.
• Right to work checks.
• DBS checks at the level needed for the role.
• References and a work history check.
• Health checks where required.

Some roles also need you to confirm you are not disqualified from childcare in settings where the rules apply. There is statutory guidance on disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 for schools in England.

Early years apprenticeship near me (how to find local vacancies)

Use the official apprenticeship vacancy service first. It is the main national search tool. You can search by keywords and location and apply online.

Search terms that usually work:

• early years apprenticeship
• early years practitioner apprenticeship
• early years educator apprenticeship
• nursery apprenticeship
• childcare apprenticeship

Also check employer websites for nursery groups and local providers. Some employers recruit directly.

A simple “near me” method:

• Search by postcode with a small radius.
• Save the search and set alerts.
• Widen the radius if you get no results.

How the application, interview, and trial shift usually work

Most early years applications include an application form and a short statement. Employers usually want to see:

• Why you want early years work.
• What you understand about the job.
• Evidence you can follow rules and keep children safe.
• Evidence you can work in a team.

Some employers invite you to an interview. Some also include a short trial session in the setting.

In an interview, you are often assessed on:

• How you speak to children and adults.
• How you handle simple safeguarding scenarios.
• How you follow instructions.
• How you stay calm and patient.

Common safer recruitment steps can include checking references and work history. The EYFS framework notes new requirements on references in the versions that came into force in September 2025.

The two things you must meet

You must meet both:

1) The apprenticeship eligibility rules for England, like being 16+ and not in full-time education.

2) The employer’s job entry requirements stated in the vacancy.

If you meet only one, you can still be rejected.

Early years educator has extra “gateway” items in many EPA routes

For Level 3 Early Years Educator, some EPA specifications list evidence needed at gateway. This can include Level 2 English and maths evidence and paediatric first aid evidence.

This matters because it affects your plan from early on.

You do not want to reach the end and find you are missing a required item.

Suitability is not only DBS

In early years, suitability includes behaviour, judgement, and boundaries. It also includes safer recruitment checks and references. EYFS sets out that providers must meet standards to keep children safe and healthy, and it includes qualification and suitability expectations.

A common employer filter is reliability.

Childcare ratios and routines depend on staff being present and on time.

Signals that often help in shortlisting

These signals often improve your chances:

• You understand that safeguarding is part of every day.
• You can describe how you follow rules and routines.
• You can describe how you stay calm with children.
• Your application is complete and consistent.
• Your references match your work history.

FAQs

Do I need GCSEs for an early years apprenticeship?
It depends on the vacancy and the level. Employers set job entry requirements. Some ask for GCSE English and maths. Some accept other evidence. Apprenticeship rules also include English and maths requirements, and providers check what you already have and what counts as equivalent.

Can I do an early years apprenticeship with Functional Skills Level 2?
Yes, often. GOV.UK guidance explains that English and maths requirements are set out in funding rules and that some qualifications count as acceptable equivalents. Training providers check your certificates and confirm what is accepted for your apprenticeship.

Can I apply for an early years apprenticeship with no experience?
Yes. Early years apprenticeships are promoted as a route into the sector. Employers still look for behaviour and reliability. If you have no childcare experience, use examples that show patience, calm communication, and following rules in a busy environment.

How old do you have to be to start an early years apprenticeship?
In England, you must be 16 or over, live in England, and not be in full-time education to start an apprenticeship. You can apply while you are still at school, but you need to be old enough by the time you start.

Do I need a DBS check for an early years apprenticeship?
In most early years settings, yes. Employers carry out safer recruitment and suitability checks because you work with children. The EYFS statutory framework sets the standards early years providers must meet to keep children safe and healthy, and providers must ensure staff are suitable.

What checks might I face besides DBS?
You can expect identity checks, right to work checks, references, and work history checks. Some settings also check childcare disqualification rules where they apply. The EYFS framework includes requirements around suitability and, from September 2025 versions, new requirements on references.

How do I find an early years apprenticeship near me?
Use the GOV.UK apprenticeship vacancy service. Search by postcode and try keywords like early years practitioner, early years educator, nursery apprenticeship, and childcare apprenticeship. Save searches and set alerts so you see new vacancies quickly.

What happens in an early years apprenticeship interview?
You are usually asked about working with children, following rules, and teamwork. Employers often test how you respond to simple safeguarding situations and how you stay calm under pressure. Some settings include a short trial session so they can see how you interact and follow direction.

Early years apprenticeship pay (what you can expect)

Early years apprenticeship pay depends on your age, your apprenticeship year, and the employer. Some employers pay the legal minimum. Some pay more to attract staff. Many early years roles are paid hourly. Some are shown as an annual wage on the vacancy.

Your pay is also affected by your working pattern. Some settings operate all year. Some roles are term time only.

You must be paid for your working time. You must also be paid for training time that is part of the apprenticeship.

Apprentice minimum wage rules (age bands and first-year rules)

The legal minimum wage depends on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The rates change every year on 1 April.

Current minimum wage rates on GOV.UK

April 2026

• 21 and over: £12.71 per hour
• 18 to 20: £10.85 per hour
• Under 18: £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice: £8.00 per hour

The apprentice rate applies if you are:

• under 19, in any year of the apprenticeship
• 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship

If you are 19 or over and you have completed the first year, you must be paid at least the minimum wage for your age.

Typical pay patterns in early years (hourly, annual, term time)

Early years vacancies often show pay as an annual wage.

This is common even when the role is hourly in practice.

Some vacancies show “competitive” pay.

Some show a set figure, like £14,560 a year or £15,704 a year.

Do not judge pay from the annual number alone.

You need to know the paid hours per week.

You also need to know whether it is full year or term time only.

Training time must still be paid time.

This includes training away from the workplace, like with a provider.

Worked pay examples (weekly and monthly)

These examples use gross pay.

Gross pay is pay before tax and National Insurance.

Example 1: apprentice minimum wage, 30 paid hours per week

Assumptions

• Hourly rate: £8.00 (apprentice rate from April 2026)
• Paid hours: 30 per week

Calculation

• Weekly gross: 30 × 8.00 = £240.00
• Monthly average gross: 240.00 × 52 ÷ 12 = £1,040.00
• Annual gross: 240.00 × 52 = £12,480.00

Example 2: apprentice minimum wage, 37.5 paid hours per week

Assumptions

• Hourly rate: £8.00
• Paid hours: 37.5 per week

Calculation

• Weekly gross: 37.5 × 8.00 = £300.00
• Monthly average gross: 300.00 × 52 ÷ 12 = £1,300.00
• Annual gross: 300.00 × 52 = £15,600.00

Example 3: adult apprentice after the first year

Assumptions

• Age: 21
• Paid hours: 30 per week
• After first year, minimum is the 21+ rate £12.71 from April 2026

Calculation

• Weekly gross: 30 × 12.71 = £381.30
• Monthly average gross: 381.30 × 52 ÷ 12 = £1,652.30
• Annual gross: 381.30 × 52 = £19,827.60

This change can be large for adults.

It is driven by the “first year” rule.

A simple check for any vacancy pay

Use this simple method.

It helps you compare offers.

• Ask for paid hours per week.
• Ask if training time is paid.
• Work out the hourly rate from the annual wage if needed.
• Compare to the minimum wage rules for your age and year.

Pay after the apprenticeship (how pay can change when you qualify)

After you complete Level 2 or Level 3, you move into a qualified early years role.

Pay depends on the employer and the job you move into.

Some employers increase pay for qualified staff.

Some employers pay the same unless you move to a higher role.

A common next step after Level 3 is a more responsible educator role.

Another step is room leader.

These roles often come with higher pay, but it is not automatic.

What qualification you get (Level 2 and Level 3 outcomes)

You work towards a national apprenticeship standard in early years. The most common routes are Level 2 Early Years Practitioner and Level 3 Early Years Educator. Level 2 is an entry route into early years work. Level 3 is a higher level route that supports you to work as an early years educator.

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

You work towards the Level 2 standard.

This focuses on safe care, routines, and supporting learning through play.

Level 3 Early Years Educator

You work towards the Level 3 standard.

This supports you to take more responsibility for learning, routines, and supporting children’s development.

Your training provider will also guide you on any extra certificates required by your employer or setting.

This often includes paediatric first aid in early years settings.

How long it takes (Level 2 vs Level 3 durations)

Level 2 is usually shorter than Level 3. The Early Years Practitioner Level 2 standard shows a typical duration to gateway of 12 months and a typical EPA period of 3 months. The Level 3 Early Years Educator route is commonly planned at around 18 months to gateway and 3 months for EPA in many provider models, but the exact length depends on your programme plan and progress.

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

• Typical time to gateway: 12 months
• Typical EPA period: 3 months

Level 3 Early Years Educator

• The standard exists at Level 3 (ST0135).
• Your provider sets the planned duration and reviews progress with you.

Your programme may take longer if:

• you need more time to meet the standard
• you have time off work
• your employer needs to extend training before gateway

End-point assessment (EPA) and what you have to pass

You finish an apprenticeship by passing end-point assessment. EPA is done at the end of your training. Your employer and provider decide when you are ready for EPA. This decision point is called gateway.

Gateway usually checks:

• you have met the on-programme requirements
• you have the evidence needed
• you have met English and maths rules where required
• you are ready for final assessment

EPA for early years normally includes more than one assessment method.

The exact methods depend on the version and the assessment plan used by your EPA organisation.

Your provider explains exactly what you will be assessed on.

A common early years pattern includes:

• an observation of practice
• a professional discussion
• evidence to support your answers

What happens if you fail, need more time, or change employer

If you struggle, most issues can be fixed early with support. If you are not ready for EPA, your employer and provider can delay gateway so you have more time. If you fail an EPA component, you can usually do a re-sit or re-take, depending on what was missed. The provider and EPA organisation set the rules and timelines.

If you need more time before EPA

This usually happens when:

• you need more consistent practice
• you are missing evidence
• you are not secure on key parts of the standard

Your programme can be extended before gateway.

If you fail EPA

A re-sit means you repeat an assessment without needing major new learning.

A re-take means you need more learning and practice before repeating.

Your employer must agree the plan.

If you change employer

You can often continue your apprenticeship if:

• your new job still matches the early years standard
• your new employer supports training time
• your provider can continue your programme

The change must be recorded correctly so your training can continue.

Progression after qualifying (Level 3, room leader, lead practitioner, management)

Progression depends on your qualification level, your experience, and your setting.

After Level 2

A common next step is to progress to Level 3 Early Years Educator.

After Level 3

Common progression routes include:

• taking more responsibility in a room as an educator
• moving towards room leader roles
• specialising in areas like SEND support or behaviour support
• working towards management roles over time

Progression is usually based on:

• trust and reliability
• strong practice with children
• good teamwork
• being confident with routines and safety
• being able to support planned learning