The Early Years Teacher degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 route for people training to take responsibility for children’s learning, development and welfare from birth to five. The current official title is Early Years Teacher (with EYTS).
It is substantially different from the more common Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship. It is a degree apprenticeship leading to a degree and Early Years Teacher Status, with a deeper focus on pedagogy, assessment, inclusive practice and leadership of early years learning.
What does an Early Years Teacher do?
Early Years Teachers plan and lead high-quality education and care for babies and young children. They use knowledge of child development to design learning, assess progress, adapt provision and work with families and other professionals. They may also support colleagues and influence practice across a setting.
This is a professional teaching role centred on the early years. Early Years Teacher Status is distinct from Qualified Teacher Status, so applicants should check which status is required for the setting and career they ultimately want.
How long does the Level 6 apprenticeship take?
Skills England lists a typical duration of 33 months for the current Level 6 standard. Actual programme length can vary after the provider reviews the apprentice’s prior learning and experience. It must still include enough training and workplace development to cover the full occupation.
If you are comparing programme lengths, see our broader guide to how long nursery apprenticeships take.
What are the entry requirements?
Apprentices must meet the Department for Education’s entry requirements for early years initial teacher training. The current standard refers to GCSE grade 4 or equivalent requirements in English, mathematics and science, alongside the provider’s admissions checks. Because individual circumstances and accepted equivalents vary, the higher education provider should confirm eligibility before an offer is treated as final.
The apprentice must also be employed in a role that provides the breadth of experience needed for the standard. A degree apprenticeship is not simply a university course with occasional work experience: the job and training programme are designed together.
Does the apprentice pay university fees?
No. Apprentices do not pay tuition fees for their apprenticeship training. Funding is arranged through the apprenticeship system and the employer. The applicable contribution depends on the employer, the apprentice and the funding rules in force at the start.
Employers can read our guide to apprenticeship funding for nurseries and our practical introduction to early years apprenticeships for employers.
Level 5 or Level 6: which is the better fit?
Higher level does not automatically mean better. The standards prepare people for different occupations.
- Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner: designed for experienced practitioners leading practice, supporting colleagues and improving provision. Read the Level 5 guide.
- Level 6 Early Years Teacher: a degree apprenticeship leading to Early Years Teacher Status and responsibility for teaching and learning across the birth-to-five phase.
The right route depends on the job the apprentice is doing, their previous education and the employer’s workforce plan. Our apprenticeship levels comparison places Level 2, Level 3, Level 5 and Level 6 in context.
How do you find a Level 6 programme?
Search the government training-provider service for organisations approved to deliver the standard, then check whether the provider works in your area and with your type of employer. The Level 6 degree apprenticeship must be delivered through an appropriate higher education provider.
Skills England records the current standard as Level 6, typically 33 months, with a maximum funding band of £27,000. Read the official Early Years Teacher standard before making decisions.
Our guide to choosing an early years apprenticeship provider explains what to compare beyond the course title.