Early years apprenticeships provide a progression route from an entry-level nursery role through to leading practice. The correct level must match the work you do and the new knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to develop.
Level 2: Early Years Practitioner
This is the main entry route for someone working under the guidance of more experienced early years professionals. Typical responsibilities include supporting play and learning, care routines, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, and communicating with colleagues and families.
Level 3: Early Years Educator
Level 3 is a more advanced occupational route. Early Years Educators plan and deliver activities, support children’s development, apply the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements and take greater responsibility for professional practice.
Level 5: Early Years Lead Practitioner
Level 5 is aimed at experienced practitioners who lead day-to-day practice at an operational level. It can suit room leaders, senior practitioners, deputies and others responsible for improving quality and supporting colleagues.
Can you skip a level?
Possibly. Apprenticeship entry is based on the role, prior learning and provider assessment, rather than a rule that everyone must complete every lower level. A provider must check that the programme contains substantial new learning for you.
Level 6: Early Years Teacher with EYTS
The Level 6 Early Years Teacher degree apprenticeship is an approved route leading to a degree and Early Years Teacher Status. It prepares people for a different occupation from Level 5 and is listed by Skills England with a typical duration of 33 months.
Read the Level 6 Early Years Teacher guide
Standards and training providers
See the current Early Years Educator standard explained, then use our guide to compare early years apprenticeship providers.