Early years apprenticeships can help a nursery recruit new talent, improve retention and create a structured progression pathway for existing practitioners.
Recruit or upskill
Recruiting a new apprentice: create an employed role, agree the appropriate standard and work with a provider to advertise, select and enrol a suitable candidate.
Developing an existing employee: an apprenticeship can support progression where the employee’s role provides sufficient opportunity for substantial new learning. It is not necessary to give someone the job title “apprentice”.
Choose the right level
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner: entry and support roles under guidance.
- Level 3 Early Years Educator: practitioners taking responsibility for care, learning and development.
- Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner: experienced staff leading operational practice and supporting colleagues.
Your responsibilities as employer
- Employ the apprentice in a genuine role and pay the correct wage
- Provide the workplace experience needed for the standard
- Agree and protect off-the-job training during paid hours
- Work with the provider to review progress
- Support safeguarding, supervision and end-point assessment readiness
Funding from August 2026
Levy-paying employers can use available apprenticeship account funds. For non-levy employers, eligible training for apprentices under 25 can be fully funded. For those aged 25 or over, the standard co-investment rate is 25%, unless a levy transfer or another exception applies. Always obtain a provider calculation for the proposed start.
Make an employer enquiry
Tell us your setting location, staff-development need and likely learner age. We can use this to identify whether a suitable training-provider conversation is available.
Plan delivery with the provider
Compare support, tutor access, reporting and occupational experience using our provider-selection guide. If your workforce includes reduced-hours staff, check how a part-time apprenticeship could affect the training plan. Settings developing graduate-level teaching capacity should also review the Level 6 Early Years Teacher degree apprenticeship.