Early Years Educator

Overview of the role

Early Years Educators are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre schools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

Details of the Standard

The apprenticeship is broken up into distinct phases:

• The sign-up, which includes an assessment of maths and English, and an agreement between us, the apprentice and the employer, regarding the training plan.
• The practical period, which is the bulk of the apprenticeship. This is where the apprentice completes their required off-job-training according to the agreed training plan.
• The gateway. At the end of the practical period, the employer, training provider and apprentice meet to discuss the next, and final stage, the End Point Assessment (EPA). At the Gateway meeting, we ensure that the apprentice is ready to undertake the EPA.
• The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the last stage of the apprenticeship. The apprentice will undertake a series of independent assessments, which may include multiple choice questions, a professional discussion and/or a practical test. Successfully completing this step results in achieving the apprenticeship!

Duration

This apprenticeship is based on a 18-month practical period (not including End Point Assessment).

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are largely dependent on the vacancy notice set out by the employer - please read the job advert that relates to the role you are considering.

English and maths

Where an apprentice has not already achieved Level 2 English and Maths, they must do so before taking the end-point assessment.

Curriculum, delivery and readiness for End-Point-Assessment

The content delivery will be agreed between the apprentice, employer and training provider and is based upon prior knowledge and qualifications. This agreement forms the individualised Training Plan, detailing how the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship Standard will be met.

Apprentices must complete a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification as well as successfully completing a first aid qualification in line with the requirements of the EYFS Framework. These will be included within the apprenticeship.

Summary End-Point-Assessment

The EPA has two elements, which must be successfully completed to achieve the apprenticeship. These are:

• Multiple choice knowledge test consisting of 35 questions, which must be completed within 60 minutes.
• Portfolio-based interview (professional discussion underpinned ).

Progression

On completion, apprentices may choose to consolidate their learning before moving into a supervisory or management role in their profession.