As part of the Programme, you will be required to develop Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours in the below areas within your organisation:

• The expected patterns of children’s development from birth to 5 years, and have an understanding of further development from age 5 to 7.
• The importance of promoting diversity, equality and inclusion, fully reflecting cultural differences and family circumstances.
• The importance to children’s holistic development of speech, language and communication – personal, social and emotional development – physical development
• The current early education curriculum requirements such as the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• When a child is in need of additional support such as where a child’s progress is less than expected. how to assess within the current early education curriculum framework using a range of assessment techniques such as practitioners observing children through their day to day interactions and observations shared by parents and/ or carers.
• The importance of undertaking continued professional development to improve own skills and early years practice.
• Plan and lead activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes which include the learning and development areas of current early education curriculum requirements.
• Work in partnership with parents and/or carers to help them recognise and value the significant contributions they make to the child’s health, well-being, learning and development.

Behaviours expected of all Early Years Educators carrying out their role:

• Care and compassion– provide the very best childcare to every child every day combined with the ability to professionally challenge poor practice
• Being team-focused– work effectively with colleagues and other professionals and support the learning and development of others through mentoring and sharing of professional expertise and experience.
• Honesty, trust and integrity– develop trust by working in a confidential, ethical and empathetic manner with common sense and professional attitude.
• Commitment to improving the outcomes for children through inspiration and child-centred care and education
• Work in a non-discriminatory way, by being aware of differences and ensuring all children have equal access to opportunities to learn, develop and reach their potential.
• Working practice- take into account fundamental British values including democracy, the rule of the law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

You will also be required to complete a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma embedded into the standard programme

The course delivery will typically be completed over a 15-month period, which will include fortnightly knowledge delivery through face-to-face sessions or remote

The learners will also be observed in the workplace on at least 2 occasions to identify the standards of competence are being met.

There will also be recorded professional discussions covering competence towards the standard.

The tutor will complete a progress review in the first 6 weeks and every 10-12 weeks thereafter, which will require the Employer’s presence. All work will be stored on an electronic portfolio ready to be submitted to the End Point Assessment Organisation.

At the end of the 15th month, the learner will have a final assessment with an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). Revision and mock activities will be completed with the learner prior to the final assessment.

As part of the Apprenticeship Standard, you will be required to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of your programme with an external Independent Assessor (EPAO).

Throughout the programme, your tutor will prepare you for the End Point Assessment and complete mock assessments prior to your final assessment.

The following elements will be completed during the End Point Assessment for the Early Years Educator Standard:

• Portfolio of Evidence
• Professional Discussion
• Knowledge test

At the end of the final assessment, the below grades will be awarded by the EPAO:

• Fail
• Pass
• Distinction

As part of the Early Years Educator Standard you will be achieving the following qualifications:

• Apprenticeship Standard Certificate for Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma
• Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
• Functional Skills Maths (Level 2)*
• Functional Skills English (Level 2)*

*Will be achieved if relevant qualification not already held prior to the Apprenticeship.

Typical applicants will display a good attitude, a positive approach to learning & development and a high level of ambition. Apprentices will need to sit an initial assessment in both English and Maths.

Where a learner does not hold an equivalent to or GSCE grade 4 (C) or above, you will need to sit Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths prior to taking the End Point assessment.

Find out how your business can benefit from government funding here.