Early Years Educator apprenticeship FAQs

Got questions about the Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship? You’re in the right place! Here, we’ve answered the most common queries to help you decide if this programme is the perfect next step in your career.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship?
The Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is a 15-18 month, work-based programme delivered by Best Practice Network.
Designed for those working with children aged 0 to 5, the apprenticeship combines hands-on experience with expert-led training. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to plan and deliver high-quality childcare and education in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Learning is delivered through a blend of virtual classrooms, webinars, work-based tasks and online assignments, supported by one-to-one guidance from your apprenticeship tutor. You’ll cover core modules such as safeguarding, child development and equality, diversity and SEND. You’ll also explore how strong relationships lay the foundations for social and emotional wellbeing, resilience, language, behaviour and learning.
Upon successful completion, you’ll be awarded a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. This means you’ll count towards the staff-to-child ratio in your setting, have the skills to mentor Early Years Practitioners, and be equipped to effectively support young children at this vital time of development.
Who is eligible for the apprenticeship?
There are no age restrictions for apprenticeships, and if you don’t already have qualifications in maths and English, you’ll have the opportunity to achieve Level 2 in both as part of your training.
To be eligible, you'll need to:
  • Be working and interacting daily with children aged 0 to 5 in a setting that delivers the EYFS learning and development requirements
  • Have experience in a relevant role
  • Have support from your employer and levy account holder
  • Be based in England
  • Have held a residency in the UK for the last three years
  • If aged 16-18, you'll need to have achieved GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C (4) or above OR be able to achieve Level 2 English and Maths Functional Skills while on programme

This apprenticeship the perfect next step for those with a Level 2 qualification in Early Years who want to advance their careers as Early Years Educators, Nursery Teaching Assistants, Nursery Nurses, Supervisors or Childminders.

What are the employer responsibilities for this apprenticeship?

Employers will need to allow full-time apprentices six hours per week of off-the-job training. Part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.
Employers will also offer a mentor and facilitate the apprentice’s monthly virtual sessions and overall development.

How is the programme funded?

It’s fully funded for those working in local authority settings or those paying into the apprenticeship levy. For non-levy payers, the government offers co-funding, covering 95% of the cost, or levy transfers are available for additional support.

Download information about the apprenticeship levy
What are the benefits of completing the Level 3 apprenticeship?

Completing the Thrive Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship equips you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality education and care for children aged 0 to 5. You’ll deepen your understanding of child development, emotional wellbeing and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), while learning how to create nurturing, inclusive environments where children feel safe and valued.

You’ll also gain a nationally recognised Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. This enables you to count in staff-to-child ratios, which is a key requirement for many roles in early years settings. This apprenticeship supports your personal and professional development, opening the door to roles with more responsibility, such as Early Years Educator, Nursery Nurse or Childminder.

Can multiple staff members from the same school enrol?

Due to the time commitment, we recommend that only one candidate per setting takes part on any given cohort. 

Does this apprenticeship help with supporting children with SEND?

Yes. One of the core modules in the Thrive Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship focuses specifically on equality, diversity and SEND. Apprentices will gain the knowledge and practical strategies needed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they feel safe, included and valued.

The programme helps you to build strong relationships, promote emotional wellbeing and work collaboratively with families and professionals, all of which are essential for effectively supporting children with SEND in early years settings.

Are virtual classroom sessions scheduled during working hours?

Yes, sessions are scheduled within typical school/nursery hours, with options for morning or afternoon to align with off-the-job training requirements.

What is off-the job training, and what can it include?

This apprenticeship is a work-based programme for people already in employment.

Your employer will need to give you time during your working hours each week for activities and learning related to your apprenticeship. This is called off-the-job training.

Best Practice Network and Thrive will work with employers to ensure this time is spent on activities that both build the apprentice’s capabilities and benefit the organisation.

Off-the-job training can include:

  • Research
  • Interactive online training
  • Training events
  • Inset days
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Reflective learning
  • Shadowing
  • Networking and moderation events
  • Project activities

The exact blend of activities will be agreed with the apprentice and employer at the start of the programme. 

How much time is dedicated to off-the-job training?

Full-time apprentices are required to have six hours per week of off-the-job training, while part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.

How does the apprenticeship benefit my current role?

The apprenticeship will help you to become more effective in your current role by strengthening your practical skills and knowledge in key areas, such as safeguarding, planning and delivering learning, working with families, and supporting communication and emotional development.

It also builds your confidence to take on more responsibility within your setting, including mentoring colleagues and contributing to high-quality care and education. The blend of expert-led training and hands-on experience means you’ll be able to apply your learning straight away and make a positive impact on your setting as you progress through the programme.

What types of settings is the apprenticeship a fit for?

All early years settings that follow the Early Years Foundation State (EYFS) framework are expected to have staff with Level 3 qualifications to meet statutory staffing and ratio requirements. This includes:

  • Private, voluntary and independent settings
  • School-based nurseries and nursery classes
  • Childminders (if working with assistants)
  • Maintained nursery schools
What salary can I expect after completing my apprenticeship?

The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship is a great progression route for a practitioner who wants to pursue a career as an Early Years Educator, Nursery Teaching Assistant, Nursery Nurse, Supervisor, or Childminder.

Salary progression will vary depending on the setting, additional responsibilities, and local pay structures. If you're wondering what this could mean for your career, it’s always worth speaking with your employer about potential next steps after completing the apprenticeship.

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