Deciding on the right apprenticeship programme is a big step, whether you're an early years practitioner looking to grow your skills or a setting wanting to invest in your team. If you're thinking about a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, here's why the Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is the right choice for you or your team.
Tap into Thrive’s expertise in social and emotional development
By choosing Thrive, you're tapping into over 30 years of expertise in children's social and emotional development. This deeper understanding helps practitioners feel confident in supporting children's wellbeing, understanding behaviour so they can respond with empathy, and creating calm, inclusive learning environments.
On completion, apprentices can proudly call themselves a Thrive Early Years Educator, applying Thrive’s unique approach to their everyday work with children.
A relational inclusive approach
Thrive places real emphasis on relationships and inclusivity. Apprentices learn how everyday moments, like offering comfort, tuning into children's cues, and using the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy), build strong, secure connections that support emotional wellbeing and resilience. They also explore how to create welcoming spaces where every child feels safe, valued, and included, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
This approach not only helps your setting meet the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework but goes further to promote a genuine sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing for all children.
Understanding that transforms practice
What sets this apprenticeship apart is its focus on the 'why' behind child development and behaviour. Apprentices gain deep insights into brain development, attachment theory, and how children's behaviour communicates their needs.
This understanding transforms how practitioners respond to challenging moments, moving from reactive responses to thoughtful, empathetic support that gets to the root of children’s needs.
Nationally recognised and fully funded
The Thrive Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification funded through the apprenticeship levy. If your organisation has a levy account, there is no direct cost to you.
The programme lasts 15 to 18 months and offers a structured, supportive path for apprentices to develop their skills while working. This combination of quality training, funding, and flexible timing makes it accessible for busy early years practitioners and their employers.
And because it’s a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, successful apprentices count towards staff:child ratios - bringing immediate practical benefits to your setting.
Delivered by trusted experts
The apprenticeship is delivered by our sister company and Education and Childcare Apprenticeship Provider of the Year (two years running), Best Practice Network, in collaboration with Thrive. Thrive’s unique expertise and approach is woven through the programme, so you get high-quality training and ongoing support designed just for early years professionals.
Who is this apprenticeship for?
- Early years practitioners working with children aged 0 to 5
- Anyone who wants to develop practical skills in child development, behaviour management, and emotional wellbeing
- Employers wanting to invest in their teams with a qualification that truly improves nursery practice
- Practitioners who want to understand the deeper needs behind children's behaviour and create environments where every child can thrive
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you're an employer looking to upskill your staff or an apprentice aiming for a rewarding career, Thrive offers the support, knowledge and skills you need to make a lasting difference in children's lives.
Find out more about the Thrive Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship and how to apply for our next cohort.
Explore Thrive Early Years Apprenticeship
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