Early years educator Level 3

Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, 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 Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

Knowledge

• The expected patterns of children’s development from birth to 5 years
• The significance of attachment and how to promote it effectively
• Systematic synthetic phonics in the teaching of reading, and a range of strategies for developing early literacy and mathematics.
• The current early education curriculum requirements such as the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• How to respond to accidents, injuries and emergency situations.

Skills

• Analyse and explain how children’s learning and development can be affected by their stage of development
• Ensure plans fully reflect the stage of development
• Support children’s group learning and socialisation
• Model and promote positive behaviours
• Carry out and record observational assessment accurately
• Plan and carry out physical care routines suitable to the age, stage and needs of the child

Behaviours

• 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 a 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.

This Apprenticeship lasts between 18 and 24 months. Start dates throughout the year

• Assessment method 1: Knowledge Test · Fail · Pass 
• Assessment method 2: Professional Discussion underpinned by the Portfolio · Fail · Pass · Distinction 

Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard and grade of: · Fail · Pass · Distinction