Early Years Educator Advanced Apprenticeship Standard

The topics you will cover whilst training include: developing effective study skills; promoting partnership working with parents; modelling, promoting and supporting positive behaviour with children; principles of safeguarding policies and procedures in early years settings; promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in the early years sector; working in partnership with colleagues and other professionals in early years settings; planning and implementing activities, play opportunities and educational programmes in an early years setting; promoting children’s health and welfare in an early years setting; promoting the health and safety of children; promote the children’s speech, language and communication development; support organisational requirements for recording, storing and disclosing information and providing reports in an early years setting; supporting children’s creative and imaginative play and experiences; supporting children experiencing transitions and significant events in the early years sector; continuous professional development using reflective practice in the early years sector; theories which underpin practice in the early years sector; child development from conception to 7 years; observation and assessment in the early years sector.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide high quality early education and care to children. Through an evidence based approach, they provide opportunities and learning experiences for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Early years educators follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by government for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5 in both indoor and outdoor environments. 

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with children, parents, carers, colleagues, and wider multi agency professionals such as health visitors, early help services, social workers, and speech and language therapists. This includes supporting children with SEND.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment for children's learning. They ensure that the learning environment and provision is inclusive and supports all children, and demonstrate a clear understand of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Early years educator's teach and facilitate children's learning play. They apply the observation, assessment, and planning cycle to support progress and children's development. An early years educator will act as the key person for one or more children within their setting. They may play a leadership role within the setting or may act under the supervision of a manager.

Your progress is continually monitored throughout the course. Assessments are arranged when necessary and these take place on-the-job.

Assessments will support completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) and include: observations of your performance; responses to written and/or spoken questions to show your knowledge and understanding; e-portfolio of supporting evidence containing testimonies, reflective accounts, assignments, work products such as activity planning sheets, completed risk assessments, continual professional development evidence, along with supporting you in readiness for the end point assessment by building a portfolio of evidence. 

You will also as part of the apprenticeship standard undertake Level 2 in Paediatric First Aid and this will be built into your course and must be achieved prior to taking your end point assessment.

This Standard End Point Assessment includes:

• Observation with Questioning
• Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence