Funded Courses:
Early Years Educator Diploma Level 3

> Fully Funded

> Duration: 12 Months

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Course Overview

The Early Years Educator Level 3 Diploma is designed for individuals working in early years and childcare settings who are developing the skills required to deliver high-quality early education. The course provides a comprehensive programme aligned to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and statutory early years requirements.

Learners develop in-depth knowledge of child development, safeguarding, curriculum planning, observation, and assessment. The programme emphasises reflective practice, inclusive provision, and partnership working with parents and professionals. Delivered through a blended model, learners benefit from personalised one-to-one support, practical workplace assessment, and collaborative peer learning.

This course prepares learners to operate confidently as qualified Early Years Educators and to progress into senior or specialist roles within early years provision.

Eligibility Criteria

  • UK/EU Citizen for 3+ years
  • Work 16+ hours per week on average
  • Employed on a PAYE Scheme
  • Not on any other government-funded course
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group

Employer Benefits: After Course Completion

Employers benefit from qualified Early Years Educators who strengthen quality, compliance, and outcomes across early years provision.

Employers benefit from staff who:

  • Having a secure understanding of Child Development, Safeguarding, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
  • Planning purposeful learning activities that meet children’s needs
  • Observing and assessing children’s progress effectively
  • Supporting inclusive practice within early years settings
  • Contributing to inspection readiness and quality improvement
  • Building strong partnerships with families

The apprenticeship provides:

  • Develops qualified Early Years Educators outside of the apprenticeship framework
  • Embeds best practice aligned to EYFS requirements
  • Meets Ofsted expectations for high-quality early years provision
  • Ensures learning is applied consistently and effectively in practice

Employers typically see:

  • Improved quality of provision within early years settings
  • Increased staff confidence and professional capability
  • Stronger safeguarding practice across the workforce
  • Better outcomes for children through effective learning and care
  • Enhanced staff retention and workforce stability

The programme supports:

  • High-quality early education within settings
  • Compliance with regulatory frameworks
  • Sustainable workforce development
  • Promotion of consistent best practice in early years provision
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group

Who is This Course For

This course is designed for individuals working in early years settings who are developing or formalising their professional practice.

All learning aligns to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding legislation, and early years inspection and quality standards.

This course is ideal for:

  • Early Years Practitioners
  • Nursery Practitioners
  • Experienced Assistants seeking a recognised Level 3 qualification
  • Staff already working with children aged 0–5
  • Individuals wishing to increase responsibility, confidence, and career prospects within early years education

Typical Job Roles Include:

  • Early Years Educator
  • Nursery Practitioner
  • Early Years Practitioner
  • Room Leader (with experience)
  • Childcare Practitioner


This course is suitable for employers operating in:

  • Day nurseries
  • Pre-schools
  • Nursery schools
  • Early years provision within schools
  • Private, voluntary and independent providers

Preparation and Support

Throughout the programme, learners are supported to:

  • Build evidence of competence
  • Prepare for assessment requirements
  • Understand what to expect at EPA

This ensures apprentices approach the End Point Assessment with confidence and clarity.

Candidate Enrolment Form

Skills Funding Group - Funding Streams to Suit You.

Adult Education Budget (AEB)

Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) Funding

Learner Support Fund (LSF)

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

Apprenticeships

Student Loans Company (Advanced Learner Loans)

Funded Courses Eligibility Criteria

This means you can recruit with a clear development route in mind from day one.

Funding at a Glance

Many of our apprentices go on to secure permanent roles, promotions and long-term career progression within their organisations.

Funding Stream

  1. Apprenticeships (see the detail on funding
  2. Adult Education Budget (AEB)
  3. Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA)
  4. Advanced Learner Loans
  5. Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
  6. Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

Who It is For

  1. New or existing employees (in England)
  2. Adults 19+ meeting eligibility criteria
  3. Learners in devolved regions (within the UK)
  4. Individuals 19+ studying Level 3–6
  5. Learners requiring additional support (contact us for more information)
  6. Health and Adult Social Care Workforce

Who Pays

  1. Government via DAS (levy or co-investment)
  2. Government (National or devolved AEB)
  3. Regional government allocation
  4. Government-backed loan (repayable)
  5. Government support funding
  6. NHS funding contribution (national or devolved AEB)

Best Used For

  1. Structured role-based development aligned to occupational standards
  2. Entry-level qualifications, sector skills, career progression
  3. Skills aligned to local labour market priorities
  4. Professional qualifications where grant funding not available
  5. Removing barriers to participation and achievement
  6. Regulated roles and sector-specific qualifications

Employer Contribution

  1. Levy funds or typically 5% co-investment (if non-levy). This if  fully funded for under 22 year olds
  2. Often fully funded (subject to eligibility)
  3. Often fully or partially funded
  4. No employer cost (loan repaid by learner when eligible)
  5. No additional employer cost
  6. Reduces employer training costs (contact us for more detailed information)

Cost-Effective Recruitment

A Cost-Effective Way to Recruit and Develop Talent

Apprenticeships are one of the most financially supported recruitment routes available to UK employers.

£1,000 Government Incentive

Receive a £1,000 incentive when you recruit an apprentice aged 16–18, or 19–24 with an EHCP or care leaver status.

NI Contribution Exemption

Employers are exempt from paying National Insurance Contributions for apprentices under 25, provided they earn under the Upper Secondary Threshold.

95–100% Funded Training

Training costs are typically 95–100% government funded for non-levy paying employers — making apprenticeships significantly more cost-effective than traditional recruitment.

Proven Retention & Growth

Apprenticeships improve retention, engagement and progression. You build capability tailored to your business from day one.

How We Work

Ready to Recruit an Apprentice?

Submit your vacancy details and our team takes care of the rest. We make the process simple, compliant and commercially focused.

01

Review

We review your role for apprenticeship alignment and suitability.

02

Refine

Support you in refining the job description if needed to attract the right candidates.

03

Advertise

We advertise and promote your vacancy across our candidate network.

04

Screen

We screen and shortlist candidates based on your requirements.

05

Onboard

We guide you through the onboarding and funding process end-to-end.

What Makes Our Programmes Different?

We don’t take you out of your role — we develop you within it.

Our programmes are designed for people already in work, helping you build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to perform at a higher level. Everything you learn is applied directly to your day-to-day responsibilities, so the impact is immediate, practical and measurable.

From enrolment through to completion, we support both you and your employer to ensure the training delivers real value.

Need more information or to discuss a way forward?

If you are not sure on what course may suit you, funding or how it all works, then get in touch and we can help and support and help you on your journey.