The news we’ve all been waiting for has landed, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has finally approved the new Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard.
Development began back in 2014 and after enduring a trying process, culminating in the resignation of the trailblazer group last year which included nursery chain Busy Bees, the standard was finally approved for delivery on the 3rd April 2019.
From understanding the expected patterns of children’s development from birth to 5 years, to the importance of undertaking continued professional development to improve own skills and early years practice, an Early Years Educator is required to understand a wealth of knowledge, behaviours and skills for early years settings.
Full-time apprentices will typically spend 18 months on-programme (before gateway) working towards the occupational standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training expected. All apprentices will spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme.
The End-Point Assessment components comprise of a knowledge test and professional discussion, which is underpinned with a portfolio of work. Apprentices will also need to have completed Functional Skills maths and English to Level 2 standard, a Paediatric First Aid qualification and completed one of the DfE list of approved qualifications which includes the TQUK Level 3 Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator) (RQF).
As an Awarding Organisation, we’ve been able to hand-pick a trio of qualifications which make up our ‘Social Skills’ package which we would like to offer to those undertaking the apprenticeship in order to boost and refine skills outside of the standard requirements.
These are:
- TQUK Level 2 Award in Equality and Diversity (RQF)
- TQUK Level 2 Award in Citizenship and British Values (RQF)
- TQUK Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People (RQF)
Kelle McQuade, Head of End-Point Assessment Organisation at TQUK said:
“It’s fantastic news that the Level 3 EYE standard has been finally been approved. TQUK has been waiting for its approval ever since we gained EPAO status back in 2017.”
“It was absolutely one of those standards that was earmarked from the start and we will be moving heaven and earth to be approved to deliver assessment on the standard as soon as possible. It is a key standard for those who wish to work in the early years and childcare sector and we are determined to hit the ground running to help apprentices.”
“We’ve already had a number of enquiries from training providers and employers who are eager to get started with us which is great news. We, of course, welcome interest from all stakeholders who are interested in working with TQUK EPA on this standard, from assessors to question writers – come and join the Hive!”
To register your interest in working with TQUK EPA for this standard, or any other – head to the EYE Standard page for more information and to get in touch with the team.
You can view the Institute for Apprenticeships complete standard information here.
