Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you if you wish to become a qualified Early Years Educator in a range of maintained and private, voluntary, and independent settings such as full day care, children's centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, home based provision, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments, and local authority provision. The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide high quality early education and care to children.

Through an evidence-based approach, you will 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.

ln 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 understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Early years educators teach and facilitate children's learning through 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.

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects:

• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Safeguarding policies and procedures
• Health and safety
• Statutory and non-statutory frameworks
• The role and responsibilities of the key person
• Children's learning and development
• Enabling environments
• Observation, assessment, and planning
• Reflective practice

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day-release and independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections, and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 3 Early years Educator Apprenticeship Standard

Paediatric First Aid Award

Level 2 Functional Skills Maths (if required) Apprentices without level 2 maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of observation in the workplace, questioning, professional discussion, work products, reflective accounts, activities and assignments.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 2 distinct components:

Observation with questions

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e. pass, merit or distinction.

Additional qualifications needed for completion are English and maths Level 2 and Paediatric First Aid.

How do I get a place on the course?

To gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and follow our application process as directed.

Apply directly to the Education and Early Years Apprenticeship team: earlyyearsapprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

Or via the college website: https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 3 Early Years Educator programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· A full and relevant Level 2 qualification or significant industry experience; English and maths GCSE Grade 4/ Level 2 Functional Skills.

· Candidates may be accepted if all other requirements are met and they are working at Level 2 in maths, subject to initial assessment.

· Demonstrate a passion for working with young children

· Possess a suitable character, tutor or employer reference and a copy of your latest school/college report (if applicable)

· You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

The course duration is 18 months. You will be expected to attend Blossomfield Campus 1 day per week during term time, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00, unless otherwise directed by your assessor coach. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

Your college day release is required to complete your 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may also require some self-directed study, where you will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor.

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British Values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the industry.

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some textbooks for further reading. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens, and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary. Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

Continue your employment in the industry

Or

Progress onto higher level qualifications such as the BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies or the BA Hons in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusive Practice.