L3 Diploma for Early Years Care and Education (Early Years Educator)

£2,600

4.9

The L3 programme is a 8 – 12 month course ideal for employees who support and promote children and young people’s early education and development.

Course Overview

Blended Learning

Assessment Organisation

Duration 8 - 12 months

What Will You Learn:

Health, Safety & Wellbeing of Children

Learn about the legislation and guidance which governs Early Years. Plan and implement physical care plans & promote healthy lifestyles.

Understanding Child Development

Theory and philosophical approaches, supporting children through transitions, self regulation, holistic development and ensuring the EYFS requirements are met.

Communication with Children

Promoting positive behaviour, enabling play environments, support developing speech, language & communication, numeracy and literacy development.

Safeguarding in a Childcare setting

Understanding legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures including online safety and Prevent Duty within the Early Years setting.

Role of the Practitioner

Know the importance of continuous professional development and becoming a reflective practitioner, including how to develop personal development plans to support career progression.

Working in Partnership

Understanding the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks. Ensuring equality, diversity & inclusion including cultural capital.

Working with Additional Needs

Understanding the role of early intervention to identify children’s needs and strategies in supporting children.

Entry Requirements

How You Will Study

Online Learning

Ongoing Support

During the course, you’ll use our e-Portfolio system, Bud. This personalised platform provides easy access to your assessment plans and supports an enjoyable, interactive learning experience.

We have included a wide range of engaging resources, including videos, case studies, quizzes, and interactive tools, designed to keep you motivated and track progress every step of the way.

As a learner, you’ll be supported by a dedicated Development Coach who will guide you throughout your learning journey. They’ll deliver monthly teaching sessions both online and through in-person visits to your nursery.

You’ll also have regular progress reviews with your Development Coach and employer to set goals, track your development, and ensure you’re progressing in your role and personal growth.

Your Development Coach will set and assess your work and provide personalised feedback.

Montessori Apprentice Academy classroom setting with children and teacher engaged in Montessori activity

Combine a Montessori qualification

We’re the only National Provider to combine the L3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship with the Montessori Diploma, to become a qualified Montessori Teacher working in a Montessori nursery.

Meet Our Development Coaches

Tracy Cox

Jo Stocker

Elaine Jenkins

Alice Agatea

Laura Tompkins

What Our Students Say

Journey To Success

Being an apprentice with Montessori Apprentice Academy was an opportunity I am so grateful for. My tutor Elaine was such an amazing lady to work with. She was supportive but made sure I was producing the best work I could possibly put out.

Marium

Completed apprenticeship in Feb 2025

Highly Recommend!

Great training company. We train all of our staff here. The trainers/ tutors are excellent. They are the best!

Montessori Minds

Early Years Setting

Fantastic

From the moment we made contact about training they were superb. Communication has been great and the advice through the whole process

Timothy Stephens

Acorns Preschool

Frequently Asked Questions

To enrol in the programme, you must already be working in an Early Years setting. The employer will contact us and complete a few forms to have everything in place!

Once the employer has completed this, we will send a self-registration link to the learner, where they add all their details to our E-portfolio. After this we will arrange an onboarding meeting with the employer, learner and ourselves, where we confirm all the details are correct and everyone understands the requirements & expectations.

Our Early Years apprenticeships can be started at any time.

Yes, there a few requirements to keep in mind:

  • Working in an Early Years setting to be able to meet work experience requirements for the ages of 0-5 years
  • Letter from employer to confirm that the learner is receiving placement hours.
  • 16 years of age or over
  • Enhanced DBS Check
  • There are no specific entry requirements however learners should have a minimum of level two in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.
  • There is not a requirement for learners to have GCSE grades A*–C in English prior to commencing this qualification however learners should be aware that this is required to attain Early Years Educator status.

If you or a staff member is brand new to Early Years, then the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner may be what you’re looking for. It serves as an entry point, offering hands-on experience, structured training, and a nationally recognised qualification. 

Apprentices benefit from mentorship and support while contributing to children’s development in Early Years settings. This apprenticeship opens doors for career progression and provides a solid foundation for further growth within the sector.

 This qualification holds significant value, counting in ratio at Level 3, enabling roles such as Nursery Teacher, Room Leader, or Manager.

Additionally, our students and apprentices have demonstrated remarkable career trajectories. Notable roles our graduates have transitioned into includes:

  • Nursery Owner
  • Nursery Manager
  • Deputy Manager
  • Room Leader
  • Early Years Educator

If you don’t have GCSE English & Maths grade C/4 or Functional Skills equivalent, you will have the opportunity to study Functional Skills English & Maths whilst on the course, this is not a requirement. 

However, since English is required to be counted in staff:child ratios in the EYFS, we always heavily recommend everyone to study English if they do not already hold it, however Maths is not an EYFS requirement.

The standard time for the L3 Early Years Educator is 8 – 12 months.

The course works in tandem with your everyday job. There will be an expectation of outside learning in your personal time as this is a L3 which is equivalent to an A-level.

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L3 Early Years Educator

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and how we’ll support you every step of the way.

L3 Diploma for Early Years Care and Education Learning Journey

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