Duration
Typical duration to gateway - 18 months (this does not include EPA period).

Occupation Profile
Early Years Educators are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children's centres, pre schools, reception classes and as childminders. Programme content includes: Theories which underpin practice in the early years sector Observation and assessment in the early years sector Principles of safeguarding policies and procedures in early years settings Promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in the early years sector Communication and team work Planning and implementing activities Supporting children experiencing transitions and significant events in the early years sector Promoting partnership working with parents

Entry Requirements
Applicants must: Be working within an appropriate setting Achieve the required level of Maths and English as part of the apprenticeship if a recognised qualification is not already held Not hold a similar qualification Be employed and have the support of their employer to undertake the programme

Commitment
6 hours a week (based on a 30 hour week) of a learner's contracted hours must be given to support the completion of their programme. Tutor led sessions are a mandatory part of the course along with any other learning activities set by the assessor or tutor. Maths and English may need to be undertaken in addition to the main qualification depending on previous attainment in these areas. It is likely that the learner will be required to undertake research, reading and write ups to support their learning. The programme requires 100% commitment from the learner & employer to ensure successful completion.

Delivery
Our blended approach means that our programmes are flexible and enable apprentices to experience a range of learning and support opportunities in a variety of formats such as online or at a local ACL centre. The apprentice will have a dedicated tutor who they will meet (online or face to face) once a month who will guide them through their apprenticeship and prepare them for their End Point Assessment. Reviews of progress are carried out every 12 weeks with the learner, their line manager and the tutor. Additional workshops and seminars will be available to all learners to support additional learning and the off job learning requirement.

Benefit For Learner
1. Develop a range of essential skills they can apply in the working environment 2. Increased knowledge and understanding of their role and responsibilities 3. Build confidence and self-esteem 4. Self-development - building communication, personal and professional skills 5. Learners will receive a pass or distinction upon the successful completion of the apprenticeship

Benefit to the Setting and Children
1. More productive and skilled staff with nationally recognised CACHE qualifications 2. Children receive support from qualified staff benefitting their learning and development 3. Skilled staff are familiar with current knowledge of teaching and observation methods 4. Staff gain an understanding of the impact legislation has on how settings operate

End Point Assessment (EPA)
End Point Assessment takes place at the end of the apprenticeship programme and is a comprehensive holistic assessment of the skills, knowledge and behaviours required as laid out in the apprenticeship standard. It is made up of: Portfolio of evidence Professional discussion led by the appointed End Point Assessor and underpinned by your portfolio of evidence A Knowledge, multiple choice test Learners will receive a pass or distinction upon the successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Progression
Progression Routes Once you have completed this qualification at Level 3, there are several progression routes available, dependant on your industry and job role: Level 4 Children, Young People and Families