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Start your early years apprenticeship journey with best-in-class tuition
Before You Apply
What an apprenticeship involves
An early years apprenticeship is a real job combined with structured learning towards a national qualification. It requires a long-term commitment of 12+ months. Apprentices are expected to work reliably, learn new skills in real situations, and complete training and assessments alongside their job.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must:
- Be employed / willing to be employed in an early years setting
- Be aged 16 or over at the start of the apprenticeship
- Live in England and not be in full-time education when you start
- Have the right to work in England and meet the residency eligibility criteria for funding
- Be able to commit to the training requirements, including protected off-the-job learning time
- Not be enrolled on another apprenticeship or DfE-funded programme that would duplicate the training
- Be able to complete the apprenticeship within the time available (for example, your employment contract/visa must cover the full programme, including end-point assessment)
Safeguarding & Offer Conditions
This role is subject to safer recruitment checks. Any offer will be conditional on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and other suitability checks required for working in early years
Is this right for you?
Ideal for those who:
- Enjoy working with children
- Want a long-term early years career
- Prefer workplace learning
- Can follow guidance and take responsibility.
No prior experience is needed, commitment matters most.
It may not be suitable if:
- You want something short-term
- Struggle with attendance
- want a qualification without workplace responsibility
- Cannot commit to regular learning and reviews
What Your Apprenticeship Looks Like
What's included
- Off-the-job training for around 20% of your paid working hours (protected time)
- Ongoing support from a Begin Bright tutor/coach
- Regular progress reviews with you, your employer and Begin Bright
- Preparation for End-Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of the programme
- Online learning and guided study
- Tutor/coach sessions
- Workplace activities and projects linked to your role
- Reflective learning to build skills and confidence
Your working week
Most of the week is spent working directly with children, supporting play, learning and care. Around 20% of paid time is protected for off-the-job learning, which may include online activities, tutor-led sessions, reflective tasks, projects and evidence gathering.
Assessment & EPA
You will complete assessments throughout the programme. At the end, an independent End-Point Assessment (EPA) takes place. Begin Bright explains the EPA in advance and supports you step by step.
Completing your apprenticeship
EPA (End-Point Assessment) is the final, independent assessment at the end of your apprenticeship that confirms you can do the job. Before EPA, you go through “Gateway”, where your employer and training provider confirm you’ve met the requirements and are ready to be assessed. An independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) carries out the assessment, and you complete the apprenticeship by passing it.
- Off-the-job training for around 20% of your paid working hours (protected time)
- Ongoing support from a Begin Bright tutor/coach
- Regular progress reviews with you, your employer and Begin Bright
- Preparation for End-Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of the programme
- Online learning and guided study
- Tutor/coach sessions
- Workplace activities and projects linked to your role
- Reflective learning to build skills and confidence
Most of the week is spent working directly with children, supporting play, learning and care. Around 20% of paid time is protected for off-the-job learning, which may include online activities, tutor-led sessions, reflective tasks, projects and evidence gathering.
You will complete assessments throughout the programme. At the end, an independent End-Point Assessment (EPA) takes place. Begin Bright explains the EPA in advance and supports you step by step.
EPA (End-Point Assessment) is the final, independent assessment at the end of your apprenticeship that confirms you can do the job. Before EPA, you go through “Gateway”, where your employer and training provider confirm you’ve met the requirements and are ready to be assessed. An independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) carries out the assessment, and you complete the apprenticeship by passing it.
The Support You’ll Receive
Pastoral and wellbeing
You will have a named tutor and regular check-ins to support wellbeing, confidence and organisation.
Working with you
You won’t be doing this alone.
Support is built into the apprenticeship from both Begin Bright and your workplace team.
Workplace support
Employers provide supervision, mentoring, clear task explanations, time for practice, and support to attend reviews and training.
If you find things difficult
It is normal to find apprenticeship elements challenging. Tutors encourage early conversations, and support or adjustments can be put in place. Issues are addressed with you, not about you.
Your Future Path
Why train with Begin Bright
A seamless, supported assessment experience
Effortless administration & progression
Build confidence with essential skills
