Quality childcare provision supports children to develop, achieve and reach their potential through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are many varying routes to develop a professional career: with opportunities to study part time, full time or through work based learning to gain qualifications through local colleges and universities

There are clear progression pathways for practitioners to enabled them to upskill and take their careers to the next stage. The information in this page will help practitioners make informed decisions about their personal development and managers about how to support staff development whilst meeting business needs.

Early Years Qualifications & Career Pathways

 Understanding the qualifications available in the Early Years sector helps employers recruit effectively, support staff development, and plan for succession. Below is a guide to the main qualification levels, their purpose, typical roles, and employer guidance.

Level 1 – Introductory Certificate

• Audience: Learners aged 14+ (often still in school)
• Entry Requirements: None, though providers may set their own criteria
• Focus: Basic understanding of childcare and early development
• Typical Roles: Volunteer or assistant in early years settings (under supervision)
• Employer Guidance: Offer work experience placements and support progression to Level 2

Level 2 – Early Years Practitioner (GCSE Equivalent)

• Qualification: Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
• Focus: Supporting child development and learning under supervision
• Typical Roles: Nursery assistant, playgroup assistant, childminding assistant
• Employer Guidance: Provide mentoring and supervision; support progression to Level 3

Level 3 – Early Years Educator (A Level Equivalent)

• Qualification: Level 3 Diploma or T Level in Education and Childcare
• Focus: Planning and leading activities, safeguarding, and child development
• Typical Roles: Nursery nurse, room leader, childminder (registered), preschool supervisor
• Employer Guidance: Ensure staff meet EYFS ratio requirements; support leadership development

T Level – Education and Childcare (Level 3)

• Focus: Technical qualification combining classroom learning with industry placement
• Typical Roles: Early Years Educator, teaching assistant
• Employer Guidance: Host industry placements and collaborate with training providers

Level 4 – Advanced Practitioner / HNC

• Focus: Reflective practice, leadership, and mentoring
• Typical Roles: Senior nursery practitioner, lead childminder, deputy manager
• Employer Guidance: Offer leadership opportunities and CPD support

Level 5 – Foundation Degree / HND

• Focus: Advanced knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and leadership
• Typical Roles: Nursery manager, Early Years coordinator, SEN support lead
• Employer Guidance: Encourage progression through funded training and mentoring

Level 6 – BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies / EYTS

• Focus: Strategic leadership, curriculum design, and research
• Typical Roles: Early Years Teacher (EYTS), setting manager, consultant or trainer
• Employer Guidance: Support postgraduate study and leadership development

Experience-Based Route (EBR) – NEW!

A new route allowing Early Years staff who meet certain eligibility criteria, but who do not hold a full and relevant level 3 qualification, to work in the staff:child ratios at level 3. Providers must be rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted to approve staff for Level 3 ratios through an experience-based route. This route is not automatically transferable between providers and is limited to 50% of Level 3 staff at anyone setting.

• Eligibility: For staff without a full Level 3 qualification
• Requirements: 751–900 hours of supervised practice, assessments, Level 2 English, Paediatric First Aid
• Typical Roles: Level 3 ratio-qualified practitioner (within approved settings)
• Employer Guidance: Ensure Ofsted rating meets criteria; maintain documentation and assessor support
• Early Years Service Factsheet Experience-Based Route (EBR) for Level 3 Early Years Educator Status.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a valuable way to recruit and train new staff while accessing government funding.

There are several steps to taking on an apprentice:

1. Choose an apprenticeship standard for your business or organisation.
2. Find an organisation that offers training for the apprenticeship you’ve chosen.
3. Check what training funding you can get.
4. Create an account - you need this to manage funding and recruit apprentices.
5. Advertise your apprenticeship - find out how to create an advert or give your training provider permission to do this for you.
6. Make an apprenticeship agreement and training plan with your chosen apprentice. Click here for a template.
7. Advertise your apprenticeships for free and access all the information about how to create an apprenticeship advert https://www.gov.uk/guidance/creating-an-apprenticeship-advert

Guidance for Schools to hire Apprentices

Early Years Apprenticeship factsheet for Schools

Buckinghamshire Adult Learning are key partners for supporting school apprenticeship programmes. If you are interested in finding out more or need advice on Apprenticeships, please contact Adult Learning Apprenticeships on 01296 674449 or email inbusiness@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Need Support?

Whether you're hiring, training, or planning for the future, Buckinghamshire’s Early Years workforce team is here to help. Contact us for personalised advice, resources, and connections to local training providers.

Early Years Workforce Team:  

 Email eycpd@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or Call 01296 38 2468