ST0135: Early Years Educator Level 3

Version 1.3 / 1.2

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 children’s centres, full day care, reception classes, pre-schools and as childminders. An Early Years Educator may either be working on their own or supervising others to support the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

An Early Years Educator is responsible for making plans and supervises child-initiated and adult-led activities, based upon the specific needs and interests of each individual child. An Early Years Educator helps support children with the development of numeracy and language skills through games and play. They have a key personal responsibility to help ensure each child feels safe and secure. An Early Years Educator is expected to observe each child and will shape their learning experience to reflect their observations. They play a crucial role in the development of these budding minds at a young age. They may also be required to manage, directly or indirectly the care needs of an individual child such as feeding, changing nappies and administration of medicine.

An Early Years Educator works in partnership with other colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals. With additional work experience, an Early Years Educator can become the supervisor of an early years setting. Early Years Educators will be required to undergo all the checks as per the EYFS requirements to ensure suitability to work with children.