Early Years Educator Level 3
Apprenticeship Assessment
Overview.
The NQual Level 3 Apprenticeship Assessment for Early Years Educator (ST0135) version 2.0 takes place during the programme and provides an opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for this standard.
The assessment includes a mandatory Observation of Practice with Question and Answer, and one additional component selected from either a Professional Discussion or a Case Study.
Assessment evidence is gathered on programme, and apprentices must pass all components and meet Gateway to Completion requirements, including employer sign-off of behaviours, and a PaedIatric First Aid or Emergency PaedIatric First Aid Qualification to complete the apprenticeship.
An apprentice cannot achieve their apprenticeship until all assessment and Gateway to Completion requirements have been met.
This standard will be approved for delivery from 1st November 2026. Training providers can start registering apprentices with NQual today.
Delivery Options.
The NQual Approach: In this option, NQual will conduct all assessment components for the Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship standard.
Approved Centre Approach: In this option, NQual will conduct the Observation and Question and Answer component while the Approved Centre will conduct the remaining assessment coverage of the Professional Discussion or Case Study based on a Child Study.
Version
2.0
Code
ST0135
Duration
Typically 18 months
This standard is eligible for UCAS points. Please see the UCAS website for further information of points allocated. You can do this by clicking on the logo to the left.
NQual's assessment delivery model for the Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship includes a mandatory Observation and Question and Answer, and a choice of either a Professional Discussion or a Case Study Based on A Child Study. The selected option must be agreed upon by the apprentice, training provider, and employer.
For this standard, the mandatory assessment component must be completed and assessed by NQual.
Mandatory Assessment Component.
Observation with Questions and Answers
Optional Assessment Components.
Professional Discussion
Case Study Report
Assessment 4
Previous Version.
Gateway to Completion.
Gateway to completion is the last part of the Apprentice’s journey and requires the Centre to upload evidence that the Apprentice is ready to complete their Apprenticeship.
Requirements for the Early Years Educator Level 3 Gateway to Completion are:
All components have achieved a minimum of a pass grade
Evidence of achieving relevant Functional Skills qualifications or exemptions where required.
Evidence is required to confirm that the employer deems the apprentice competent against the required behaviours (As per below)
Evidence of successful completion of a recognised Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric course in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework (Annex A). For further details, refer to the EYFS statutory framework on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Evidence must be uploaded during Gateway to Completion.
Reasons to Choose NQual for Apprenticeship Assessments
Fast
Solutions
NQual is committed to responsive, reliable support, with all assessment‑related queries answered within 48 hours.
No Waiting
Around
We provide a clear and efficient Apprenticeship Assessment process, with an average five‑working‑day turnaround for issuing learner results.
Support Apprentice
Success
NQual provides high‑quality assessment support resources, including mock questions, preparation materials and revision guides.
Trusted Assessment
Quality
As an Ofqual‑recognised Assessment Organisation, NQual delivers Apprenticeship Assessments with a consistent focus on quality, fairness and professional judgement.
Need More Info?
If you're a training provider searching for more answers or you have apprentices ready to register for their apprenticeship assessment, complete the form below and the team will reach out to see how we can support in your delivery.
By submitting this form you agree to have your email stored in a mailing list and the occasional email to be sent. Check our Privacy Policy for full details on how we protect and manage your data.
.webp)