Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (EYFS) 2025: How schools can meet EYFS staffing ratios with funded training
New guidelines mean that schools must have the right number of Level 3-qualified practitioners available to meet staff-to-child ratios, particularly when working with youngsters under five in nursery, reception and wraparound provision.
Due to this, Sportscape Education will begin delivering the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship in February 2026, supporting schools to meet the updated EYFS 2025 staffing and safeguarding requirements while strengthening their long-term workforce.
Traditionally, this requirement could only be met by recruiting staff who already held a full Level 3 Early Years qualification, often placing pressure on budgets and recruitment pipelines.
From 2025, however, schools have two routes to achieving Level 3 staffing: apprenticeships and the Experience-Based Route (EBR).
The Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship allows schools to train new or existing staff through a fully funded programme.
Apprentices are counted as staff in the room while training and, once qualified, meet the Level 3 requirement in full.
This provides a sustainable, cost-effective solution for schools looking to build capacity without relying on agency cover.
Alongside this, the Experience-Based Route (EBR) enables experienced staff without a formal Level 3 qualification to be assessed against professional standards.
Following supervised practice and competency assessments, EBR staff can legally count in ratios as Level 3 practitioners, although only up to 50% of the Level 3 workforce can be via this route.
Sportscape Education’s apprenticeship programme is particularly suited to wraparound and primary school settings.
While grounded in early years practice, the training equips staff with practical skills for before and after-school clubs, nursery classes and on-site childcare, ensuring provision remains nurturing, structured and fully compliant.
The programme includes the full Level 3 qualification, training in child development, safeguarding, SEND, behaviour management, playwork and observation, and focused preparation for Ofsted inspections.
Learners receive regular on-site visits, mentor support and optional Paediatric First Aid training, delivered through a 12–18 month pathway tailored to school environments.
By investing in apprenticeships, schools can improve staff retention, strengthen safeguarding practice and confidently meet EYFS 2025 requirements, while developing a skilled, loyal workforce for the future.
To find out more email info@sportscapeeducation.co.uk or call 01270 421634.
