Early Years Educator

Version 1.2 – TQUK Level 3 End-Point Assessment for ST0135 Early Years Educator (603/5833/6)

Funding: £6,000

Duration: 18 months

Level: 3

Number: ST0135

LARS Number: 430

Version: 1.2

This page describes the latest version of the Early Years Educator standard (version 1.2), which came into force in May 2020. This version adds missing KSBs to align more closely with EPA wording. Version 1.1 is still in use for Apprentices who started between 10th April 2019 and 27th May 2020. Version 1 has been retired. For more information, please visit the IfATE’s website.

Early Years Educators shape the minds of the future. Working with young children, they're based within a range of settings, including full day care, children’s centres, preschools, reception classes and in homes (for example, as childminders). They must have the ability to adapt to changing situations, remain calm and patient at all times, and communicate clearly as they help the next generation at this most critical stage of their development.

End-Point Assessment Components 

To complete their End-Point Assessment, Early Years Educator apprentices must achieve a pass or distinction in the following two components.

  • The knowledge test lasts for 60 minutes and contains 35 multiple-choice questions. It can be either computer or paper-based.

  • The professional discussion aims to draw out the best of the apprentice’s competence by assessing their knowledge, skills and behaviours. The underpinning Portfolio includes naturally-occurring evidence and helps the End-Point Assessor question and analyse against the KSBs. The apprentice is required to submit 10-12 pieces of evidence in total.

    The End-Point Assessor conducts and assesses the professional discussion which lasts for 90 minutes (+10%).

Why TQUK?

Assessment planning meetings for all apprentices

5 working days average turnaround for EPA results**

Assessors make contact within 5 working days

Gateway submission reviewed within 24 hours

Assessor assigned after 24 hours of acceptance

Average gateway-to-completion of 6 weeks*

*unless otherwise stipulated by the assessment plan  **current average is 2.5 working days turnaround for EPA results

Gateway Requirements

Learn more about this standard