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L3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Combined with Montessori Diploma

Apprenticeship 95% Gov Funded + £350 Employer Contribution + £1,500 Montessori Diploma

4.9

Gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours to become an Early Years Educator & Montessori Teacher with our Level 3 Apprenticeship, combined with our Montessori Diploma. Perfect for aspiring Practitioners and those who want to become Montessori Teachers.

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Apprenticeship Overview

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Blended Learning

Building Blocks

10 day in Person Workshop

District One Training icon duration

Duration 8 - 18 months

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What Will You Learn:

Health, Safety & Wellbeing of Children

Learn about the legislation and guidance which governs Early Years. Plan and implement physical care plans & promote healthy lifestyles.
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The Montessori theory and who is Dr. Montessori?

Discover who Dr. Montessori was and the philosophy behind her method. Cover areas like the Three Period Lesson, Normalisation & the Absorbent Mind.
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Understanding Child Development

Theory and philosophical approaches, supporting children through transitions, self regulation, holistic development and ensuring the EYFS requirements are met.
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Practical Life

Explore Practical Life activities that build independence and coordination such as pouring, polishing, dressing frames, and care of animals.
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Communication with Children

Promoting positive behaviour, enabling play environments, support developing speech, language & communication, numeracy and literacy development.
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Sensorial

Understand how children refine their senses through structured materials. Covers colour tablets, sound cylinders, pink tower, and more.
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Safeguarding in a Childcare setting

Understanding legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures including online safety and Prevent Duty within the Early Years setting.
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Language

Learn how to introduce phonics, vocabulary, and early writing. Learn to present the sandpaper letters, large moveable alphabet, and reading activities.
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Role of the Practitioner

Know the importance of continuous professional development and becoming a reflective practitioner, including how to develop personal development plans to support career progression.
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Mathematics

See how Montessori makes numbers and quantities concrete and visual. Covers the number rods, bead chains, golden beads, and early operations.
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Working in Partnership

Understanding the principles of partnership working in relation to current frameworks. Ensuring equality, diversity & inclusion including cultural capital.
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The Cultural Area

Introduce children to geography, science, nature, and the wider world. Includes continent maps, life cycles, botany, and the timeline of life.
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Working with Additional Needs

Understanding the role of early intervention to identify children’s needs and strategies in supporting children.
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Entry Requirements

  • Be working in an Early Years setting (minimum 16 hours per week, with children aged 0–5)
  • Have lived in the UK or EEA/EU for the last 3+ years (with valid ID)
  • Be aged 16 or over and not currently receiving other government funding (e.g. college or university)
  • Be able to attend a 10-day Apparatus Workshop in Hertfordshire
  • Have a minimum of Level 1 in literacy and numeracy (if under 19 for Maths) (or equivalent)
District One Training entry requirements
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Our Montessori Apparatus Workshop

As part of the L3 Early Years Educator combined with Montessori Diploma, you will participate in a 10 day Apparatus Workshop in our Training Centre. A Montessori expert will demonstrate how to present the Montessori materials, giving you a hand-on study experience to further your knowledge.

The CPD Accredited Workshop will consist of 9 intensive, practical days. Students enrolled on the Montessori Diploma will have a practical and written examination on 10th day.

Upcoming Apparatus Workshop Dates

Remote Days: Thursday, 27 May 2027 – Sunday, 30 May 2027 Monday, 31 May 2027 – Travel Day – BANK HOLIDAY (Spring Bank Holiday)

In Person Days: Tuesday, 1 June 2027 – Sunday, 6 June 2027 – (Face-to-Face) Sunday 6 June (Assessment Day)

Fully Face-to-Face:

Friday, 30 July 2027 – Sunday, 8 August 2027 (Face-to-Face) Sunday 8 August 2027

Apprenticeship & Course Funding

  • The government will pay 95% of the cost.
  • The remaining of the apprenticeship 5% (£350) is to be paid by the employer
  • The Montessori Diploma element is an additional £1,500
If your organisation has an annual payroll over £3 million or over 50 employees, you’re classed as a levy-paying employer. You’ll already be contributing to the Apprenticeship Levy and can use these funds to fully cover the cost of this apprenticeship.
District One Training apprenticeships funding

Meet Our Development Coaches

Montessori apprentice team laura

Laura Tompkins

  • Development Coach, Early Years
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Alice Professional Background

Alice Agatea

  • Development Coach, Early Years
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Elaine Professional Background

Elaine Jenkins

  • Development Coach, Early Years
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Jo Professional Background

Jo Stocker

  • Development Coach, Early Years
Read More »
Tracy Professional Background

Tracy Cox

  • Early Years, Senior Development Coach
Read More »
Enquire Today

What Our Students Say

“Being an apprentice with District One Training was an opportunity I am so grateful for. My tutor was such an amazing person to work with. She was supportive but made sure I was producing the best work I could possibly put out.”
M
MariumCompleted apprenticeship in Feb 2025
“Great training company. We train all of our staff here. The trainers/tutors are excellent. They are the best!”
MM
Montessori MindsEarly Years Setting
“From the moment we made contact about training they were superb. Communication has been great and the advice through the whole process.”
TS
Timothy StephensAcorns Preschool

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers on enrolling, entry requirements and what to expect on the L3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Combined with Montessori Diploma.

Still have questions?

Need clarity before you start? Speak with our team and get direct answers tailored to you.

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How can I enrol in the apprenticeship?
To enrol in the apprenticeship, you must already be working in an Early Years setting. The employer will contact us and complete a few forms to have everything in place, ready to take on an apprentice!

Once the employer has completed this, we will send a self-registration link to the learner, where they add all their details to our E-portfolio. After this we will arrange an onboarding meeting with the employer, learner and ourselves, where we confirm all the details are correct and everyone understands the requirements & expectations.

When can I start the Apprenticeship?
Our Early Years apprenticeships can be started at any time.
Are there any requirements for this Apprenticeship?
Yes, there a few requirements to keep in mind:

  • Working in an Early Years setting to be able to meet work experience requirements for the ages of 0-5 years
  • Have lived in the UK or EEA/EU for the last 3+ years (With a valid form of ID)
  • 16 years of age and over and not receiving other government funding (e.g. for college or university).
  • There are no specific entry requirements however learners should have a minimum of level one in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.
  • There is not a requirement for learners to have GCSE grades A*–C in English prior to commencing this qualification however learners should be aware that this is required to attain Early Years Practitioner status.

If you don’t meet the requirements you may be eligible to enrol into our privately funded course instead.

What career options are available with this qualification?

Our students and apprentices have gone on to do amazing things! Qualification and experience in childcare can lead to so many different things. Roles they have progressed into include:

  • Nursery Practitioner
  • Room Assistant
  • Childminding Assistant
  • Nanny or Early Years Worker
  • Nursery Nurse
What if I don’t have an English and maths qualification?
If you are aged 16 - 18 years old and do not have GCSE English & Maths grade C/4 or Functional Skills equivalent, it is a government requirement to study L2 Functional Skills English & Maths, we will support you alongside the apprenticeship to achieve your functional skills English & Maths.

If you are 19+ years old and don’t have GCSE English & Maths grade C/4 or Functional Skills equivalent, you will have the opportunity to study Functional Skills English & Maths, but is not an apprenticeship requirement.

However, as English is a requirement by the EYFS to be fully qualified, we recommend you study English as part of your programme.

How quick can you complete the apprenticeship?
The standard time the L3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship takes is between 8 - 18 months, this fluctuates based on when you enter gateway to completion.

You can enter gateway to completion at 3 months.

What will I be expected to do day-to-day?
 The apprenticeship works in tandem with your everyday job. The employer has a responsibility to provide sufficient off-the-job hours, where you can take time to develop skills outside of your job role. There will be an expectation of outside learning in your personal time as this is a L2 which is equivalent to GCSEs.
Can I do the L3 Early Years Educator without Montessori?
Yes, we do! You can enrol on the Level 3 EYE apprenticeship as a standalone qualification, without the Montessori Diploma.
What is Off-the-job Training?
Off-the-job training is a government requirement and must take place during your normal paid working hours. It’s an essential part of your apprenticeship, designed to help you build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role and further career progression.

This training includes a wide range of planned learning activities, such as online teaching sessions, in-house training, workplace assessments, supervisions, work-based tasks, and projects. The idea is to gain new experiences and develop professionally beyond your day-to-day duties.

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