Early Years Educator Apprentice Review
at London Early Years Foundation
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Teaching
Blackheath, Greater London
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role:
Apprentice teacher in the nursery, safeguarding the children, planning activities, undertaking observations, serving food for the children, cleaning, tidying, organising, speaking with parents, tracking the progress of the children, running and creating workshops for parents, taking the children on trips, and making sure the children are happy, healthy and safe.
Apprentice teacher in the nursery, safeguarding the children, planning activities, undertaking observations, serving food for the children, cleaning, tidying, organising, speaking with parents, tracking the progress of the children, running and creating workshops for parents, taking the children on trips, and making sure the children are happy, healthy and safe.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am learning so so much every week. The academy support you to reflect on your experiences at work, applying theories and strategies to do the best for the children, help them to thrive and develop. I have made amazing friends with other apprentices, we support each other in completing the work. Are extremely supportive when you are struggling, and they have personally helped me through challenges in managing work load, stress, and advocated for me when I needed help.
Sometimes I feel the collaboration between LEYF and the Apprenticeship Provider could be more collaborative, communicative, etc, because sometimes we do receive conflicting information. For example, deadlines being different, or what we need to write/focus on in our written work.
Sometimes I feel the collaboration between LEYF and the Apprenticeship Provider could be more collaborative, communicative, etc, because sometimes we do receive conflicting information. For example, deadlines being different, or what we need to write/focus on in our written work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have gone from a total beginner in working with children to feeling confident and excited to work in child care.
I have learned:
- Safeguarding legislation
- How to understand the EYFS curriculum and apply it
- How child development works, the latest theories, and how we can apply this to our nursery
- Working with colleagues and being able to have a collaborative environment to work in
- How to plan activities for the children based on the EYFS
How to talk to parents and develop positive relationships
I have learned:
- Safeguarding legislation
- How to understand the EYFS curriculum and apply it
- How child development works, the latest theories, and how we can apply this to our nursery
- Working with colleagues and being able to have a collaborative environment to work in
- How to plan activities for the children based on the EYFS
How to talk to parents and develop positive relationships
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
This programme is well structured in that each month we have a new topic to learn about and write about. Our tutor from LEYF and our tutor from CYMCA alternate weeks teaching us about that topic. This works well on the whole, but if the tutors aren’t communicating efficiently, it can make some of the teaching unclear in terms of what we need to complete, what we are being asked to write, and whether everything we are being taught is relevant to our academic written work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
They are extremely supportive. They are always available to talk about issues or answer questions. They will always make time for you, advocate for you. I know they want me to do well, and I feel valued by them. the enrichment sessions are always stimulating, interesting, and fill me with new knowledge and inspiration.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The training from the provider has been good on the whole, but lacks consistency due to our tutors changing midway through the course. There is sometimes confusion in who to contact about what. There are lots of forms to sign always for the provider, which can be frustrating being chased up to sign so many forms when you have a lot of work to do.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The training for the qualification is vital in helping me being able to do my job, as I had no prior knowledge or experience in childcare.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes, but it is very hard to find the time due to the demanding nature of the job. However, with the friends I have made at the academy, we are able to do things together outside of work that are really fun.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend London Early Years Foundation to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The Apprenticeship is really in-depth and gives a beginner a lot of really useful skills, knowledge, and a chance to apply this in the setting day-to-day. The tutors at LEYF are engaged, passionate, caring, and knowledgable.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to London Early Years Foundation?
The job is hard, but you will be supported by the academy. Don’t underestimate how much you will be able to grow in a short space of time. Trust the process, and progress doesn’t happen over night. Be honest, as they will be there to help you, support you, and advocate for you.,
Early Years Apprentice
at London Early Years Foundation
- Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Stratford, Greater London
-
3.5
