Early years teacher degree apprenticeship launched

The government has announced a new early years teacher degree apprenticeship, which will allow staff to earn while they learn, gaining the skills to teach in nurseries and early years settings.

By creating clear routes to higher pay, the programme will help make early years a more attractive and rewarding profession, supporting recruitment and retention in the sector.

Backed by a £3.2 million grant to support employers, the programme will contribute £9,000 per apprentice each year to cover training costs. The government will also provide an additional £8,000 per apprentice to help employers cover backfill, training and National Insurance costs, so that no provider is left out of pocket. 

Department for Education data shows those with degree-level qualifications in early years typically earn around £5.50 more per hour than those trained to A-level standard.
 
Minister for Early Education Olivia Bailey said: "These degree apprenticeships give early years staff the chance to build skilled, well-paid and rewarding careers while continuing to do the vital work they do every day for children and families."
 
The £8,000 support grant will be paid to training providers, who will pass the funding directly on to early years settings employing the apprentice.