A key milestone was reached yesterday, with the approval of a new apprenticeship standard for the Early Years Educator (EYE) sector.

The Trailblazer group responsible for delivering the standard was formed in 2017, led by Busy Bees and BB Training. Clare Phizacklea, Chief Talent Officer at Busy Bees, acknowledged the hard work and dedication by all group members, saying:

"As a long-term champion of apprenticeships, Busy Bees is delighted to have successfully led the trailblazer group developing the Early Years Educator Level 3 standard to the point of approval for delivery. It has been a long time coming; however, both the group itself and the Department of Education have been in agreement for some time. What is important though is that we have finally reached full agreement.”

The new Level 3 standard, approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IFA), ensures that the early years workforce has the knowledge, skills and behaviours to provide the very best childcare.

A spokesperson for the Institute for Apprenticeships said:

“We are delighted that this important new apprenticeship is now approved for delivery. The sector has been clear about the many pressures it is facing with an ageing workforce and difficulties with hiring a new generation of people to fill the skills gaps.

“We would like to thank the Trailblazer group led by Busy Bees and the wider sector for its support during the development and approvals process. A great deal of effort and excellent team work has gone into reaching this stage.”

Clare concluded

"We look forward to spearheading its delivery not just in our nurseries up and down the country but across the wider childcare sector through our skills and apprenticeship arm BB Training. I would like to pay tribute to the Trailblazer group as a whole but in particular Sandy Silvester, Director of Operations and Lyndsey Herdman, Head of Early Years, both of whom have played an integral role in the final approval of this exciting new standard in early years education."

Other companies involved in the Trailblazer group were Darcy Bunnie Nursery, Little Cupcakes, Hollies Day Nursery, Blossom Day Nursery, Cheeky Monkeys, The Learning Tree, Shapes Day Nursery, Holmes Park Day Nursery, First Quest Day Nursery.