Early Years Assessor

If you are an experienced early years practitioner, room leader, nursery manager or childcare professional and want to progress your career, becoming an early years assessor is a recognised and structured pathway. An early years assessor supports learners working towards regulated childcare and early years qualifications within real nursery, preschool and childcare environments.
This role involves formally assessing competence against national occupational standards and the expectations of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
If you want to support apprentices, progress into workforce development roles or move away from full-time room-based practice, this guide explains the correct route.

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What Does an Early Years Assessor Actually Do?

An early years assessor evaluates whether learners can demonstrate consistent, safe and developmentally appropriate practice in real childcare settings.
This includes:
• Observing interactions with children
• Assessing safeguarding awareness
• Reviewing planning and observation records
• Evaluating implementation of EYFS principles
• Conducting structured professional discussions
• Reviewing reflective accounts
• Confirming compliance with policies and procedures
Assessment in early years is not about isolated tasks. It is about consistent professional practice that supports children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
Assessors must judge competence within regulated environments where safeguarding and child protection are paramount.

Why I became an Early Years Assessor

'I loved working directly with children, but I realised I could have a wider impact by improving the quality of early years education as an assessor. I wanted to use my experience to shape better educational practices.'

Emily Thompson

'As a nursery teacher, I felt limited in my ability to influence the curriculum. Becoming an assessor gave me the opportunity to contribute to developing programs that truly meet the developmental needs of children.'

Loy Bailey

'I was looking for career progression and a new challenge. Transitioning to an early years assessor allowed me to use my skills in a new way, helping to train and inspire the next generation of early years professionals.'

Sarah Patel

Success Stories

At the Education and Training Academy, we have witnessed numerous learners transform their careers from early years environments to becoming accomplished early years assessors. These transitions are not just career changes; they are journeys fueled by passion and a desire to impact the field of early years education more broadly.

Lucy Williams

Lucy Williams was a passionate early years practitioner, dedicated to providing the best start for young children in her care. However, after several years in the role, she felt the need for a change. Lucy wanted to expand her influence beyond her classroom and directly contribute to improving the standards of early childhood education.

This desire for a broader impact led her to enroll in the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement at the Education and Training Academy. The course provided her with the skills and knowledge needed to transition into an assessor role effectively.

Now, as a leading assessor, Lucy works with various educational institutions, helping to shape their early years programs. Her ability to provide insightful evaluations and constructive feedback has made her a respected figure in the field. Lucy's career transformation is a testament to how our program can open doors to new and impactful roles in early years education.

Michael Adams

Michael Adams began his career as a dedicated nursery nurse. He was known for his nurturing approach and his deep understanding of early childhood development. Yet, as the years passed, Michael yearned for a career that would allow him to have a more significant impact on early years education as a whole.

Seeking to fulfill this aspiration, Michael enrolled in the Education and Training Academy's Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. The course was a turning point for him, equipping him with the expertise required to assess and improve early years education programs.

Today, Michael is an influential early years assessor. He collaborates with various institutions to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their early years programs. His recommendations have led to notable improvements in teaching and curriculum standards. Michael's success story is a shining example of how our training can enable professionals to reach new heights in their careers.

Expected Salary

£25

Per Hour

£250

Per Day

£35,000

Per Year

What Do I Need to Teach?

Qualifications Required

Minimum of Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or a related field.

Experience Required

Ideally a minimum of 3-years in an early years role.

Trainer / Assessor Requirements

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

What Qualification Do You Need to Become an Early Years Assessor?

The recognised qualification for assessing vocational competence in the workplace is the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA).

CAVA qualifies you to assess learners in real work environments and make valid assessment decisions against occupational standards.

It covers:

Planning assessments
Direct observation of practice
Conducting professional discussions
Judging evidence against defined criteria
Providing structured feedback
Understanding internal quality assurance systems

If you are assessing apprenticeships or regulated early years qualifications, CAVA is the recognised pathway.

Career Progression in Early Years

Most early years assessors remain within the sector. They progress into roles such as:

Workplace assessor within nursery groups
Apprenticeship assessor
Training coordinator
Workforce development lead
External assessor for training providers

This pathway allows experienced practitioners to move beyond full-time room practice while continuing to influence standards and professional development. Becoming qualified formalises the mentoring and supervisory responsibilities many room leaders already carry out.

Do You Also Need a Teaching Qualification?

If you are delivering structured training sessions — such as safeguarding updates, EYFS workshops or internal CPD sessions — you should also hold a Level 3 Award in Education and Training AET). AET strengthens your ability to plan sessions, support adult learners and deliver structured teaching professionally.

Our Recommendations

Sector Qualifications Required

Relevant qualifications in early years at Level 3 or above is essential.

Experience Needed

Extensive experience in the sector, demonstrating a solid understanding of early childhood education.

Teaching Requirements

As a bare minimum you will need the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. If you are also looking to teach in the classroom then we recommend bolting on the Level 3 Award in Education and Training AET) as it will open more doors to teaching opportunities such as paediatric first aid and safeguarding.

Ready to enrol onto the Early Years Assessor Bundle?

The Early Years Assessor Bundle

You’ll complete Ofqual-regulated teaching and assessing qualifications that are recognised across the UK and will qualify you as Early Years Assessor within the UK and abroad. These qualifications can also be used to teach and assess in other sectors, as long as you have the relevant industry experience.

TAQA 99: Go All In – Get Your Full Assessor & IQA Package (3 Qualifications)

Go all in and get the full set because it puts you in the driver’s seat. One qualification is a start, but three is what gets you taken seriously. It’s the difference between “I’ve done a course” and “I can walk into a centre and do the job”.

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

level 4 internal quality assurance weston on trent

Booking Dates & Prices

Ready to enrol onto the TAQA Bundle course?

Choose the learning style best suited to you to view our prices, dates, availability and to book your place.

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Self-Study of approximately 200 hours, again, at your own pace.

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Make a group booking for multiple delegates

Our group courses can be delivered in-house at your offices or at a suitable venue. Group training can often work out more cost effective if you have several members of staff you would like to be trained at any one time.

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What you can teach with this bundle

Level 3 Paediatric First Aid at Work

Level 2 Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development

Level 2 Safeguarding

Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)

Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services

Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education

Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare

Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Level 2 Award in Employment Responsibilities and Rights in Health, Social Care, or Children and Young People's Settings

Subject to you holding the relevant subject qualification and experience

Want to teach as well as assess?

If you want to teach or deliver training to early years staff (rather than purely assess), the recognised starting point is the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). It builds the core teaching foundation before you progress into other routes.

A Level 5 teaching qualification for delivering regulated training to support structured teaching within early years education settings.

Funding and Employer Support

Some early years employers may have access to workforce development funding or apprenticeship levy arrangements that support assessor qualification pathways. Funding criteria and eligibility depend on employer circumstances and current government schemes. It is advisable to discuss development plans with your nursery manager or provider before enrolling.

For Nursery Managers and Early Years Providers

If you are responsible for staff development within a nursery or childcare setting, qualifying internal staff as assessors can:
• Strengthen apprenticeship delivery
• Improve internal quality standards
• Reduce reliance on external assessors
• Support workforce retention and progression
• Improve Ofsted readiness through structured development

We regularly support early years providers looking to formalise internal assessment processes.

education & training academy | teaching, assessing and iqa courses

Early Years Assessors FAQs

Can I become an early years assessor without CAVA?

To assess regulated early years qualifications or apprenticeships, a recognised assessor qualification such as CAVA is normally required.

What does an early years assessor do?

An early years assessor evaluates and provides feedback on early years education programs, including teaching methods, curriculum, and compliance with educational standards.

How long does it take to become an early years assessor?

The time varies depending on your prior qualifications and experience, but typically, it takes a few weeks to complete the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.

Can I continue working while studying to become an assessor?

Yes, our courses are designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance your studies with work and other commitments.

What are the career prospects after becoming an early years assessor?

Career prospects include working with educational institutions, government bodies, and private organisations in curriculum development, training, and quality assurance roles.

Is there a demand for early years assessors?

Yes, there is a growing demand for qualified assessors in the early years sector due to an increased focus on the quality of early childhood education.

Do I need an Instructor qualifcation to teach?

No. Avoid any designated Instructor qualification or 'Train the Trainer' as they are not normally recognised anywhere. Our Early Years assessor courses courses are actually the Level 3 Award in Education and Training and the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement which are recognised qualifications throughout the UK and abroad.

Do I need to still work in a nursery?

You must have occupational competence and access to appropriate workplace evidence environments.

Can assessors specialise in a particular area of early years education?

Yes, assessors can specialise in areas such as curriculum development, special educational needs, or safeguarding and child protection, depending on their interests and experience.

What kind of institutions hire early years assessors?

Early years assessors are hired by a range of institutions, including nurseries, preschools, childcare centres, educational consultancies, and government bodies overseeing early childhood education.

Is the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement recognized nationally?

Yes, the Level 3 Certificate is a nationally recognised qualification, which means it is respected and valued across the UK for roles in assessing vocational skills, including in the early years sector.

Can I assess staff within my own nursery?

Assessment and internal quality assurance must be structured correctly within approved systems.

Is AET required?

AET is required if you are delivering structured adult training sessions. It does not replace CAVA.

Train Now, Pay Later

Flexible payments with Education and Training Academy — split the cost over up to 12 months. No credit checks.

0% Interest Free Credit

Progression Beyond Assessor

If you later manage assessment standards across a nursery group or training organisation, you may progress to Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (IQA). This qualification allows you to internally verify assessment decisions and maintain structured quality systems.

level 4 award in the internal quality assurance of assessment

Why Choose ETA?

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We are an training organisation accredited by several AOs with all of our courses meeting the standards set by the regulator Ofqual and recognised nationally and internationally.

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All our students get unlimited access to all our webinars.

Interactive Resources

Videos, PowerPoints, Handbooks for all learning styles.

Course Progress Overview

See exactly where you are so you know when you are finished.

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Shortcuts at the touch of the screen navigating quickly to your assignments.

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Directly send an email to your tutor saving you time.

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See exactly how long you have left so you finish on time.

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Matthew provides a very high standard of education and training. The course included useful real-life examples, key studies and practical knowledge, which made learning easier and more meaningful.

The training was delivered partly online and partly through webinars, which worked really well. I never felt alone during the course and felt like I was attending real classes with support throughout. The PowerPoint presentations were clear, helpful and easy to follow.

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One thing to be aware of is that the final session/conversation after completing the training was recorded. We were informed that the recording was for internal purposes only and would not be shared with other studentsot other patties.

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A big thanks to Matt, who has been phenomenal throughout my learning journey. He has been very supportive and encouraging. I’ve asked hundreds of questions and Matt has always been patient to answer them.

My suggestion to anyone thinking about joining ETA is, just go for it! Stay in touch with Matt because his support and guidance make a huge difference.

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I would like to give my sincere thanks to Matt, my Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training tutor, for the outstanding support he provided throughout my qualification. From the very beginning, Matt was approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in my success. He explained complex concepts clearly, provided constructive and timely feedback, and always encouraged me to reflect and improve my practice.
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I’ve just completed my Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment with The Education and Training Academy, and the experience has been outstanding. Matt has been incredibly helpful and knowledgeable throughout the entire course. His friendly, approachable manner made the learning process genuinely enjoyable, and his feedback was always clear, informative, and constructive. I learned so much thanks to the way he explained things and guided me through each stage.

The support I received has been exceptional, and I’ve already recommended the course to several people including my wife, who works in early years within an SEN setting because the quality of teaching and feedback has been second to none.

Thank you, Matt, for all your hard work and for making this such a positive and confidence building journey.

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Thank you to Matt & his support staff for making studying for my CAVA qualification smoother than i thought it would be. Help and guidance was always available, i cant thank you enough. I definitely recommend the Education & Training academy for anyone who wishes to complete their studies. Thanks again guys!!

Response from the owner:Thank you Sunny. We are proud of you achieving your Level 3 CAVA. We are thrilled to help you complete your IQA and get your training academy set up

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I used The Education and Training Academy with the self study option which was perfect to go at my own pace but the support was always available via email or arranging a session with my tutor. Highly recommend!

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Farah Malik

I recently completed the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment and Processes and Practice, and I couldn’t recommend this course highly enough. The training was clear, engaging, and very well structured. Starting with an interactive webinar gave me a strong foundation and made the learning experience enjoyable from the outset. The support throughout was excellent, and the course content was practical and relevant to real-world IQA responsibilities. It has helped me build confidence in my role, and I was even able to design and deliver a standardisation meeting as part of my learning. A fantastic course for anyone looking to develop their IQA skills and knowledge.

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I highly recommend the Education and Training Academy to anyone starting their journey in teaching, or looking to gain a solid foundation in education. A great investment in my professional development!

Lainey White

Education & Training Academy provide methods of studying and learning to accommodate different needs. I chose the self study learning which provided me with a flexible self-learning format. Ideal for individuals balancing full-time work and family commitments. The online learning portal is well-structured and provides accessible support documents and training materials. One-to-one meetings and feedback opportunities are readily available, making the learning experience both supportive and personalised. For anyone aiming to deepen their understanding of IQA this course provides a solid foundation and meaningful development opportunities.

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easy to follow. website is a bit difficult to navigate a first, but you learn how to get around it

Laura Dowker

I found the process of enrollment and beginning the course easy. Where I wasn't sure which tasks to start, the assessor made contact and booked a tutorial with me right away, and following this, I felt confident to complete the required tasks. Assessment was very quick

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The experience has been good and the Tutor has been available when needed through accessing a simple booking system. The resources are good and easy to find on the system. Feedback from upload work has been concise and timely.

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The Education and Training foundation course offered by this academy is exceptionally well-structured and comprehensive. The course materials are thorough and detailed, and the accompanying teaching videos are both informative and engaging. The level of support provided throughout the course is outstanding, ensuring learners feel guided and confident. I highly recommend both the course and the training academy to anyone looking to build a strong foundation in education and training.

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I took the Level 4 IQA course and the materials and support provided help me to complete it in a timely fashion.

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Great online training provider.. I would definitely recommend. I found this company online as well as some others. Having already started a similar online qualification with another company a couple of years ago The Education and Training Academy were significantly better (reasons below)....

I spoke first of all to Matt as I was unsure which was the best course for me. He was very helpful and give me honest and accurate advice on which was the best course to join.

I chose to do the online only version which was right for me, and found all the online videos and training material provided very helpful. As with all online training courses it can take a while to navigate around the platform but this one was fairly simple and easy to use once you had figured it out.

Communication overall was very good and I typically got quick and helpful emails/messages back. With the option to book online meetings if you need them, I did this once and found it helpful

I would definitely recommend this company and have already done this for two of my colleagues who want to do the same course

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Completed my L4 EQA with with no issues and plenty of support when required.

john white

I would like to express my appreciation for the support I received while completing my EQA qualification. Your company provides high-quality training, and I found the tutor, Matt, to be both professional and approachable. To further enhance the learning experience, consider expanding on interactive elements in the training sessions. If you're looking to advance your professional development, I highly recommend the Education and Training Academy. Overall, it has been a valuable experience.

Sita Shah

The options to choose between a tutor lead course, online tutoring course and self-study course were really stand-out compared to most other training schools I looked into. This suited my requirements around other commitments and my preferred speed of study. In general the communication via the emails was reasonably quick with responses coming through within less than 5 days when asked. Only thing I found was a little misleading change of information or assessment requirements in my final few modules which I think should have been realistically updated on the online portals (I chose the self-study option). And the other thing I found a bit difficult was the microteach group sessions which were not as regular as I would have expected - however the option was provided to undertake a self micro-teach which (with a little luck) I was able to undertake eventually. Aside from this, the course content is thorough and helpful to all types of learners providing video footage, written text, regular assessments and portfolio requirements in an easy to access format via the online portal. Would recommend this course if you're in a hurry to qualify and looking for reasonable pricing structure. Thanks.

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I would like to sincerely thank Matthew for his support throughout the course. He is an excellent trainer knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to provide guidance when needed.

Sinead Doyle

Fantastic company to complete my IQA course with, informative and supportive all the way through. Thank you!

claire Stanhope

Team have been amazing with support and quick to respond to questions and help when unsure of things.

Personally, from a dyslexic point of view the course book was at times a little confusing as was so busy. But this is my personal view point. And when I was stuck the team was there.

I would still recommend this course and think it is good for those that work in education

Ian Perkins

Having signed up for the AET with Education and Training Academy for the on line course the whole portal immediately appeared and access was straight forward . The portal was simplistic to navigate through and all of the material needed was available including books, lesson videos and all relevant portfolios. I was able to communicate with my teacher and the response was very quick and detailed. From a background with limited teaching experience the whole process was very interesting and informative and has given me confidence to move to the next level.
I would not hesitate in using ETA again for my next course.

Lisa Chamberlain

The Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment and Processes and Practice, delivered by the Education and Training Academy, is an accessible programme that offers a strong foundation in internal quality assurance. It combines video lectures, interactive quizzes, and hands-on projects to develop practical, industry-relevant skills. The flexible, self-paced format suited my learning needs, and the content is available at your pace. This course is a good choice for anyone looking to begin or advance their career in quality assurance

Amin

I have taken various trainings before, but what you are providing is exceptional. The learning portal is well-structured and easy to follow.

Catherine Wormley

Completing my IQA qualification. Lots of resources available to support completion of work. Quick marking of work and clear and supportive feedback.

Charlie

Robyn Raye Academy

100% would recommend this training company! The resources provided, the ease of setting everything up and the knowledge of the assessor have been fantastic.

Callum MW

I did the virtual level 3 AET, Matt was the teacher. Excellent course, very engaging and a pleasure to complete

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This has been on the best experience's I could of hoped for from a high level course. Engagement from the office has been great and its really helped me achieve a qualification that can change my life. I cannot thank Matt and the team enough. I highly Highly recommend for anyone looking to increase their life goals!

Steve Lilley

I have spent the last 2 years working with Matthew from The Education and Training Academy. I've really enjoyed my journey and feel that i have noticed my deliver of teaching improve dramatically without having to think about it and making an effort. I think the lessons and coursework have impacted hugely on my subconscious teaching ability.

The Education and Training Academy is the 4th awarding body for teaching qualifications I have used over the past 13 years and for me the best one. Some of the others I have used previously I haven't had any support and not completed courses or struggled to get courses finished. Matthew has been available for support regularly, laid out clearly what's needed and delivered really good sessions.

I've decided that I want to complete my IQA and so I'm going to use the Education and training academy for that due to my experience on my level5 in education and training.

Gary Stanley

Just completed Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment. Really good course. Good training material. Course was well structured. Matt was a great tutor and managed to keep all learners captivated throughout.