A Smarter Way to Upskill Your Team

As a nursery owner or manager, you know how important it is to build a skilled and confident team. Apprenticeships are well-known routes into Level 3 qualifications, but what happens when a staff member simply cannot access apprenticeship funding?

This is increasingly common, especially for staff who:

Previously started a Level 3 apprenticeship and used up their apprenticeship funding

Because funding can only be used once, many excellent employees are left with no way to progress, despite having left their original apprenticeship for reasons entirely outside their control.

This includes staff who withdrew due to:

• Maternity leave
• Long-term sickness
• Provider closure
• Homelessness
• Family relocation
• Major changes in personal circumstances

When these situations occur, staff are blocked from re-entering the apprenticeship system entirely.

This is where Swift’s Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma becomes invaluable.

Why an Apprenticeship Alternative Matters

Many settings face challenges such as:

• Staff who cannot access funding because they already used it once
• Employees already in role who cannot meet apprenticeship conditions
• International team members who do not meet residency criteria
• Limited capacity to release staff for off-the-job training
• Mature staff or room assistants who prefer a structured qualification
• High demand for Level 3 qualified practitioners across the sector

The Level 3 Diploma removes these barriers and gives you a flexible, reliable solution.

How the Level 3 Diploma Benefits Your Nursery

A faster and more flexible route to Level 3 qualified staff

In just ten months, staff become fully qualified, counted in ratios, and confident in practice.

Ideal for staff who cannot complete an apprenticeship

This includes:

• Long-term staff seeking progression
• Overseas or newly arrived workers
• Staff who have already used apprenticeship funding before
• Employees working full time with no capacity for off-the-job requirements

Flexible and accessible funding options

Swift supports every funding situation:

• Advanced Learner Loans – £0 upfront for eligible staff
• Self-funded options – ideal for those who used apprenticeship funding previously
• Employer contributions – for settings that want to invest in high-potential staff

This means no valuable team member is left without a progression route.

Improves Retention and Strengthens Your Team

Providing genuine development opportunities boosts:

• Staff loyalty
• Engagement
• Morale
• Long-term retention

This is especially important during sector-wide staffing shortages.

A Full and Relevant Qualification You Can Rely On

The Level 3 Diploma meets EYFS requirements, and graduates count in ratios, helping you meet staffing demands and raise quality standards across your setting.

Why Nurseries Choose Swift

Nursery leaders regularly tell us:

“We finally had a route for our brilliant staff member who had already used up their apprenticeship funding. This diploma was a lifesaver.”

“This qualification allowed us to progress our team quickly without the restrictions we usually face.”

Swift combines professional support, clear structure, and high-quality training that benefits both the learner and the nursery.

Build the Team You Need

If apprenticeship barriers are holding back your staff development, especially those who have lost access to funding, the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma offers the perfect, practical solution.

Learn more HERE