Apprenticeships
Level 3 Early Years Outdoor Activity Apprenticeship

Level 3 Early Years Outdoor Activity Apprenticeship

Designed specifically for Early Years practitioners who want to enrich children’s learning through outdoor play and nature-based experiences.

The Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor apprenticeship equips practitioners with the skills and confidence to design and deliver high-quality, child-led outdoor learning. Apprentices will learn to plan safe, stimulating nature-based activities that develop curiosity, resilience and social skills in young children — all while supporting your setting to make the most of outdoor spaces.

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You will also be involved in:

  • Leading outdoor activity sessions and nature-play experiences
  • Supporting children’s physical development through active play
  • Using natural resources to explore early learning goals
  • Observing and recording children’s progress outdoors
  • Promoting environmental awareness and sustainability

Core Knowledge Areas

Environmental sustainability

  • Understand the importance of nature, biodiversity and sustainable practice in Early Years settings.

Managing risks in the outdoors

  • Assess and manage outdoor risks while maintaining opportunities for safe, exciting learning.

Planning tailored outdoor activities

  • Create inclusive, child-centred outdoor experiences that meet early learning goals.

Managing individual needs

  • Adapt outdoor provision to meet the developmental and safeguarding needs of each child.

Building engagement in the outdoors

  • Use playful approaches and storytelling to spark curiosity, teamwork and confidence.

Key Skills

Child centred practice & facilitation

  • Design sessions that respond to children’s interests and developmental stages
  • Adapt activities to ensure inclusion and engagement for all learners

Risk aware leadership

  • Balance adventurous learning with strong safety practices and contingency planning
  • Manage dynamic outdoor environments with confidence

Programme Details

Duration

The apprenticeship will take between 12 and 18 months (depending on prior experience and employer arrangements).

Entry Requirements

Employed (or with an employer commitment) in an Early Years setting

GCSE Grade 2 (E) or equivalent in English & Maths, or willingness to work toward Functional Skills Level 2

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the apprenticeship, Early Years Outdoor Educators will:

  • Plan and deliver tailored outdoor activities that link to early years learning goals and support holistic child development.
  • Confidently use the outdoors as a learning environment, building engagement, curiosity, and resilience in young children.
  • Adapt activities to individual needs, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all children.
  • Support children’s personal, social and emotional development through nature-based experiences and outdoor play.
  • Promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through active, outdoor learning.
  • Manage risks effectively in outdoor environments to ensure safe practice.
  • Embed environmental sustainability, encouraging children to respect and connect with the natural world.
  • Communicate and collaborate with colleagues, families, and settings to enhance the delivery of outdoor learning.

For Employers

Looking to strengthen your team with knowledgeable and confident staff?
The Early Years Outdoor Educator Programme is an ideal way to:
1

Strengthen your workforce - Give your team the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences that set you apart.

2

Boost your reputation - Stand out to parents by offering a unique curriculum enriched with outdoor play and nature-based learning — a powerful way to attract and retain families.

3

Support children’s development -
Your workforce will be equipped to nurture curiosity, resilience, wellbeing, and school readiness through meaningful outdoor experiences.

4

Invest in long-term growth -
By developing your staff through apprenticeships, you’ll build loyalty, reduce turnover, and create a future-ready workforce tailored to your setting’s needs.

Why choose Skern?

Proven expertise in both the outdoors and early years

At Skern Training and Skills, outdoor learning isn’t just what we do — it’s at the heart of who we are. For 50 years, we’ve helped people learn, grow, and connect through purposeful experiences in the outdoors.

As a leading provider of outdoor education and training, we combine deep sector knowledge with practical experience. Our trainers understand both early years settings and the impact of learning through experience.

We get to know each organisation, shaping apprenticeships around your culture and goals. With flexible delivery and one-to-one support, every learner and employer benefits from a truly personal approach.

  • Our hands-on programmes build lasting confidence and skills, helping practitioners make outdoor learning part of everyday early years education.
  • We’re known for quality, safety, and professionalism — giving you complete confidence in your team’s development.

Get the brochure

For full details of our Early Years-focused Level 3 Outdoor Activity apprenticeship programme.

Download brochure

Funding

This apprenticeship can be fully funded through your Apprenticeship Levy Account if you are a Levy-paying employer.

If you are a Non-Levy paying employer, the government will fund 95% of the total cost, with the employer contributing the remaining 5%.

However, for apprentices aged 16 to 21, the government will fully fund 100% of the cost, with no employer contribution required.

Additionally, Skern can support you in identifying and applying for Levy Transfer funds, which can cover the full cost for other age groups—making the apprenticeship 100% fully funded for all eligible learners.

Register your interest

Apply now