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 Early Years Outdoor Educator 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.
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
Observation, assessment & reflection
- Record learning outdoors effectively and use evidence to inform planning
- Reflect on practice, set professional goals, and share best practice across your team
Communication & collaboration
- Work with colleagues and parents to extend outdoor learning beyond single sessions
- Strengthen teamwork, trust and shared ownership of outdoor provision
Programme Details
Duration
The apprenticeship will take between 12 and 18 months (depending on prior experience and employer arrangements).
Entry Requirements
Apprentices must be in paid employment for at least 16 hours per week.
Professional Registration
Upon successful completion, apprentices will be eligible to join the Institute of Customer Service as an Individual Member at Professional Level.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the apprenticeship, Outdoor Retail Customer Service Practitioners will:
- Deliver consistently high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Increase customer confidence through expert, safety-conscious product recommendations
- Reduce product returns and complaints by ensuring the right product is sold for the right purpose
- Contribute to a safer and more enjoyable customer experience in outdoor activities
- Drive increased sales and revenue through improved product knowledge, upselling, and cross-selling techniques
- Strengthen the brand’s reputation as a trusted, knowledgeable outdoor retailer
Get the handbook
For a brief overview of the legislative and practical requirements of employing and managing apprentices, download our employer handbook.
Register your interest
Apply now
