There’s a new way for early years staff to count as Level 3

The Experience-Based Route (EBR) lets staff qualify based on hands-on experience. Not sure how it works? You’re not alone — here's what you need to know.

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Illustration of a nursery staff member progressing through experience-based learning
Illustration of EBR requirements
What is the EBR?

Experience-Based Route Explained

The EBR is a government-approved pathway enabling experienced early years staff to achieve Level 3 status without a full and relevant qualification.

  • Minimum of 751 hours of supervised practice
  • Ongoing assessments against Level 3 criteria
  • Comprehensive record-keeping

For detailed guidance, refer to the official DfE document: The Experience-Based Route for Early Years.

Your Role as a Manager

Key Responsibilities in the EBR Process

As a manager, you're pivotal in guiding staff through the EBR. Your responsibilities include:

  • Verifying staff eligibility and qualifications
  • Assigning qualified assessors and supervisors
  • Monitoring progress and maintaining records
  • Preparing documentation for Ofsted inspections

SkillRoute simplifies these tasks, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

A simplified mockup of screens on SkillRoute.co.uk
SkillRoute dashboard showing milestones on a path
SkillRoute Features

Streamlining the EBR Process

SkillRoute offers tools tailored to the EBR requirements:

  • Enroll and manage EBR candidates
  • Automate tracking of supervised hours
  • Document assessments and feedback
  • Monitor compliance status in real-time
See More Features

Ready to take the stress out of tracking EBR staff?

SkillRoute helps you manage the process from start to finish — with clear records, real-time progress, and one-click reports.

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