Using the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS)

A simple guide for peace of mind

Across critical care sectors, building a skilled and confident workforce has never been more important. Apprenticeships provide a powerful way to nurture talent, support career progression, and ensure teams have the knowledge to thrive in demanding roles.

At The Childcare Company, we believe in turning learners into the resilient workforce of tomorrow, and helping organisations like yours to invest in purposeful pathways

More than that, our team is passionate about making the process as straightforward as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to using the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS).

From its purpose, and getting set up on the platform, to the role it plays in the funding process and what it will do for you, we cover everything in detail to make your experience with it as easy as possible.

The role of the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS)

As employers looking to make the most of government funding, you’ll need to use the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS). It’s an online platform that allows you to reserve funding, approve payments, and manage apprenticeships from start to finish.

For non-levy employers, funding must be reserved before or within the same calendar month as enrolment, ensuring there are no delays to getting staff started.

Employers can reserve funding for up to 10 apprentices at a time. While many choose to let The Childcare Company handle this process on their behalf, you also have the option to manage reservations directly. Either way, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Setting up your DAS account

Getting started is simple. To create your DAS account, you’ll need:

• Access to your organisation’s PAYE scheme details
• Someone authorised to use those details and sign agreements on behalf of your organisation

Once registered, you’ll confirm your identity, add your PAYE scheme, and sign the employer agreement. After that, you can link directly with The Childcare Company by adding us as your training provider.

Giving The Childcare Company the right permissions 

To ensure a seamless process, employers are encouraged to set permissions within DAS that allow The Childcare Company to:

• Add apprentices to your account
• Recruit apprentices on your behalf
• Manage reservations and approvals

This simple step removes the admin burden from your team, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: delivering excellent care

What happens after enrolment

After your apprentice is enrolled, you’ll receive an email prompt to approve funding. It only takes a few clicks, and once approved, training can begin.

From there, our Development Coaches work closely with your apprentices, tailoring the learning to both your organisational needs and the individual’s career goals

The difference The Childcare Company makes

When you choose apprenticeships with us, you’re not just signing up for training. You’re joining a movement dedicated to raising standards in childcare and development, empowering staff, and making sure the workforce is prepared for tomorrow.

Our partners consistently tell us that the support, structure, and professionalism of The Childcare Company makes a tangible difference to the confidence of learners, and the resilience of the wider team.

Upon completion of their learning, apprentices will be able to proudly showcase their new credentials on their social media profiles, showing the UK that your organisation is building a workforce that stands out for its expertise, compassion, and professionalism.

Ready to get started?

The DAS may seem complex at first, but with The Childcare Company by your side, it becomes quick, simple, and gives you the flexibility to manage aspects of the funding process. Whether you want us to manage it for you, or you prefer to handle it in-house with our guidance, you’ll have our support in whatever you need. The Childcare Company is more than a training provider. We’re your partner in success.

Let’s transform your teams and shape careers with impact – together.

Ready to future-proof your workforce? Reach out to the team at The Childcare Company today. Book a call today.