The Department for Education has increased its early years apprenticeship bursary, introduced in September, from £1,500 to £3,000 in an attempt to encourage more applicants.
The inflated funding is available to the first 200 people who successfully apply to the scheme.
They will also be able to apply for a further £300 to fund training and study.
Childcare minister Elizabeth Truss said she hoped the scheme will raise standards of practice in the early years sector.
“Caring for and educating young children requires great skills and specific experience," she said.
“Research shows that a third of children are starting school without basic language and communication skills – in poorer areas that rises to more than half.
“Knowledgeable and experienced staff will play a vital role in providing good quality early years education to ensure that all children – no matter what their starting point in life – develop the skills they need in learning.”
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), has welcomed the increase in available funding.
She said: “This can only be good news for the sector and will encourage the high quality candidates we need to build a truly professional early years workforce.
“The 200 places may be a small start but it will provide useful information and the sector will be keen to know how we can develop a large-scale strategy to recruit and retain staff to the 400,000-strong workforce.”
Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, added: “This increased bursary is welcome news, as it will help give young people who are enthusiastic about working in childcare a solid start to their future career.
“The early years are such a crucial time that can shape a child’s future, so it is vital that we do everything we can to encourage bright and talented young people to enter the childcare sector.”
Liz Bayram, chief executive of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (Pacey), has also welcomed the increase but wants the government to adopt a broader approach to encouraging more professionals into the sector.
She said: “This will make a big difference in bringing more highly qualified candidates to the profession, who otherwise may not be able to access support for training.
“However, we still have concerns that the funds will only be available to a limited group, and that ultimately this is only likely to be those working in nursery settings.
“Pacey would urge the government to recognise that apprenticeships are just one aspect of a much needed joined-up plan to increase both the number of people working in the childcare profession and the qualification levels of childcare professionals.”
The early years apprenticeship bursary, run by the National College for Teaching and Leadership, is open for applications.
