Being made to do a level 2 rather than level 3

[Deodora95]

I work in a nursery and I originally thought I was going to do a level 3 apprenticeship but now they have said I have to have experience to do a level 3. So now I have to do a level 2.
I have all the qualifications to do a level 3 but due to experience I am being made to do a level 2 in early years. I just find it weird that I have to do a level 2 when I am eager and willing to work hard to do a level 3. I eventually want another child so after my level 2 I will probably have time off to raise a baby (if all goes fo plans). My daughter now goes to the nursery I work at so it's not as simple as just moving jobs. I've even found a course where I can pay to do the qualification but I am not sure if my workplace will support me through it. I also have been told I can do a level 3 straight after my level 2, but obviously I want another child and a year off for Mat leave. What should I do? Would you guys carry on at the workplace? What do you think? Xx

Just commenting to see if anyone else can comment?

Post also in the Staff room?

Apprentices still have maternity rights see link maternityaction.org.uk/advice/maternity-and-parental-rights-for-apprentices/ so you don't need to take a gap between courses.
Personally I would go for the course that your employers are paying for rather than paying for one myself.

Could you not study for the level 3 while on maternity leave? A level 2 can be taken over a shorter timeframe than a year depending on provider

It seems very silly making you do a level 2. You are not 16 with no experience you already have a child of your own. I strongly suspect they pay you as unqualified on level 2 so it’s not in their interest to make it level 3.