Childcare Apprentice

You will work five days a week in your nursery setting as a nursery assistant, gaining your practical experience. This will involve a range of activities, from arts and crafts to singing and outdoor play. You will then attend college once a month.

What you'll do

Duties will include:

• Maintain accurate and effective children's records
• Respond appropriately to issues requiring confidentiality
• Support, promote and implement policies relating to diversity and equality
• Work well as part of a team
• Work with the team to ensure the smooth running of the nursery day
• Work in partnership with parents
• Attend parent events and meetings as required

Training

• Level 3 Early Years Educatorer, apprentices will attend day release
• Apprenticeships are made up of the Diploma plus Functional Skills in maths and English and Paediatric First Aid certificate

After the apprenticeship

Learners can use this qualification to go into various care roles. You could progress onto the advanced apprenticeship and work your way up in the nursery, going into team-leading and management roles. You could also use your experience to go into teaching, nursing, midwifery, play work and social work. There are many directions you can go with your apprenticeship, should you wish.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Caring

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, English (grade 4)
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

Childcare is not about playing with babies all day. There will be a variety of activities to plan and deliver each day. You may have key children that you look after and will have to communicate with staff, children, managers and parents at the nursery. There will be a lot of cleaning to do, and you may have to work long hours, although this will vary with each employer. It is hard work, but it is very rewarding.

About the employer

The Berkshire Healthcare NHS Nurseries offer high quality care and education, by highly motivated, knowledgeable staffing. The individual needs of children are supported to enable them to reach their full potential.

Our learning environments allow children to explore, initiate their own play and grow as individuals.

https://nurseries.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/nursery-in-slough.asp?fldArea=1&fldMenu=0&fldSubMenu=0&fldKey=2

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Early years educator (level 3), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: CHILTERN TRAINING LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Monday- Friday between 8am-6pm, includes 1 hour unpaid lunch.
• Start date: 10 June 2027
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year