Early Years Specialist Apprenticeship

Working in a childcare setting with children ranging from ages 0-5. You will be working towards an Advanced Diploma Early Years. Your apprenticeship will last for 14-months. This apprenticeship requires dedication, commitment and punctuality for you to be successful.

What you'll do

• Creating fun, engaging and safe environment for the children
• Teaching within the EYFS requirements
• Partaking in a range of indoor and outdoor activities
• Supporting the children with a range of self-care needs such as feeding and personal hygiene
• Communicating with other team members and parents
• Working in a childcare setting with children ranging from ages 0-5
• Also, being able to liaise with external customers, parents, and provide a high level of service for the childcare setting

Training

• You will be working towards an Advanced Level 3 Diploma in Early Years
• Your apprenticeship will last for 14-months, where you will be supported by a dedicated assessor throughout your apprenticeship, as well as a mentor and other staff within the nursery
• This apprenticeship requires dedication, commitment and punctuality for you to be successful
• This apprenticeship will open doors to a variety of future roles and career paths within the childcare sector
• Training will take place in the workplace
• You will need to attend online training with your assessor for 1 day a week for the first 8 weeks of your 14-month apprenticeship, for your classroom-based learning
• You will be working within the nursery for the rest of the time with the support of your dedicated childcare assessor
• You will complete a qualification in paediatric first aid along with your diploma

After the apprenticeship

Developing into a Level 3 Educator, with the potential of a full-time position upon successful completion. Other prospects could include applying for:

• Room Leader positions
• Possible management training
• Springboard into primary education
• Paediatric nursing
• Continuous development in current nursery setting

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, Maths & English (grade C/4 or above)

Things to consider

You will need to attend online training with your assessor for 1-day a week for the first 8-weeks of your 14-month apprenticeship, for your classroom-based learning. You will be working within the nursery for the rest of the time with the support of your dedicated childcare assessor.

About the employer

Set within the charming streets of Wapping, our newest setting is a five minute walk from Wapping Overground Station.

Built in 1871 this stunning and unique building provides our children with ample space and opportunity to spend their most formative years.

There are 7 classrooms tailored to specific age groups, all of which have beautiful large windows flooding the rooms with natural sunlight. We have created an environment that is bright and stimulating whilst also warm and cosy for the children to feel comfortable and secure.

DEDICATED SPACES

Mini Kitchen – Our aspiring chefs have access to a custom child-height kitchen for cooking and baking activities within our beautiful conservatory.

Life Sciences – Also housed in our conservatory, our miniature scientists have opportunities to bring the outside in and explore scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Art Atelier – The Reggio approach highlights the environment as the third teacher and our dedicated Art Room is evidence of this. The space is bright and allows children to feel inspired, use box modelling and recycled materials to express themselves through art and design.

Dedicated Library – We love books at Puddle Jumpers! Our bespoke reading nooks encourage children to spend some quiet time with their parents or staff devouring pages of our favourite children's books that can also be borrowed to read at home.

GARDEN AND OUTDOOR LEARNING

Our large outdoor space has been designed to stimulate physical play and provide children with ample opportunities to learn about nature. The garden is designed as two distinct areas reflecting the different areas of learning and development – everything from learning to nurture plants in our raised growing beds, make ‘chocolate cupcakes' in the mud kitchen, have fun with water pumps, find insects in our bug hotel, or get physical on our bespoke climbing structure and tricycle track followed by some quiet time in our sheltered seating area.

Our Forest School curriculum is delivered in local green spaces including Wapping Green, Wapping Gardens and Waterside Gardens, all a short walk away. Being close to the River Thames and Spirit Quay, you will spot our Puddle Jumpers children on their regular outings to watch the boats and experience the wonderful learning opportunities within the local community.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Early years educator (level 3), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: SWIFT ACI
• Expected duration: 1 Year 2 Months
• Hours: 30 hours a week. Working week: Apprentices are required to be flexible to meet the needs of the business, punctuality is key.

Working as part of a team using your own initiative are essential.

Monday- Friday, shifts to be confirmed.

• Start date: 20 October 2026
• Positions available: 2
• Wage: £12,480 a year