Early Years Educator Apprentice

Looking to develop a career working with children? We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Nursery Apprentice to join our Nutfield team, to support the care and learning of babies and young children in the setting. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7.00am to 7.00pm all year, excluding Bank Holidays.

What you'll do

The position is in our Nutfield day nursery. This role involves supporting the daily activities within the nursery, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all children. The Nursery Practitioner will work closely with the lead educators to promote the development and well-being of each child in our care. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with young children.

We will support candidates to undertake an apprenticeship in Childcare alongside working with us in the setting.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and engage with children during playtime, ensuring their safety and well-being
• Communicate effectively with children, encouraging their social skills and emotional development
• Communicating with parents daily and at parents evenings, sharing information regarding their child's development
• Support children in their daily routines, including meals, naps, and personal hygiene
• Maintain a clean and organised nursery environment, ensuring all equipment is safe and suitable for use
• Collaborate with colleagues to create a positive atmosphere that fosters learning and growth
• Manage behaviour in accordance with nursery policies, promoting positive interactions among children
• Drive initiatives that enhance children's learning experiences through creative play
• Writing observations on their key children to create a child's learning journey and support them with their next steps

We can offer you:

• Additional leave
• Discounted or free food
• Company events
• On-site parking

Training

Your full role and responsibilities will be set out by your employer. They will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to up-skill in your role, and your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day.

You will be working towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which includes:

• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
• Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid
• Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)

This will be delivered by your dedicated training provider, Realise.

After the apprenticeship

Career opportunity within the nursery and group to develop.

Skills

• Attention to detail
• caring
• Communication Skills
• Creative
• Initiative
• Logical
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Team working

Qualifications

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

Things to consider

Looking for someone as soon as possible. Job will require a DBS and reference checks to meet safer recruitment requirements.

About the employer

Nutfield Day Nursery (NDN) was established in 1994. Previously an Old Rectory, the Victorian building is now a children's day care nursery, with up to fifty-six children each day enjoying the entire ground floor of the premises. Nutfield Day Nursery became a Forest School in 2009, uniquely we have six Forest School Leaders who take our outdoor learning ethos and their careers seriously. Possibilities for children outside are bountiful in our five gardens, outdoor classrooms and field. Safeguarding is at the forefront of our roles for every child. We are constantly mindful of our responsibility to the parents, staff and all visitors that come to our nursery and enter our small community. NDN is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm all year, excluding Bank Holidays.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Early years educator (level 3), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: REALISE LEARNING AND EMPLOYMENT LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 2 Months
• Hours: 36 hours a week. Working week: Monday - Friday. Shifts between 8.00am and 6.00pm.
• Start date: 31 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £15,444 a year