Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship - January 2027 Start

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our nursery team. This role is perfect for someone looking to start a rewarding career in childcare while gaining a recognised Early Years Educator qualification. Working alongside experienced practitioners, supporting children's learning and development through play.

What you'll do

As an Early Years Educator Apprentice, you will support the daily running of the nursery and help provide high-quality care and education for children.

Duties will include:

• Supporting children's learning and development through play-based activities
• Assisting with planning and delivering engaging learning experiences
• Building positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Supporting children's personal, social and emotional development
• Encouraging independence and confidence
• Helping to maintain a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment
• Assisting with mealtimes, routines and personal care as appropriate
• Following safeguarding, health and safety and nursery policies at all times
• Observing and recording children's progress
• Working effectively as part of the nursery team

The purpose of this role is to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a qualified Early Years Educator.

Training

Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard.

The programme offers a blended learning approach including:

• Training will include paediatric first aid qualification
• Online learning modules
• Virtual classroom sessions
• Workplace observations
• Portfolio building and assignments
• Regular progress reviews
• Candidates are not required to attend college. Off-the-job training will be completed during paid working hours in line with apprenticeship requirements

You will receive regular support from your apprenticeship tutor through scheduled reviews and workplace visits.

After the apprenticeship

Once you have finished the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to continue working for the same company and progress on to Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner, EYITT, ECT or Level 3 Early Years SENCO.

Early Years Educators are found in a range of settings including day nurseries, playgroups, nursery schools, pre-schools, kindergartens, primary schools, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments and local authority provision, giving you a broad range of employment opportunities.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade Grade 4)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

Appointment to this role will be subject to:

• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance
• 2 suitable references
• Verification of identity and right to work in the UK
• Successful completion of all pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment guidelines for childcare settings

About the employer

Jennie's Little Leaps is a warm, home-based childcare setting in Maidstone, Kent, providing a safe, nurturing environment for young children to learn, play, and grow. Jennie offers personalised care with a strong focus on early learning, development, and fun activities, supporting children to build confidence and reach their full potential in their early years.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Early years educator (level 3), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 9 Months
• Hours: 24 hours a week. Working week: Monday - Friday. Shifts of 6-hours per day between nursery opening hours. Exact working hours TBC.
• Start date: 5 January 2028
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £9,984 a year