Nursey Apprentice

Are you energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate about giving young children the best start in life? Little Characters Nursery in Chesterfield is looking for a dedicated Early Years Apprentice to join our friendly, welcoming team Based in Brimington, providing care for children from 3 months old through to pre-school.

What you'll do

Key Responsibilities:

Support experienced practitioners in providing safe, engaging, and high-quality early years care.

As a nursey apprentice, you'll be initially responsible for (but not limited to) the following:

• To support nursery practitioners and work as part of the nursery team
• To provide high quality childcare and education
• To assist in the planning and implementation of activities for the children in the area you are working in
• To work alongside staff ensuring a safe environment for all children, staff and visitors to the setting
• To be flexible and help where needed
• To work to the policies and procedures of the setting, support the safeguarding procedures & maintain confidentiality at all times
• Ensure a safe happy environment for children
• Contribute to children's all-round development as per the EYFS
• To support colleagues within the nursery
• To assist with the daily routine of the setting
• Assist with organising indoor and outdoor activities aligned with the Early Learning Goals and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Build positive relationships with children, helping them develop values like sharing, teamwork, and independence
• Help prepare snacks, keep environment clean and safe, and assist with daily routines (mealtimes, quiet times, and play)
• Follow all nursery safeguarding, health, and safety policies
• Complete assigned coursework and portfolios on time to achieve your level 3 qualification

You'll learn side-by-side with experienced colleagues who want to share their knowledge, giving you hands-on exposure to a wide range of tasks and a real understanding of how the whole business operates. With dedicated mentoring and support, you'll build confidence, develop in-demand skills and lay strong foundations for a long-term career in the Early Years Sector.

Training

Training will be carried out by the employer and approved training provider RNN Group. The successful candidate will work toward the Level 3 Early Years qualification and have a choice of monthly face-to-face at work, weekly classes and remote tutor visits to support their learning journey.

Training will include paediatric first aid qualification.

After the apprenticeship

Advance to further study or to secure a full-time permanent job.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Good attitude to work
• Reliable & trustworthy
• Friendly and approachable

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, Maths & English (grade A*-C/9-4)
• Essential: Early Years Practitioner, Early Years (grade Level 2)

Things to consider

The successful candidate would be required to pass a DBS check before they start.

This is a successful business and they are looking for someone who can get there in a morning punctually (think about the location of the business and transport links), listen/learn and use their own initiative to quickly become a valued and productive member of the team.

Benefits

Paid annual leave and bank holidays.

About the employer

About Little Characters:

Day nursery with wrap around care, to and from 3 local schools.

Aims and Objectives

• To provide good quality, affordable childcare.

• To work in partnership with parents/ carers and the local community.

• To provide a secure and creative environment for children to develop emotionally, physically, intellectually, creatively and socially.

• To provide a varied selection of activities and games including arts and crafts, group activities, computers, construction and much more

• To ensure our policies and procedures are followed and assessed for their effectiveness.

• To offer opportunities of employment to the community.

• To work within an Equal Opportunities framework.

Quality Statement

We will endeavour to develop, demonstrate and sustain quality in all areas of Little Characters. This is a positive and visual way of ensuring that parents and children are offered the top quality childcare they deserve.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Early years educator (level 3), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: RNN GROUP
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• Hours: 20 hours a week. Working week: You will be working flexibly between the hours of 7.00am - 6.00pm, Monday - Friday, allowing for study release when required.

Total hours per week: Minimum of 20 hours.

• Start date: 20 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £8,320 a year