Early Years Practitioner OR Educator Apprentice

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and passionate individual to join our Formby Day Nursery family as an early year's apprentice. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands on experience working with young children while completing your recognised childcare qualification.

What you'll do

You will work as part of the nursery team to provide a safe, caring, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child can achieve, belong and thrive.

You will work alongside experienced practitioners while completing the Early Years apprenticeship qualification. You will develop knowledge, skills and confidence in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the nursery's curriculum and ethos.

The apprentice is expected to demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning, professional development and working as part of a team and exhibit/develop the following.

• Genuine interest in working with children aged 0–5 years.
• Positive and caring attitude.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Good communication skills.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Patient, approachable and respectful.
• Commitment to safeguarding children.
• Willingness to complete the required apprenticeship training and qualification.

Essential

• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff and nursery information.
• Follow all nursery policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional standards of behaviour and conduct.
• Dress appropriately and professionally for working with young children.
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
• Notify the nursery as soon as possible if they are unable to attend work.
• Maintain a positive attitude towards learning and development.
• Take responsibility for their own actions and professional conduct.
• Carry out other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and level of experience.

After the apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship our primary goal is to transition you into a permanent position as a fully qualified Early Years Practitioner/Educator within our nursery.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Team working
• Child Development Knowledge
• Safeguarding and Welfare
• Observation and Assessment
• Personal Care
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Energy and Creativity
• Patience and Empathy

Qualifications

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

Things to consider

Before applying, please consider whether you:

• Have a genuine passion for working with young children
• Are reliable, punctual and committed to your working hours
• Are happy working as part of a busy and supportive team
• Are willing to learn, take feedback and complete your apprenticeship qualification
• Understand that working in Early Years can be physically and emotionally demanding
• Are comfortable supporting children with personal care, including toileting and nappy changing
• Are prepared to take part in training, meetings and ongoing professional development
• Can demonstrate a positive, caring and professional attitude at all times
• Are looking for a rewarding career working with children and families

About the employer

Working at Formby Day Nursery means becoming part of a close, supportive nursery family. You will work alongside experienced practitioners, learning from the team while developing your own skills and confidence. We believe in supporting our staff as well as our children, encouraging professional development, teamwork and new ideas. Every day is different, and you'll have the opportunity to build genuine relationships with children, watch them develop and make a real difference to their lives. We are a relatively small setting, which means you get to know the children, families and team well. Our approach focuses on care, kindness, wellbeing, relationships, independence and learning through play. For an apprentice, it's a great opportunity to learn on the job, gain a recognised qualification and develop a career in Early Years while being supported by an experienced team.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Early years practitioner (level 2), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: SOUTHPORT EDUCATION GROUP
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 26 hours a week. Working week: 9.00am - 4.30pm, 4 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday).
• Start date: 2 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £10,816 a year