Early Years Apprentice - Upper Knapp Farm Day Nursery

Join Upper Knapp Farm Day Nursery as an Early Years Apprentice, supporting children's learning, play and daily routines in a safe, caring environment. You'll gain hands-on childcare experience while working towards an Early Years qualification with guidance from an experienced nursery team.

What you'll do

• Upper Knapp Farm Day Nursery, part of The Gardens Nursery Group, is looking for an enthusiastic Early Years Apprentice to join their friendly nursery team in Cam, Gloucestershire. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young children and wants to begin or develop a career in early years childcare.

As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience in a busy, supportive nursery environment while working towards an Early Years qualification. You will be supported by experienced nursery practitioners who will help you build your confidence, knowledge and practical skills.

You will help create a safe, caring and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and develop. You will support children with daily routines, take part in activities, and encourage their social, emotional, physical and communication development through play and positive interaction.

Your duties will include:

Supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing through play-based activities

• Helping to create a safe, welcoming and stimulating nursery environment
• Assisting with daily routines including mealtimes, rest times, outdoor play and personal care
• Encouraging children to explore, communicate and build confidence
• Building positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues
• Observing children's progress and sharing information with senior staff
• Supporting planned activities that meet children's individual needs and interests
• Helping to keep play areas, resources and equipment clean, safe and organised
• Following nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety and confidentiality
• Working as part of a team and taking part in training, supervision and staff meetings
• Developing your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and applying this in practice
• Demonstrating a caring, reliable and professional approach at all times

The successful candidate will be caring, enthusiastic and keen to learn. Previous experience with children or in a nursery setting would be helpful, but it is not essential. What matters most is that you are reliable, positive, nurturing and committed to developing a career in early years education.

This role would suit someone who enjoys being creative, playful and active, and who can communicate well with children and adults. You should be willing to get involved in all aspects of nursery life and be able to remain calm and professional in a busy environment.

You will work 40 hours per week, with flexibility around the working pattern. This may be across five days or four longer days depending on nursery requirements. The role offers an hourly wage of £8, uniform provision, company pension, Simply Health insurance and between 23 and 33 days' holiday depending on shift pattern.

This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain a full Early Years qualification while developing valuable practical experience. For the right candidate, there may be opportunities to progress within the nursery after successful completion of the apprenticeship.

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 off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard and 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 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

Full qualification gained.

Skills

• caring
• Communication Skills
• Creative
• Friendly
• Initiative
• Patience
• Team working

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, Mathematics (grade 4)
• Desired: GCSE, English Language (grade 4)

Things to consider

On-site parking, DBS update service required.

About the employer

Upper Knapp Farm Day Nursery has established an excellent reputation as a warm, welcoming and professional centre for child care amongst the communities we serve in Cam, Dursley and beyond since 1994.

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: 40 hours a week. Working week: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday.
• Start date: 2 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year