Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

We have a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring apprentice to join our team. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are ambitious and want to gain playworker qualification while getting experience. You'll create meaningful relationships with the children, your team and with parents.

What you'll do

• Caring for children: Ensuring children's health and well-being, feeding and changing babies, and supervising meals for older children
• Planning activities: Leading educational games, preparing learning environments, and helping with trips
• Supporting children's development: Supporting children's personal, social, and emotional development, and providing challenging interactions
• Observing and assessing children: Observing children's progress and skills, and keeping records to share with parents
• Communicating with parents: Meeting parents and greeting children in a friendly way, and communicating effectively with parents
• Learning: Participating in classes and workshops, completing tests and assignments, and learning about the industry and best practices
• Attending meetings: Attending team meetings and training

Training

• Early Years Practitioner Level 2
• Online learning and coursework
• Virtual classrooms and webinars
• One-to-one support from a dedicated tutor
• Workplace observations and reviews
• Dedicated training time within working hours
• No college attendance required
• Earn while you learn
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification

After the apprenticeship

The Early Years Practitioner Level 2 is equivalent to a NVQ 2. From here you can progress to the Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship and do further training to reach Early Years Teacher Status.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Things to consider

• You must be a UK resident and have at least 3 years residency in the UK/EU
• If you require a Visa, this must not expire before the apprenticeship end date (up to 24-months)
• GCSEs in English and maths at Grade C (4) or above or able to achieve Level 2 English and maths whilst on programme

This apprentice position is an excellent opportunity for those looking to build a career in education while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

Safeguarding Statement.

This authority/organisation is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, requiring all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment.

As part of the safer recruitment, you will require an enhanced DBS. This will be applied for by the employer if successful.

It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

About the employer

Downside Nursery school is an exceptional independent nursery school based in Cobham, Surrey. We are family run and have been operating since 1985, providing a holistic approach to learning in a nurturing environment, set in private, extensive, secure grounds.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Early years practitioner (level 2), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 3 Months
• Hours: 38 hours a week. Working week: Monday - Thursday 8am - 4pm and Friday 8am - 2pm for 41-weeks per year.
• Start date: 2 December 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £15,808 a year