Early Years Apprentice

Join Daisy Chains Pre-School as an Early Years Apprentice and start your childcare career. Gain hands-on experience supporting children's learning and development while working towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. A fantastic opportunity to earn, learn and grow within a supportive team.

What you'll do

• Support the care, learning and development of children aged 2-5 years in a welcoming pre-school environment
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that promote children's curiosity, creativity and independence
• Assist with setting up and maintaining engaging indoor and outdoor learning spaces
• Support children's personal, social and emotional development through play-based learning
• Observe children's progress and contribute to learning journeys and development records
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and carers, providing updates on children's achievements
• Promote safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing in line with nursery policies and procedures
• Encourage children's independence during daily routines, including snack times, personal care and tidy-up activities
• Work closely with experienced practitioners to provide a high-quality early years education in line with the EYFS framework
• Attend team meetings, training sessions and apprenticeship workshops to develop professional knowledge and skills

Training

• The successful apprentice will complete the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship with Best Practice Network
• Training will be delivered through a combination of workplace learning and online sessions
• Dedicated off-the-job training time will be provided throughout the apprenticeship
• Regular reviews and support will be provided by a Best Practice Network tutor
• Functional Skills training in English and maths will be included where required
• Training will include paediatric first aid qualification

Training will be delivered by Best Practice Network, an experienced national apprenticeship training provider. The programme is structured around regular tutor support, progress reviews and online learning, alongside practical experience gained within the setting. Apprentices will receive ongoing guidance throughout their programme to help them successfully achieve their qualification and End-Point Assessment.

After the apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a permanent Early Years Educator role within the setting. The skills and experience gained can also support future career progression into senior practitioner, room leader or other early years positions, alongside further professional development and qualifications.

Skills

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

Qualifications

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

Things to consider

The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and follow safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times. Applicants should be reliable, punctual and committed to completing the apprenticeship programme.

Benefits

We offer a supportive and welcoming working environment, ongoing training and development, dedicated mentoring throughout the apprenticeship, and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification with Best Practice Network. Successful apprentices may also have the opportunity to progress into a permanent role within the setting.

About the employer

Daisy Chains Pre-School is a charity-run pre-school in Oldham providing care and education for children aged 2 to 5 years. We are committed to creating a safe, happy and inclusive environment where children can learn, play and develop through high-quality early years experiences.

Our experienced team is passionate about supporting children's individual learning and development, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. We value strong relationships with children and families and are committed to ongoing staff training and professional development

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 6 Months
• Hours: 34 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:20pm with 40 minutes unpaid lunch break each day. Working hours may vary slightly to meet the needs of the pre-school.
• Start date: 30 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £14,144 to £22,471.28 a year