Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

Support children's care, learning and development through purposeful play, activities and daily routines. Complete observations, build positive relationships and help maintain a safe, inclusive nursery environment.

What you'll do

The Apprentice Early Years Educator will work as part of the nursery team to provide a safe, caring, inclusive and stimulating environment for children from birth to five years.

Under the guidance of experienced early years practitioners, the apprentice will support children's learning, development and wellbeing in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. They will help to plan and deliver age-appropriate activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational experiences based on children's interests and individual needs.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting children's learning and development through play and planned activities
• Completing observations and contributing to assessments and children's next steps
• Supporting physical care routines, including nappy changing, toileting, mealtimes, sleep routines and personal hygiene
• Encouraging children's communication, confidence, independence and social development
• Building positive and professional relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues
• Helping to prepare and maintain safe, clean and engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments
• Following the nursery's safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, equality and inclusion policies
• Attending training, staff meetings, supervision sessions and apprenticeship reviews
• Completing all required apprenticeship work and off-the-job training

The apprentice will report to their Room Leader, designated workplace mentor and Nursery Manager. They will interact daily with children, parents and carers, nursery practitioners, senior staff and their training provider.

Training

The apprentice will work towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard with support from the training provider and the nursery.

Training will include the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a competent Early Years Educator, including:

• Child development from birth to eight years
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Health, safety and wellbeing
• The Early Years Foundation Stage
• Observation, assessment and planning
• Supporting communication and language
• Equality, diversity, inclusion and SEND
• Partnership working with families and professionals
• Paediatric first aid, where required
• Functional Skills in English and mathematics, if required
• Preparation for the end-point assessment

The apprentice will also receive workplace mentoring, regular supervision, internal training and protected off-the-job learning time.

After the apprenticeship

Following successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a permanent qualified Level 3 Nursery Nurse/Early Years Educator position, subject to performance and available vacancies.

With further experience and professional development, progression opportunities may include Key Person, Room Leader, Nursery Supervisor, Deputy Manager, Trainee Manager or Nursery Manager.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Willingness to learn
• Basic literacy skills
• Basic numeracy skills
• Basic digital skills
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to follow safeguarding
• Engaging approach to learning

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 4)
• Essential: GCSE, Mathematics (grade 4)
• Essential: Level 2, Early Years (grade 4)

Things to consider

This is an active and physically demanding role that requires the apprentice to work at floor level, lift and carry appropriate resources, participate in indoor and outdoor play and remain attentive throughout the day.

The role involves personal care duties, including nappy changing, toileting and supporting children at mealtimes. The apprentice will also help with cleaning and maintaining the learning environment.

Applicants must be able to work varied shifts, including early starts and later finishes, on a rota between 7:00am and 6:30pm. The nursery operates throughout the year, rather than during school term time only.

Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, eligibility checks and an enhanced DBS check.

About the employer

Early Learners Nurseries is a family-run nursery group providing high-quality childcare and early education. Our Hoole setting offers a welcoming, secure and stimulating environment for children from birth to five years, supported by a caring and enthusiastic team.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Early years educator (level 3), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST
• Expected duration: 1 Year 9 Months
• Hours: 30 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, working varied shifts on a rota between the nursery's operating hours of 7:00am and 6:30pm. The working week will include protected off-the-job training and study time in accordance with apprenticeship requirements.
• Start date: 11 November 2026
• Positions available: 2
• Wage: £12,480 a year