Childcare Apprenticeship

Job Title

Early Years Apprentice

Location

Highbury Lodge Day Nursery, Hitchin, SG4 9RW

Contract & Schedule

• Full time, 37.5 hours per week
• 52 weeks per year
• Varied shifts Monday Friday, 07 30
• Start window: 18 August 2026 - 18 September 2026

Salary

• £8.00 per hour at start
• £10.41 per hour after 6 months
• £12.74 per hour after 12 months (age 21+)

Benefits

• 23 days paid leave per annum (pro rata), rising to 28 days with length of service
• Paid bank holidays
• 75% childcare discount (or 40% grandparent discount) at any Childbase nursery
• Long service rewards, qualification bonuses & retail discounts
• Free meals, mental health & occupational health support
• Flu jabs, eye care vouchers & free will writing service
• Team inset days and online training of your apprenticeship course

About you - Responsibilities & Qualifications

• You are passionate about building a career with children and care for babies and young children under five.
• You thrive on practical tasks and are keen to plan and implement high quality, engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum, observing, assessing and recording children's progress.
• You are nurturing and empathetic, prioritising safety, ensuring every child feels safe, valued and happy, and following policies and procedures.
• You manage your time effectively, making good use of off the job learning time and meeting coursework deadlines.
• You work collaboratively, building strong, positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues, and possess strong verbal and written communication skills.

Apprenticeship Offer

• On site practical experience with a trainer/assessor guiding learning and regular group training sessions every 6 8 weeks at the academy.
• Progress to a Level2 or Level3 Early Years practitioner/educator qualification.
• English and maths Functional Skills qualifications (where required).
• Paediatric first aid qualification (valid for three years).

Eligibility Criteria

• Right to work in the UK and a National Insurance number.
• Photographic ID (valid passport or driving licence).
• Computer to complete online assessment and coursework.
• UK residence for at least three years.
• Commuteworthy to the nursery and to the academy training sessions (travel costs covered).
• 21+ and meeting apprenticeship rules (16+ for entry).

Inclusive Employer

We welcome applicants of all ages (16+) and backgrounds and will consider reasonable adjustments.

Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.