Childcare Apprenticeship

Position: Early Years Apprentice

Location: Green Park Day Nursery, Reading, RG2 6UQ

Contract: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday Friday between 07:30 and 18:30. Start window: August 18 - September 18, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement high quality, engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum, promoting learning through play.
• Observe, assess and record children's progress to support their development.
• Ensure each child feels safe, valued and happy while promoting their well being and meeting individual needs.
• Follow all policies and procedures and adhere to directions from management and the Trainer/Assessor.
• Manage own time effectively, completing off the job learning and coursework within set deadlines.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues and work collaboratively as part of a team.

Qualifications & Training

• Level2 Early Years Practitioner or Level3 Early Years Educator qualification (to be determined during initial assessment).
• English and/or maths Functional Skills qualifications (if not already held).
• Paediatric first aid qualification (valid for three years).
• Access to a computer for online assessment and coursework.
• Right to work in the UK and evidence of National Insurance number.

Benefits

• Salary: £8.00 per hour to start, rising to £10.41 per hour after six months and to £12.74 per hour after 12 months (for those aged 21+).
• Generous annual leave: 23 days paid per annum (pro rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grand parent discount) on fees at any Childbase nursery.
• Exclusive partner benefits: long service rewards, qualification bonuses, and retail discounts.
• Wellbeing support: free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers, and a free will writing service.
• Career development: team inset days, access to online training, and permanent role as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Eligibility and Application Criteria

• Must reside within a commutable distance of the nursery.
• Must be at least 16years old (apprenticeship rules); UK resident for at least the last three years.
• Must have Right to Work evidence, National Insurance number, and photographic ID (passport or driving licence).
• Must be able to travel to group training sessions in Newport Pagnell (MK168NJ); travel costs covered.
• VISA sponsorship is not available.
• Safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS, apply.
• We reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

Equal Opportunities

We are an inclusive employer welcoming applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement (FREDIE) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required.