Early Years Apprentice

Little Explorers Nursery

Part of Grandir UK

Training salary- £8.00-£8.40 per hour

Join a supportive, child focused nursery offering strong benefits, flexible working and genuine career progression.

Little Explorers Day Nursery

In Leicester is looking for a caring and enthusiastic Apprentice to join our team. You will play a key role in caring for, supporting and inspiring our children, encouraging curiosity and helping them thrive every day.

Why You'll Love Working at Little Explorers

At Little Explorers, you will be part of a welcoming and supportive team who genuinely care about one another. We create a positive working environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to grow.

Core Benefits

• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, with 3 days used during the Christmas shutdown period
• Christmas and New Year shutdown
• Flexible working options available
• £500 refer-a-friend bonus
• Company pension scheme with employer contributions
• Statutory Sick Pay from day 1
• Life assurance for employees aged 18 to 65
• Certified Great Place to Work, voted for by our current colleagues

About Our Nursery

• Our nursery has recently been beautifully refreshed, with bright, modern spaces designed to create a calm, nurturing environment.
• Sweet Peas (Babies & Younger Toddlers) - A cosy, nurturing space divided into areas for rest, sensory play, and early exploration.
• Daisies & Preschool - A versatile open plan room with areas for adult led and child led activities, supporting creativity, independence, and school readiness.
• Outdoor area includes soft lawn, grounded play zones, a sandpit, and large loose parts equipment. Children enjoy gardening, balancing, imaginative play, and exploring nature in a safe, stimulating environment that supports physical development and curiosity.
• Our team enjoy exploring the local area with the children on outings regularly

Location

Our nursery is located in the heart of Knighton, close to Clarendon Park, Leicester train station, and London Road.

What You Will Be Doing

• Ensure that the children's individual needs are identified and met
• Supervise and support the children at all times
• Carry out a wide range of interactive tasks including reading stories, helping at mealtimes, playing games, and changing nappies
• Act as a positive, practical role model for the children
• Develop friendly, professional relationships with staff members and parents
• Ensure you fully understand and follow Safeguarding Procedures
• Work towards gaining your Early Years qualification in a supportive and professional environment with hands on experience

Enhanced Family and Wellbeing Benefits

• Maternity and adoption leave paid at 100 percent for the first 12 weeks
• Paternity leave paid at 100 percent for 4 weeks
• Parental bereavement leave up to 4 weeks paid
• Compassionate leave up to 2 weeks paid
• Miscarriage leave up to 2 weeks paid
• Wellbeing Day, an extra day off just for you
• The Grand Event, up to an additional week of annual leave to attend a significant life event after 2 years' service

Even More Benefits

• Employee benefits portal with hundreds of retail discounts including ASOS, gym memberships, cinema, M&S, and major supermarkets
• 24 hour remote GP appointments
• Medical cashback for dental treatment, physiotherapy, and alternative therapies
• Recognition, rewards, and team celebrations throughout the year, with May dedicated to celebrating our teams
• Tailored in house training and genuine progression opportunities
• Sustainability focus with Carbon Literacy trained teams and Eco Schools accreditation

Grandir UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role which will be carried out by our approved third party provider.

We are an equal opportunity employer and recruit based on merit. To support our recruitment process, we may use AI assisted tools for tasks such as application screening and reference checks. These tools help us manage applications efficiently, and all hiring decisions are made by our team.

Apply today. We review applications as they are received and may close the role early.