Job Title: Early Years Apprentice
Company: Oakmere Day Nursery
Location: In person
ABOUT US:
Oakmere Day Nursery is a place where children laugh, learn, and grow every single day.
We help families feel completely at ease, knowing their little ones are in the safest, most caring hands possible. And we are looking for the next brilliant person to join our team and be part of that.
THE ROLE (IN PLAIN ENGLISH):
We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring, and reliable Early Years Apprentice to join our family at Oakmere Day Nursery.
No experience? No problem. What we care about most is your attitude. If you are warm, willing to learn, and genuinely love being around children - you are already halfway there.
This is a brilliant opportunity to earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and build a career you can be truly proud of. You won't be stuck behind a desk. You'll be outdoors, active, and doing work that genuinely matters every single day.
YOU'LL BE GETTING STUCK INTO THINGS LIKE:
Supporting the team in planning and delivering fun, engaging activities - with a big focus on outdoor learning.
Helping to observe and note children's progress as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework - don't worry, we'll teach you everything you need to know.
Building warm, trusting relationships with children and their families.
Being a reliable, cheerful, and hands-on member of the team.
Helping to keep the environment safe, clean, and stimulating for the children in our care.
WHY THIS APPRENTICESHIP IS GREAT:
You'll actually learn something: This isn't a "make the tea and photocopy things" apprenticeship. You'll be hands-on from day one, supported by an experienced team who genuinely want to see you grow.
Real mentoring: You'll work closely with qualified practitioners who will coach and guide you every step of the way.
Meaningful work: You'll be helping to shape little lives - and that feeling never gets old.
The environment: Fresh air, nature, outdoor play. We love the outdoors and we think you will too.
REASONS WHY WE'RE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK:
Flexible hours: We'll work with you to find the right schedule.
Joyful atmosphere: A genuinely happy workplace where a good giggle and a cup of tea are highly valued.
Holidays, pension, and rewards - once you join us, you'll get your hands on our Team Benefits Brochure, which covers everything in full.
PLUS: we actually help shape the future generation - and that feels pretty damn good.
THE PERFECT CANDIDATE WILL TICK THE BOXES BELOW:
You're great at: Connecting with people, staying positive under pressure, and bringing good energy to the room.
No qualifications required - just a genuine passion for working with children and a willingness to work hard and learn.
You're the kind of person who: Turns up on time, takes pride in their work, and always gives 100%.
You can handle: A lively, busy environment (nurseries are wonderfully chaotic!) and all weather conditions - yes, including rainy days outside!
You read this and thought "OMG this is the job for me!!"
If you've got the right attitude and a big heart, we want to hear from you.
WHAT YOUR TYPICAL DAY WILL LOOK LIKE:
7:55am: Arrive at Oakmere Day Nursery, hang up your coat, sign in, and say hi to your colleagues.
8:00am: Warmly welcome the children and their parents, ensuring a smooth, comforting start to the day. Boom.
8:35am: Get stuck into outdoor learning - searching for bugs, splashing in puddles, or creating nature art.
Focus mode activated. 10:30am: A child asks a completely random question about the natural world; you are enthusiastic, patient, and ready with an answer.
10:45am: Snack time! Encouraging healthy eating and independence.
11:15am: Helping to update children's learning journeys alongside your mentor.
12:00pm: Lunchtime - encouraging independence, healthy habits, and lots of chatter.
LUNCH 12:45pm: Go for a walk, reset, and enjoy the fresh air, or use our on-site staff room.
1:30pm: Setting up a messy sensory play tray for the afternoon session (the fun stuff!).
3:00pm: Joining in with a very enthusiastic story session.
4:45pm: Helping with tidy-up, handovers to parents, and wrapping up the day feeling genuinely good about what you've done.
6:00pm: Head home!*
(Every day will be different!)
Pay: £12,313.00-£13,312.00 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person