YMCA are delighted to be partnering with Hounsome Fields Primary School in Basingstoke, offering a fantastic opportunity to shape and grow a brand-new setting from day one, based within a new housing development.
We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate individuals looking to study towards an Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship L2 and be part of a new team in September 2026.
As an Early Years Practitioner Apprentice, you’ll become part of a nurturing, collaborative nursery team, working closely with experienced practitioners, a Lead Practitioner, and the Nursery Manager. Together, you’ll create a safe, stimulating environment where children feel valued, supported, and inspired to learn through play.
In your day-to-day role, you’ll be actively involved in supporting children’s routines, encouraging their curiosity, and helping to deliver engaging learning experiences both indoors and outdoors. You’ll observe how children develop, begin to understand their individual needs, and contribute to activities that promote their confidence, communication, and independence.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience across all aspects of early years practice. This includes learning how to observe and assess children’s progress, support safeguarding and wellbeing, build positive relationships with families, and understand how high-quality early education is delivered in line with best practice. You’ll also develop key transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, organisation, and professionalism, setting strong foundations for a rewarding career in childcare.
Day-Day Responsibilities:
- Provide indoor and outdoor play-based experiences to children in line with YMCA’s pedagogy and curriculum, and in adherence to nursery policies and procedures.
- Plan, implement and monitor activities suitable for children under 5, under the supervision and direction of the Lead Practitioner.
- Help maintain the safety, security, physical and emotional welfare of the children in the nursery and garden environments.
- Follow YMCA’s policies and procedures at all times, including but not restricted to: staff ratios, safeguarding and child protection, and health & safety, escalating concerns immediately to the Lead Practitioner or Nursery Manager.
- Bring to the immediate attention of the Lead Practitioner and/or Manager, any incidents or accidents, any child’s failure to thrive, and any equipment that may be of danger. Also to arrange for any individual to receive immediate first aid.
- Positively engage with the nursery team, parents and carers, and wider YMCA teams.
Benefits to you:
- 100% OFF CHILDCARE - Save between £13,000-£16,000 on childcare each year* *full time hours – conditions apply
- Joining Bonus! Total of £500
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Health Cash plan - Including Medical/Dental/Online retail discounts
- Gym membership discount
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days a year)
- Celebration Leave
- Blue Light card eligibility
- Employer pension
- Enhanced Maternity
- Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
- Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor: campsite, river hire, activities, daycamps
- 30% discount on food in Cafes: Eastleigh and Andover
- Wellbeing assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Good quality resources and a modern environment
- A welcoming, caring and supportive culture
Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.
We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.
Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continue to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.
Pay: £8.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
