Early Years Trainer (Apprenticeships)
Location: Field Based / Hybrid
Responsible to: Head of Training and Audits / Training & Professional Development Manager
Salary £40,289
The Early Years Trainer is responsible for the delivery, assessment, and support of high-quality apprenticeship training programmes across the organisation. This includes Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years and Leadership apprenticeships, ensuring learners develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to deliver outstanding practice in line with the EYFS, Welsh Minimum Standards, and inspection frameworks.
The role focuses on coaching, mentoring, and assessing apprentices, ensuring learning is embedded into practice, and supporting timely achievement, progression, and workforce development.
This role contributes directly to improving quality of provision, staff competence, and outcomes for children through effective training and professional development delivery, aligned to organisational priorities.
- Deliver high-quality apprenticeship training (Level 2–3) through blended learning approaches (face-to-face, virtual, and workplace coaching).
- Assess learners against apprenticeship standards using a range of methods (observations, professional discussions, portfolio reviews).
- Support apprentices to build evidence for End Point Assessment (EPA).
- Ensure learners understand and meet the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required within their standard.
- Track learner progress and ensure timely achievement and high success rates.
- Provide regular 1:1 coaching and mentoring to apprentices to support development and confidence.
- Create and review Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) tailored to learner needs.
- Support learners who require additional help, including those with SEND/ALN or additional learning needs.
- Embed reflective practice and critical thinking in all learning.
- Motivate and inspire learners to achieve their full potential.
- Support learners to apply training directly into their nursery practice.
- Coach apprentices on:
o Child development and learning
o Safeguarding and welfare
o Behaviour management
o Inclusive practice (SEND/ALN, EAL)
o Curriculum implementation (including Future Ready Curriculum / Montessori where applicable)
- Work with nursery managers to ensure learning is transferred effectively into the setting.
- Ensure all apprenticeship delivery meets ESFA funding rules and compliance requirements.
- Monitor and track Off-the-Job (OTJ) training hours and ensure accurate recording.
- Maintain accurate learner records, documentation, and progress reports.
- Prepare learners for internal and external quality assurance processes.
- Contribute to Ofsted/CIW readiness through strong training and documentation.
- Work closely with nursery managers, regional leaders, and HR to support workforce development.
- Liaise with external training providers, EPAOs, and awarding bodies as required.
- Support recruitment and onboarding of apprentices.
- Provide regular updates on learner progress and risks.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of:
o EYFS statutory framework
o Welsh Minimum Standards (WMS)
o Ofsted EIF / CIW expectations
o Apprenticeship standards and reforms
- Contribute to the development of training materials and programmes.
- Participate in internal training initiatives and network events.
- Model best practice and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Manage a caseload of learners
- Deliver training sessions, workshops, and coaching sessions.
- Conduct workplace observations and assessments.
- Complete progress reviews and set SMART targets with learners.
- Monitor and track OTJ training and portfolio completion.
- Provide feedback to learners and managers on progress and development.
- Support preparation for End Point Assessment.
- Maintain accurate and compliant documentation.
- Contribute to training programme development and improvement.
- Support organisational training initiatives as directed.
- Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years
- Teaching/Training qualification (e.g. Level 3 Award in Education and Training or willingness to work towards)
- Assessor qualification (CAVA or equivalent) or willingness to obtain
- Experience working within Early Years settings
- Strong knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to coach, mentor, and motivate learners
- Level 5 qualification in Early Years or Leadership
- Experience delivering apprenticeship training programmes
- Knowledge of ESFA funding rules and apprenticeship compliance
- Experience supporting SEND/ALN learners
- Understanding of Ofsted EIF / CIW frameworks
- Passionate about developing others and improving practice
- Strong values aligned to Accountable, Reliable, Caring, Honest
- Reflective and committed to continuous improvement
- Organised and able to manage a caseload effectively
- Engaging and confident facilitator
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
This role plays a critical part in:
- Building a skilled and qualified workforce
- Improving quality of practice across settings
- Supporting career progression and retention
- Ensuring compliance with apprenticeship and regulatory standards
- Ultimately improving outcomes for children
Why work for us
Our culture is built around our ARCH values: Accountability, Reliability, Caring and Honesty. We believe in recognising success, supporting wellbeing, and creating opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential. We're proud to be a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and a Great Place to Work certified organisation, reflecting our commitment to creating an engaging and supportive workplace.
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Generous annual leave entitlement
Continuous professional development and fully funded training
Leadership development programmes
Excellent career progression opportunities across our growing group
Employee recognition and reward schemes
Wellbeing support and employee benefits platform
Discounted childcare (where applicable)
Team events and celebrations
An inclusive, supportive, and values-driven culture
Grow Your Career With Us
Whether you're an experienced Nursery Manager or looking to take the next step in your leadership journey, we'll invest in your development and provide opportunities to progress within a growing organisation. Many of our leaders have developed their careers with us, and we're committed to helping our people achieve their ambitions.
