We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Early Years Educator to join our friendly team at our thriving early years setting in the heart of Ledbury.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young children and would like to develop a career in Early Years while working towards a recognised Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
About Us
We are a committee-run, registered charity providing high-quality early education and childcare in the heart of Ledbury.
Our current opening hours are:
Monday – Friday, 8:00am–4:00pmTerm Time Only
Play is at the heart of our approach. We believe children learn best when they are happy, engaged and given opportunities to explore their interests both indoors and outdoors.
We are particularly fortunate to have our own Forest School garden, where children can explore nature, develop confidence, take appropriate risks and enjoy experiences including using tools and cooking around the campfire.
We recognise every child as unique and provide a nurturing, inclusive environment in which children are supported to learn, develop and thrive.
The Role
As an Apprentice Early Years Educator, you will work alongside our experienced practitioners while completing your Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.
You will receive support and mentoring throughout your apprenticeship and will be given dedicated, allotted time during your working week to complete your studies, coursework and apprenticeship requirements.
We want our apprentice to have the time and support needed to successfully complete their qualification while developing their practical skills within the setting.
Your role will include:
- Supporting the team to provide a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment for children.
- Engaging children in purposeful play and age-appropriate learning experiences.
- Helping to prepare and maintain activities and learning environments both indoors and outdoors.
- Supporting children’s individual care needs and daily routines.
- Building warm, positive and professional relationships with children.
- Learning how to observe children’s development and use observations to support future learning.
- Developing your knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Working in partnership with parents, carers and other members of the team.
- Developing your understanding of safeguarding, child protection and how to respond appropriately to concerns.
- Completing the learning, assessments and off-the-job training associated with your apprenticeship during your allocated study time.
- Following the setting’s policies, procedures and professional expectations at all times.
As your knowledge, skills and confidence develop, you will gradually take on additional responsibilities with appropriate supervision and support.
Who Are We Looking For?
You do not need to already hold an Early Years Level 3 qualification – this is an apprenticeship opportunity designed to help you achieve it.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a genuine interest in working with babies and young children.
- Is kind, patient, reliable and enthusiastic.
- Enjoys learning and is willing to develop their knowledge and skills.
- Can work positively as part of a small and supportive team.
- Has good communication skills and can build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
- Understands the importance of children’s safety and wellbeing.
- Is willing to learn about safeguarding, child development and the EYFS.
- Is comfortable spending time outdoors throughout the year.
- Can demonstrate the professional behaviour and reliability expected when working with children.
- Is committed to completing their Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship and associated studies.
- Meets the eligibility requirements for the apprenticeship programme.
Previous experience of working or volunteering with children would be welcomed but is not essential.
What We Can Offer
We want our apprentice to feel like a valued member of the team while being properly supported to learn and develop.
We offer:
- A fully supported Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.
- Dedicated study time each week during working hours to complete apprenticeship learning and coursework.
- Support and mentoring from experienced Early Years practitioners.
- Practical experience across all aspects of Early Years practice.
- Opportunities to develop your knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and child development.
- Experience of outdoor and Forest School learning.
- A friendly, welcoming and supportive working environment.
- Term-time-only working.
- The opportunity to build a long-term career within Early Years.
Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff, apprentices and volunteers to share this commitment.
Safeguarding is central to our recruitment and selection process. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their suitability to work with children and their understanding of the importance of safeguarding throughout the recruitment process.
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the completion of appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks. These will include, as applicable:
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including the appropriate Children’s Barred List check.
- Verification of identity.
- Verification of the applicant’s right to work in the UK.
- Two satisfactory references.
- Verification of qualifications where applicable.
- Review of the applicant’s employment and/or education history, including discussion of any relevant gaps.
- Appropriate checks regarding suitability to work with children in an Early Years environment.
References will be sought as part of our safer recruitment process and will include questions regarding the applicant’s suitability to work with children.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds who meet the requirements of the role.
Job Type: Level 3 Early Years Educator ApprenticeshipWorking Pattern: Term Time OnlyOpening Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:00pmLocation: Ledbury
For more information or to visit the setting, please message Elle
Pay: From £8.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
