Apprentice

Action for Children; Essex; On-site; GBP 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organization in Essex seeks a Nursery Apprentice to support children's development and gain hands-on experience while studying towards an Early Years qualification. Responsibilities include planning activities and engaging with families. This full-time position comes with excellent benefits and a commitment to career progression.

Benefits

33 Days leave per year

24/7 Confidential Helpline

Enhanced Well-being services

Childcare discount

Financial advice

Paid parental leave

Professional training opportunities

Pension with employer contribution

Qualifications

• Passion for working with children and a friendly demeanor.
• Ability to engage with children, staff, and parents.
• Desire to become a valued team member.

Responsibilities

• Support nursery practitioners in children’s development.
• Observe and track children’s development.
• Assist children during mealtimes and toilet training.
• Engage in coursework for the Early Years Educator apprenticeship.

Skills

Genuine interest in childcare

Patience

Communication skills

Education

Commitment to achieve Early Years qualification

Job description

Location: Witham Essex

Salary: £15,747.19 per annum

Contract / Hours: Fixed-term, Full Time, 40 hours per week (18 months to complete apprenticeship)

Closing date: Midnight on the 7th November 2025

Benefits:

• 33 Days leave per year
• 24/7 Confidential Helpline for emotional wellbeing or mental health support
• Enhanced Well-being: 8 sessions in‑person, phone or online counselling or CBT
• Staff discounts portal and Blue light card with 15,000 retailers
• Financial advice and direct salary access
• Childcare discount: 60% off nursery and out‑of‑school clubs
• Up to 3 Days dependency leave for emergencies
• Paid maternity, adoption and paternity leave
• Professional qualifications and excellent training opportunities
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution and life assurance cover
• Free parking

Why Spring Nurseries

Imagine a place where laughter echoes, imagination runs wild and every day is a new Spring Nursery! We’re not just a nursery but a family dedicated to creating a joyful and nurturing environment where children thrive. As part of Action for Children, we’re on a mission to provide outstanding early education that’s accessible to all.

At Spring we are committed to supporting your career growth! Our Spring Career Progression Map highlights the opportunities to progress into specialist roles.

About the Nursery

At Spring Harlequin, every day is an opportunity to spark imagination, laughter and discovery. As an apprentice, you will help children take their very first steps into a world of wonder. Nestled in Witham Essex, our 37‑place nursery cares for children from birth to 7 years, offering full‑day sessions and wrap‑around care with breakfast and after‑school fun. We provide a home‑from‑home environment where children are encouraged by caring practitioners to play, explore and grow at their own pace.

The Role of Nursery Apprentice

An apprentice in our nursery supports our passionate team. Working alongside experienced practitioners, leads and SENCo, you’ll gain hands‑on experience while studying toward your Early Years qualification. You’ll learn to create inspiring play opportunities, support children’s development and build positive relationships with families. Every day brings new chances to learn, grow and make a real difference in the lives of our youngest learners.

What you’ll be doing

• Support nursery practitioners in children’s development, planning and setting up activities for a range of children; develop successful relationships with children and their families.
• Observe and track children’s development and share updates with parents/carers and other professionals.
• Assist children during mealtimes and toilet training.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and six‑monthly parent/carer evenings.
• Engage in coursework and studies to complete the Early Years Educator apprenticeship.

What we need from you

• A genuine interest in childcare and a passion for children.
• Patience, a friendly manner and the ability to communicate with children, young people, colleagues and parents/carers.
• A commitment to study time to achieve your qualification.
• A desire to complete your apprenticeship and become a valued member of our team.

The Training

You will complete an Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship, which lasts 18 months. On successful completion you will be awarded:

• Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid OR Level 3 Award Emergency Paediatric First Aid
• An EYE qualification approved to count towards the EYFS level 3 child‑to‑staff ratios

Whether this is a career change or the next step in your journey, we’d love to hear from you.

We work together to reach our mission to give children a healthy start in life.

Good luck! We can’t wait to hear from you.

Contact

If you need support with your application please contact our Recruitment Team at reference 12113. We’ll be happy to give you any support you require.

Diversity Equality and Inclusion

At Spring we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and disabled candidates as they are under‑represented within the organisation. We are committed to equal opportunity for all groups.