apprentice childcare assistant

Leeds City Council; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government children's services provider is seeking an Early Years Practitioner to support the educational development of children. This role involves providing high-quality care, implementing educational programs, and working collaboratively with families and colleagues. Ideal candidates will have GCSEs in English and Maths, along with Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualifications. Competitive apprenticeship opportunities are available within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Full-day and term-time care

Commitment to apprenticeship program

Qualifications

• Experience or qualifications in early childhood education desirable.
• Apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or training organisation.
• At least 20% of working hours spent on training or studying.

Responsibilities

• Support the team to provide high‑quality care and education for all children and families.
• Provide a broad and balanced Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum meeting national and local standards.
• Observe and monitor children's development, contributing to written reports and progress planning.
• Implement infection control practices for hygiene and safety.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Team working

Creativity

Initiative

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience

Education

GCSE in English (grade 4)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4)

Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard

Job description

An exciting opportunity to support the provision of a stimulating and effective Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which will enhance children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual development. To support the provision of high quality child care that meets the professional inspection standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the team to provide high‑quality care and education for all children and families.
• Provide a broad and balanced Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum meeting national and local standards.
• Follow Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and the Early Support Programme for children with SEN, implementing learning in the workplace.
• Observe and monitor children's development, contributing to written reports and progress planning.
• Report any injury or accident, ensuring health and safety of all individuals.
• Organise educational visits for children and families while observing Health and Safety policies.
• Support Leeds City Council and Departmental Policies, including Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety.
• Assist babies and young children through transitions (e.g. school move, house move, birth of a sibling).
• Recognise and respond to child protection risks (domestic, neglect, physical, emotional, sexual abuse) and follow procedures.
• Identify risks and hazards in the provision and during off‑site visits, reporting as required.
• Implement infection control practices for hand washing, food preparation, hygiene, spill handling, waste disposal and PPE usage.
• Use equipment, furniture and materials safely, following manufacturer instructions and provision requirements.
• Promote personal safety and hygiene (including oral hygiene) for children.
• Encourage healthy, balanced meals, snacks, drinks and physical activity, indoors and outdoors.
• Carry out respectful care routines (feeding, nappy changing, toileting, skin, teeth, hair, rest, sleep) appropriately for development stage.
• Communicate with all children, including those with additional language needs or special needs, using verbal and non‑verbal methods.
• Extend children’s development and learning through communication.
• Use a range of communication methods to share information with children, parents/caregivers and professionals.
• Plan and deliver educational programmes to support holistic development through play, creativity, social development and learning.
• Review activities, clear up after play and share outcomes reliably and confidentially.
• Support early language, marking, writing, reading and mathematical learning.
• Apply a graduated approach to assessment, planning, implementation and review of individual plans.
• Provide feedback and mentoring or supervision to support development, goals and career opportunities.
• Co‑operate with colleagues, professionals and agencies to meet babies and children’s needs and progress.
• Work with parents/caregivers, recognising their role and encouraging active participation in care and learning.

Qualifications & Skills

• Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard.
• Apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or training organisation.
• At least 20 % of working hours spent on training or studying.
• GCSE in English (grade 4) and GCSE in Maths (grade 4).
• Communication skills, attention to detail, organisational skills.
• Customer care skills, problem‑solving skills, team working, creativity, initiative, non‑judgemental attitude and patience.
• Experience or qualifications in early childhood education desirable.

Leeds City Council Children’s Services directorate runs 30 Little Owls Nurseries across Leeds, providing full‑day and term‑time care and employing over 600 staff. It is the largest childcare employer in Leeds and has a strong commitment to its apprenticeship programme.