Apprentice - Early Years Support Worker ( Level 2)

Thurrock Council; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Thurrock is seeking an Early Years Support Worker Apprentice. This 15-month fixed-term role involves supervised work with children and achieving a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Early Years. The position offers competitive pay based on age, plus benefits like annual leave and training opportunities. Applicants must have the necessary teaching qualifications and enhanced DBS clearance.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Health and Well-being Programme

Free NUS Apprentice Extra discount card

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to additional training

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Level 2 Apprenticeship in Early Years (Level 2) required.
• Level 2 functional skills qualification in Maths and English if not already held.
• DBS Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervised work with children living in the local community.
• Work toward achieving a full Apprenticeship in Early Years Level 2.

Skills

DBS Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List

Functional skills in Maths and English

Education

Level 2 Apprenticeship in Early Years

Job description

Overview

Early Years Support Worker Apprentice (Level 2). Salary: National Minimum Wage for Age. 15-month Fixed-Term Contract. 37 Hours per Week (including one Saturday and some evening work).

Are you up for a challenge and interested in the future development of children and families in Thurrock? The Disabled Children Short Breaks and Outreach Service (SEND) support families and young people who live in Thurrock. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic person with a mature approach to join our team as an Early Years Support Worker. The role will include supervised work with children living in the local community; sessions will be daytime, evening and a Saturday session. You will be required to study towards and achieve a full Apprenticeship in Early Years Level 2.

Responsibilities

• Supervised work with children living in the local community. Sessions will be daytime, evening and a Saturday.
• Work toward achieving a full Apprenticeship in Early Years Level 2.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Level 2 Apprenticeship in Early Years (Level 2) required.
• Level 2 functional skills qualification in Maths and English if not already held (e.g., GCSE grade A to C or 4-9).
• As a Thurrock Council Apprentice you’ll have access to additional benefits listed below.
• DBS Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List is required for this role.

Pay, Hours and Benefits

• Ages Under 18 – £7.55 per hour.
• Ages 18 to 20 – £10.00 per hour.
• Ages 21 and over – £12.21 per hour.
• 25 days annual leave.
• Health and Well-being Programme.
• Free NUS Apprentice Extra discount card.
• Membership of the Apprentice Forum Group with monthly gatherings.
• Apprentice only personal development events throughout the year.
• Specially negotiated retailer discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme – free confidential advice to help with work-life balance.
• Access to additional training.
• Enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• We pay apprentices the national minimum wage for your age.

Application and Additional Information

Advert Closing Date: Redeployment Only: 30 October 2025; Internal & External: 16 November 2025. Interview Date: To Be Confirmed.

For an informal discussion or any queries about the post please contact Laura Hayden, Deputy Manager.

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document).

Application Requirements: As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

Gaps in Employment Form

Gaps in Employment Example

Applicants who hold a Visa must provide valid evidence of their right to work in the UK for this role. If you are applying under the Skilled Worker Visa route for supplementary employment, please ensure the role is eligible by reviewing the criteria outlined on the official government website: Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK.