Apprentice - Early Years Support Worker (NVQ Level 2)

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

Job summary

A local government authority is looking for an Early Years Support Worker Apprentice to work with children in the community. This 15-month fixed-term contract offers training towards an NVQ Early Years Level 2. Candidates must commit to supervised sessions, which include daytime, evening, and Saturday hours. The role includes opportunities for skill development and benefits such as annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Health and Well-being Programme

Access to additional training

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Ability to support children in early years settings under supervision.
• Must hold a DBS Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List.

Responsibilities

• Support children in early years settings.
• Participate in sessions during daytime, evening, and Saturday.
• Complete required coursework for Level 2 NVQ Apprenticeship.

Skills

Commitment to achieving NVQ Early Years Level 2 Apprenticeship

Level 2 functional skills qualification in Maths and English

Job description

Overview

Early Years Support Worker Apprentice (NVQ 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 NVQ Early Years Level 2.

Responsibilities

• Support children in early years settings and in the local community under supervision.
• Participate in daytime, evening and Saturday sessions as part of the role.
• Contribute to the achievement of the Level 2 NVQ Apprenticeship by completing required coursework and training within normal working hours.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Commitment to achieving an NVQ Early Years Level 2 Apprenticeship.
• Level 2 functional skills qualification in Maths and English if not already held (e.g. GCSE grade A-C or 4-9).
• DBS Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List is required for this role.

Salary and Benefits

• Apprenticeship pay at national minimum wage for age: Under 18 - £7.55 per hour; 18-20 - £10.00 per hour; 21 and over - £12.21 per hour.
• 25 days annual leave; Health and Well-being Programme; Employee Assistance Programme; access to additional training; enrolment into Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Free NUS Apprentice Extra discount card; Apprentice Forum Group with monthly gatherings; apprentice-only personal development events.
• Time allocated during working hours for apprenticeship study (training, assignments, workbooks, online training).

Term, Hours and Location

15-month Fixed-Term Contract; 37 Hours per Week (including one Saturday and some evening work).

Application Process

Advert Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 22 September 2025; Internal & External: 5 October 2025; Interview Date: To Be Confirmed.

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

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

Gaps in Employment / Safer Recruitment

As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid (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 upload copies of those qualifications.

Gaps in Employment Form; Gaps in Employment Example.