Apprentice Nursery Practitioner - Bluebells

Millcraft Systems Inc.; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Genuine career progression

Accredited training

Pension scheme

60% childcare discounts

Birthday day off

Counselling and wellbeing support

Job summary

Partou in Preston is offering an Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship, enabling you to train while earning. You will learn under qualified staff, observe practitioners, and take on child-related responsibilities including recording activities and safeguarding, while contributing to a caring, safe environment.

You will work towards the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship, with mentoring, tailored training, and benefits as outlined by Partou.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths/English grade 3 or equivalent or willingness to work towards functional skills with the apprenticeship.
• Some experience with babies or children under five is desirable.
• Articulate and friendly; patient and punctual.

Responsibilities

• Plan and maintain children’s records.
• Develop understanding of safeguarding policies.
• Support health, safety, cleanliness and wellbeing of children.
• Deliver activities aligned with EYFS and observe experienced staff.

Skills

Passionate about educating and.support

Teamwork

Apprenticeship commitment

Education

GCSE Maths/English 3+ or equivalent

Willingness to pursue Level 2 apprenticeship

Job description

Preston, PR2 9PS

Ref: VAC-02395

Salary: £19,125.60 per year

Sector: Early Years

Deadline: 30/09/2026

Start Date: 05/10/2026

Working Week: From 30 hours a week Monday to Friday - shifts to be agreed at offer stage

Positions Available: 3

Vacancy Detail

At Partou, we’re more than just a team—we’re a close-knit community driven by a passion for childcare and a strong commitment to each child’s individual development.

Our apprenticeship programme offers a fantastic opportunity to train as an Early Years Practitioner while working towards a professional qualification, allowing you to earn while you learn in a supportive, engaging, and progressive environment.

Alongside observing experienced practitioners, apprentices take on meaningful responsibilities such as planning and maintaining children’s records, developing an understanding of safeguarding policies, and sharing responsibility for the health, safety, cleanliness, and overall wellbeing of the children.

You’ll be supported and mentored every step of the way by qualified staff, build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues, and help plan and deliver activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

We offer a competitive hourly wage starting from £12.26 (depending on age and experience), along with a wide range of exciting benefits including genuine career progression opportunities, access to accredited training, a comprehensive pension scheme with employer contributions, 60% childcare discounts across our settings in England, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, high street discounts, a buddy bonus scheme, a paid day off on your birthday, and 24/7 access to health and wellbeing support through a professional counselling helpline—and so much more.

Qualifications required

• GCSE Maths/English grade 3 or equivalent, or willingness to work towards the required level of functional skills alongside the apprenticeship.
• Some experience working with babies or children under the age of five - desirable
• Articulate and friendly
• Patient and punctual

Skills required

• Passionate about educating and supporting young children
• Able to fully commit to the apprenticeship programme
• Good at working in a team

Future Prospects

Level 2 Pathway apprentices at Partou usually become qualified Nursery Assistants within 12 months of starting. After this, many move onto the Level 3 Pathway.

Other Information

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Training to be Provided

Your full role and responsibilities will be set out by your employer. They will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to up-skill in your role, and your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day.

You will be working towards the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship standard, which includes:

• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
• Functional skills in Maths and English if required

This will be delivered by your dedicated training provider, Realise.