Apprentice Nursery Practitioner - Ladybirds

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

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discounts

Pension plan

Maternity leave

Health & wellbeing support

High street discounts

Buddy bonus

Training & accreditation

Career progression

Birthday day off

Job summary

Ladybirds Day Nursery and Pre-school in Leeds is offering a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship. Earn while you learn, with training delivered by Realise and on-the-job support from qualified staff.

The role involves planning activities, observing progress, and helping to maintain safeguarding and children's wellbeing in line with EYFS. The apprenticeship starts in October 2026, with shifts Monday to Friday, about 30 hours per week, and a competitive salary plus generous benefits

Qualifications

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

Skills

Childcare experience

Teamwork

Punctuality

Patience

Education

GCSE Maths/English 3+

Job description

Leeds, LS26 9BJ

Ref: VAC-02331

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

Company: Ladybirds Day Nursery and Pre-school

Positions Available: 1

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 & 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.