Apprentice Nursery Practitioner - Smileys Day Nursery

Realise Training; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Genuine career progression

Accredited training

Employer pension contributions

60% childcare discounts across England

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

High street discounts

Buddy bonus scheme

Birthday off

Health & wellbeing helpline

Job summary

Realise Training is recruiting for an Apprentice Nursery Practitioner at Smileys Day Nursery in the Partou group. You will train to become an Early Years Practitioner while earning a professional qualification, gaining hands-on experience, observing staff, and building essential safeguarding and care skills.

The role emphasises planful activities within EYFS, with mentorship from qualified staff and real responsibilities in recording, health and safety, and daily care.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Observing experienced practitioners and supporting children’s learning and development.
• Planning and maintaining children’s records and contributing to safeguarding.
• Sharing responsibility for health, safety, cleanliness and wellbeing of the children.
• Delivering activities in line with EYFS and supporting mentors.

Job description

Apprentice Nursery Practitioner - Smileys Day Nursery

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.

Company: Realise Training Salary: £19,125.60 to £19,125.60 a year Hours: Full-time Location: Staffordshire, ST16 3SA Job type: Apprenticeship Posting date: 13 Oct 2026 Closing date: 30 Oct 2026

Working Week

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

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

Personal Qualities

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

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.

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.

Apprenticeship Duration

12 Months

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