Apprentice Nursery Practitioner - West Hove

Hopscotch Children's Nurseries; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded EY qualification

Paid time off between Christmas and NY

50% childcare discount

Flexible working hours

Career progression

Mentors and training

Wellbeing champions

Adventurous outings

Job summary

Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries invites applications for an Apprentice Nursery Practitioner. This role offers a hands-on apprenticeship with mentorship in early years education, at Portland Road, Hove. Hours are full-time or part-time with a competitive hourly rate.

You will gain a fully funded early years qualification, practical experience, and opportunities to progress from apprentice to qualified practitioner in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Passion for working with young children.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to completing Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating a warm, engaging learning environment for children.
• Support planning and delivering age-appropriate activities.
• Work alongside practitioners to learn best childcare practices.
• Help with daily routines including meals, play, and naps.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Support safety, hygiene and safeguarding at all times.

Skills

Childcare passion

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Level 2 Early Years

Level 3 Early Years

Job description

Join one of the UK’s top apprenticeship employers! Hopscotch is proud to be ranked 14th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026!

Are you passionate about working with children and eager to start a career in early years education? At Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries, we’re more than just a nursery - we’re a family of passionate educators, dreamers, and adventurers. We’re looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Apprentice Nursery Practitioner to join our team!

Position: Apprentice Nursery Practitioner

Location: Portland Road, Hove

Hours: Full-time or Part Time hours available

Salary: Between £10.90-£12 per hour

Holidays: 28 days (including Bank Holidays)

Why Choose Hopscotch for Your Apprenticeship?

At Hopscotch, we believe in nurturing not only the children in our care but also the future educators who will shape young minds. As an apprentice, you’ll learn from experienced mentors, gain hands-on experience, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification in early years education.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist in creating a warm, fun, and engaging learning environment for children.
• Support in planning and delivering age-appropriate activities that encourage development.
• Work alongside experienced practitioners to learn best practices in childcare.
• Help with daily routines, including mealtimes, playtime, and nap time.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Ensure high standards of safety, hygiene, and safeguarding at all times.

What You Bring to the Team:

• A passion for working with young children and a desire to build a career in early years education.
• A positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to completing your Level 2 or Level 3 early years qualification.
• No prior experience necessary - just a love for working with children!

What Makes Us Special:

At Hopscotch, we invest in our apprentices and give them the tools to succeed. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• A fully funded early years qualification
• Hands-on experience in a supportive environment
• Enjoy paid time off between Christmas and New Year
• 50% childcare discount
• Flexible working hours
• Career progression opportunities - grow from apprentice to qualified practitioner!
• Inspiring mentors and training from experienced educators
• Annual celebrations and recognition events
• Being part of a close-knit, welcoming team
• Wellbeing champions to support your personal development
• Adventurous outings and learning beyond the classroom

Ready to Start Your Career in Childcare?

If you’re excited to begin your journey in early years education, we’d love to hear from you.

At Hopscotch, we believe in developing future educators and supporting every member of our team. Join a workplace where learning, creativity, and passion are at the heart of everything we do.

Hopscotch is an equal-­opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.