Apprentice Nursery Practitioners

Fennies Day Nurseries; Eltham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Eltham is seeking passionate individuals for an Early Years Educator role. You will engage with children to foster their development, maintain safety, and create a nurturing environment. Ideal candidates will work towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills. Competitive salary, benefits, and professional growth opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive pension scheme

Annual salary review

£500 referral bonus

Daily lunch at no cost

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Working towards level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard.
• Knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to Early Years education.

Responsibilities

• Engage meaningfully with children to build nurturing relationships.
• Ensure health, safety, and well-being of children.
• Apply safeguarding policies to protect children from harm.
• Develop inclusive and dynamic learning environments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Caring

Communication Skills

Creative

Initiative

Non-judgemental

Organisation skills

Patience

Team working

Education

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid

Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid

GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English (grade 3)

Job description

Overview

Welcome to our nursery in Westmount Road, Eltham where a deep passion for education and the joy of learning takes centre stage. Our stunning, modern nursery has been thoughtfully designed with Early Years in mind, ensuring each child's unique needs are nurtured as they grow from little explorers to budding inventors!

Responsibilities

• Engage and interact meaningfully with every child, creating warm and nurturing relationships
• Support daily routines and ensure the smooth operation of the room
• Communicate effectively with parents, colleagues, and children, maintaining professionalism and respect
• Use statutory and curriculum documents effectively, including safeguarding
• Support the key person system, ensuring children's individual needs are met
• Ensure the health, safety, and well‑being of both children and employees, recognising when a child or a colleague is in danger or at risk of abuse and acting to protect them in line with safeguarding policy and procedure
• Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the setting (for example, food safety, diets, starting solid food, allergies, COSHH, and accidents, injuries, and emergencies)
• Apply the principles of risk assessment and risk management within documentation and practice
• Teach children to develop skills to manage risk and maintain their own and others safety
• Use a range of communication methods, including technology, with other professionals to meet the individual needs of the child
• Develop and maintain effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in the education and care of the child
• Undertake the role and responsibilities of key person
• Recognise and apply theories of attachment to develop effective relationships with children
• Provide sensitive and respectful personal care for children from birth to 5 years
• Advocate for all children's needs, including children who require SEND or EAL support
• Promote and facilitate children's interpersonal communication to develop their social interactions and relationships
• Support children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture
• Support children to understand and respond to their emotions and make considered choices about their behaviours
• Assess the responsiveness of the environment for effective child‑centred experiences in line with curriculum requirements
• Create inclusive, child‑centred, dynamic, innovative, and evolving physical environments both indoors and outdoors
• Create inclusive and supportive emotional environment that enables the child to feel safe, secure, respected and experience a sense of wellbeing; maintaining and prioritising the individual child's voice
• Apply strategies that support children's ability to manage change, transition, and significant events
• Analyse observation evidence to assess and plan holistic individual learning based on a comprehensive understanding of the child's needs and interests
• Facilitate and support child‑centred opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Provide adult‑led opportunities and experience based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Use reflection to develop themselves both professionally and personally

Qualifications

You will be working towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which includes:

• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
• Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid
• Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required), GCSE or equivalent in:
• Maths and English (grade Grade 3); share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
• Attention to detail
• Caring
• Communication Skills
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non‑judgemental
• Organisation skills
• Patience
• Team working

Benefits and Culture

At Fennies, childcare is a journey where every child leads us in a unique new direction. Our approach emphasises empathy, education, and a child‑led philosophy that builds confidence and curiosity.

• Family at Our Core: We are a family‑founded and run organisation focused on supporting the team to 'Come Together' as a community where you're more than just a number.
• Investing To Be The Best: We commit to investing in our people and the company, offering outstanding resources, growth opportunities, and driving positive change in the sector.
• Support Function: Our support team covers education, HR, marketing, finance, keeping things running smoothly so onsite staff can focus on providing quality childcare and Early Years education.
• Environments: A harmonious work environment encourages team members to 'Be Yourself', helping you grow into the best version of yourself while delivering industry‑leading, Early Years education.
• Financial Rewards: Salaries that match or exceed industry standards, reviewed annually, plus a comprehensive pension scheme and a £500 referral bonus.
• Incredible Incentives: Enjoy regular events such as the annual Christmas Party and a Summer BBQ, along with a daily lunch at no additional cost.
• Career Growth Opportunities: Targeted talent mapping, professional development programmes, and 1‑to‑1 coaching to help you 'Go Further' in your role.
• Loyalty Rewards: Yearly increases in annual leave based on time at Fennies, along with rewards based on length of service, embodying the 'Be All In' spirit.

Ready to Join Us?