Apprentice Nursery Practitioners

Fennies Day Nurseries; New Addington; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run childcare organization in New Addington is seeking enthusiastic Apprentice Nursery Practitioners to provide the best start for children under 5. You will engage meaningfully with children, support daily routines, and work towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. The role offers a competitive salary of £16,096.60 to £26,031.72, professional development opportunities, and a supportive community environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

5-day working week with 4-day options

Pension scheme with referral bonus

Regular community events

Professional development programmes

Loyalty rewards and increases in annual leave

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and engaging individual who loves working with children.
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally.
• Commitment to creating inclusive and safe environments for children.

Responsibilities

• Engage and interact meaningfully with children.
• Support daily routines and smooth operation of the room.
• Communicate effectively with parents, colleagues, and children.
• Use statutory and curriculum documents effectively.
• Provide sensitive and respectful personal care.

Skills

Attention to detail

Caring

Communication Skills

Creativity

Initiative

Non-judgemental attitude

Organisation skills

Patience

Team working

Education

Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid

Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English or equivalent GCSE

Job description

Welcome

Welcome to our nursery in Addiscombe Road, Croydon where a deep passion for education and the joy of learning takes centre stage. Our modern nursery is 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 procedures.
• Support the key person system, ensuring children's individual needs are met.
• Recognise when a child or a colleague is in danger or at risk of abuse and act to protect them in line with safeguarding policy.
• Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children (e.g. food safety, diets, allergies, COSHH).
• 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.
• Provide sensitive and respectful personal care for children from birth to 5 years.
• Advocate for all children's needs, including those requiring 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.
• Help children 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.
• Provide adult‑led opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy.
• Use reflection to develop professionally and personally.

Apprenticeship Pathway

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

• 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), or equivalent GCSE/Grade 4 in Maths and English

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

• Attention to detail
• Caring
• Communication Skills
• Creativity
• Initiative
• Non‑judgemental attitude
• Organisation skills
• Patience
• Team working

Benefits

• Competitive salary £16,096.60 – £26,031.72 (dependent on age and experience)
• 5‑day working week, 41.25 hours; 4‑day options available
• Start date 5 January 2026 with a duration of 1 year 2 months
• Pension scheme and £500 referral bonus
• Regular events such as an annual Christmas Party and a Summer BBQ, and a daily lunch at no extra cost
• Targeted talent‑mapping, professional development programmes and 1‑to‑1 coaching
• Loyalty rewards: yearly increases in annual leave and rewards based on length of service

Why Fennies?

Family‑at‑our‑core: We are a family‑run organisation focused on supporting our team as a community. We invest in people and the company, offering outstanding resources and growth opportunities, while driving positive change in the sector. We bring world‑leading expertise to create a child‑led approach that emphasizes confidence, curiosity, and empathy.

Ready to Join Us?

Fennies Croydon – Addiscombe Road Nursery is looking for enthusiastic Apprentice Nursery Practitioners to help provide the best start for children under 5. Join the Fennies Family today!