Childcare Apprentice-Level 2

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd.; Exeter; On-site; GBP 9,100 - 13,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Childcare discount

Flexible hours

Award nights

Holiday allowance

Free meals

Blue Light Card

Reward platform

Wellbeing support

Career development

Travel support

Job summary

Tops Exeter Nursery is offering a part-time Childcare Apprentice position at 8.01£ per hour, with 30 hours weekly. This Level 2 apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in a nursery setting and leads to a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification.

You will learn through on-site tasks and assessment support, with potential progression within the nursery network.

Qualifications

• You are passionate and enthusiastic about beginning a career in childcare.
• No prior experience required; role is 100% work-based and does not require college attendance.
• Must be aged 17 or over and able to communicate effectively with staff and children.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe environment for children.
• Assist with daily, weekly and monthly checks around the nursery.
• Assist in keeping the unit clean, tidy and helping with meal preparation.
• Support relationships with local schools and community activities.
• Accompany children on trips and assist with school pickups.
• Support children’s behaviour and act as a positive role model.
• Help ensure an engaging and inclusive environment with accessible resources.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification

Job description

Childcare Apprentice-Level 2

Location: Exeter, Devon, United KingdomDevon

Job type: Part TimeTemporary

Salary: £8.01 Hour
Contracted Hours: 30 hours per week

“Staff well-being is valued and nurtured. The provider offers staff opportunities to celebrate their achievements and contributions. These include staff nominations on the 'Each Person Scheme' and special award nights to recognise both individual and nursery achievements.”- OFSTED recent feedback

About the Role

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we value your hard work and dedication. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Annual Bonus Scheme: Share in our success with annual profit-based bonuses each May, as part of our Employee-Owned Company model.

Childcare Discount: Up to 60% off childcare at our nurseries to help you balance work and family life.

Flexible Working Options: Compressed hours can earn you up to 48 extra days off annually, or 24 extra days if you work nine days across two weeks — on top of your regular holiday.

Certified World’s Happiest Workplace 2025: Recognised for our focus on employee well-being, positive culture, and career growth.

30 Days Paid Holiday: Includes 28 days annual leave plus 2 extra days — one for your birthday (or a special day of your choice), and one for your wellbeing.

Free Meals: Enjoy free, freshly prepared breakfasts daily to keep you energised.

Employee Recognition: Blue Light Card access for savings on shopping, dining, and more.

Reward Platform (Each Person): Discounts on gyms, cinemas, Cycle2Work, GP on-demand, supermarket cashback, and employee of the month rewards.

Health & Wellbeing Support: Help with NHS prescriptions, optical care, and dental treatment.

Career Development: Access to training and advancement opportunities to grow your career.

Travel & Parking Support: Interest‑free loan of up to £500 for travel or parking season tickets.

Are you passionate about working with young children and eager to begin a rewarding childcare career? Join us as a Childcare Apprentice, gaining hands‑on experience while working towards a Level 2 qualification in early years education.

This qualification covers knowledge of children from birth to 7 years, focusing on ages 0-5, and meets the Department for Education's Level 2 criteria. You'll gain practical experience, be assessed on‑site, and complete written tasks, with support from your assessor via an online platform.

Upon completion, you will qualify as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner.

We are proud to be ranked 9th in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK in 2024! We offer fantastic opportunities to develop in a Nursery Career from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships all the way through to Nursery Manager or even to become an Early Years Teacher!

About the Nursery

Tops Exeter Nursery is a 104-place day nursery and preschool located within the University of Exeter, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. Our passionate team creates a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow with confidence. Children benefit from enriching activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, and Boogie Mites, designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. As part of our eco-sustainable approach, we also encourage children to develop respect for the environment through hands‑on, meaningful experiences.

What does the role involve?

• Assist in providing a safe environment for children
• Assisting with daily, weekly and monthly checks around the nursery
• Assist in ensuring the unit is clean and tidy and assist in meal preparation
• Assist colleagues with developing and maintaining good relationships with local schools, charities and involvement with the community (e.g. parades, visiting care homes)
• Taking children on trips out and assist on picking up from school
• Able to support children’s behaviour and act as a role model
• Support in ensuring the environment is stimulating and appropriate including layout, display of resources, displays and equal opportunities

What are we looking for?

• We are looking for someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about beginning their career in child care.
• You do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification but must be aged 17 or over. This is 100% work based course and there is no need for you to attend college.
• You will need to take this role seriously, and be able to demonstrate a good work ethic and be able to communicate effectively with the people around you, making sure that you treat both other staff and children with respect and care at all times.

Why Tops Day Nurseries?

We are a leading early education and childcare provider in South England, established in 1990. We promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility by educating today’s children to influence future generations. We value respect, open communication, and teamwork, fostering a positive, purpose-driven work environment.

As an Employee-Owned Company, our colleagues are co-owners, benefiting from the company’s growth through annual profit-sharing bonuses.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks.This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Childrens’ Barred List.