Childcare Apprentice-Level 2

Tops Day Nurseries; Poole; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 12,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Scheme

Childcare Discount

Flexible Working Options

Certified World’s Happiest Workplace 2

30 Days Paid Holiday

Free Meals

Employee Recognition

Reward Platform (Each Person)

Health & Wellbeing Support

Career Development

Travel & Parking Support

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries in Poole, Dorset, is seeking a Childcare Apprentice to gain hands-on experience while working towards a Level 2 qualification in early years education.

This 30 hours per week, part-time temporary role offers on-the-job training with an assessor, practical experience, and tasks completed on site, with progression opportunities through Level 2 to leadership roles.

Qualifications

• You will be working towards a Level 2 qualification in early years education.
• You must be aged 17 or over to undertake the role.
• No prior childcare experience is required to start this work‑based apprenticeship.
• This is 100% work based with no attendance at college.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Education

Level 2 Early Years qualification

Job description

Location: Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset
Job type: Part Time Temporary
Salary: £8.01 Hour
Contracted Hours: 30 hours per week

About The Role

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.

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!

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• 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.

About The Nursery

Tops Parkstone is a 56-place day nursery and preschool on Herbert Avenue, Poole, offering Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. We provide flexible childcare that supports family routines while giving children the very best start in life. With a large garden split into age‑appropriate areas and access to Bourne Valley Nature Reserve, children enjoy regular outdoor learning and Forest School experiences. Enrichment includes cooking school, yoga, Boogie Mites, football fun, and more, creating a rich, play‑based environment.

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.

Exciting? We think so! Your journey starts here, so take the first step to become part of Tops Team.

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.