Childcare Apprenticeship

Childbase Partnership Limited; Chobham; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 23 days

Childcare discount

Exclusive partner benefits

Well-being support

Career development

Job summary

Childbase Partnership Limited is recruiting an Early Years Apprentice at Pennypot Day Nursery in Chobham. This apprenticeship blends on‑site nursery practice with trainer support and group training at the Newport Pagnell Academy, starting Aug 18–Sep 18, 2026.

You will gain hands‑on experience while studying for a qualification in early years. Role entails a 37.5‑hour week, 52 weeks per year, with varied shifts 07:30–18:30; eligible applicants must have right to work in the UK and commit to

Qualifications

• Real passion for building a career in early years with children.
• Interest in child development and enthusiasm for practical learning, planning, implementing and reflecting on activity.
• Nurturing, empathetic approach prioritising child safety and well‑being.
• Strong time‑management to balance work and apprenticeship studies.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Care for babies and young children under five, ensuring safety, well‑being, and individual needs are met.
• Plan, implement and assess high‑quality, engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum, supporting learning through play.
• Observe and record children’s progress, assessing development and informing practice.
• Maintain and follow all nursery policies, procedures and safety protocols, taking direction from management, trainer and assessor.
• Use off‑the‑job learning time effectively to study, complete written work and meet coursework deadlines.
• Collaborate with colleagues, communicating effectively with children, parents and staff, building positive relationships.

Skills

Passion for early years

Child development interest

Nurturing approach

Time management

Excellent communication

Education

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner or Educator

English and maths functional skills

Job description

Position

Early Years Apprentice – Childbase Partnership

Location & Contract

Location: Pennypot Day Nursery, Chobham, GU24 8DH.

Contract: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Working pattern: varied shifts Monday to Friday between 07:30 and 18:30. Start date window: August 18 – September 18, 2026.

Compensation

Pay starts at £8.00 per hour and rises to £10.41 per hour after six months. For those aged 21 or over, after 12 months there is a further rise to £12.74 per hour.

Key Responsibilities

• Care for babies and young children under five, ensuring safety, well‑being, and individual needs are met.
• Plan, implement and assess high‑quality, engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum, supporting learning through play.
• Observe and record children’s progress, assessing development and informing practice.
• Maintain and follow all nursery policies, procedures and safety protocols, taking direction from management, trainer and assessor.
• Use off‑the‑job learning time effectively to study, complete written work and meet coursework deadlines.
• Collaborate with colleagues, communicating effectively with children, parents and staff, building positive relationships.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Real passion for building a career in early years with children.
• Interest in child development and enthusiasm for practical learning, planning, implementing and reflecting on activity.
• Nurturing, empathetic approach prioritising child safety and well‑being.
• Strong time‑management to balance work and apprenticeship studies.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.

Apprenticeship Details

• Blend of practical experience at the nursery with regular visits from a trainer/assessor and group training sessions (approximately every 6‑8 weeks) at the Academy in Newport Pagnell.
• Level 2 or Level3 Early Years Practitioner or Educator qualification, with placement selection based on online initial assessment.
• Required English and maths functional skills qualifications, or will undertake them as part of the apprenticeship.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification (valid for three years), delivered at the academy.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro‑rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on fees at any Childbase nursery from day one.
• Exclusive partner benefits: long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
• Well‑being support: free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye‑care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
• Career development: team inset days, access to online training in addition to the apprenticeship course and a permanent role as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner upon successful completion.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Right to work in the UK and a National Insurance number.
• Valid photographic ID (passport or driving licence).
• Computer access for online assessment and coursework.
• UK residency of at least the last three years.
• Commute to nursery; travel costs to training in Newport Pagnell covered.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Childbase Partnership is an inclusive employer welcoming applicants of all ages (16+), backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement, and will consider reasonable adjustments where required.

Application Process

Applicants must be within a commutable distance of the nursery, comply with the eligibility criteria and hold suitable right to work. Visa sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS, are required. The vacancy may be closed early at the employer’s discretion.