Childcare Apprenticeship

Over the Rainbow; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare facility in Manchester seeks a dedicated individual for an apprenticeship role in childcare. The role involves providing quality education and support to children aged birth to 5 years, preparing activities, and ensuring their safety. Candidates must achieve a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and possess good communication skills. The apprenticeship offers £11,778 for the first year, with the potential for increases, and requires flexible shifts Monday to Friday. Start date is January 20, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum GCSEs: English and Maths, both grade 4 or above.
• Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification must be achieved.
• Level 3 Paediatric First Aid certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide a range of activities to promote learning through fun.
• Plan children's learning and development, ensuring safety and health.
• Maintain a supportive and inclusive environment for all children.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong organisational skills

Problem‑solving abilities

Logical thinking

Team working and collaboration

Creativity and initiative

Non‑judgemental attitude

Patience and resilience

Education

Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification

Level 3 Paediatric First Aid certification

GCSEs: English (grade 4 or above)

GCSEs: Maths (grade 4 or above)

Job description

At Over The Rainbow Day Care, we stand out from the crowd! We pride ourselves in valuing the diversity of the community we serve whilst embracing and meeting all of the requirements set out in the Early Years and Foundation Stage. We provide quality childcare, education and support to children and their families.

Responsibilities

• Providing an excellent range of activities that ensure children learn whilst having fun
• Supporting children's learning and development, including planning and observations
• Preparing and maintaining the environment and resources for the children
• Preparing food for breakfast, snack and afternoon tea
• Supporting children's self‑help needs
• Being creative and enthusiastic
• Following safeguarding rules and acting promptly if a child or colleague is at risk of abuse
• Undertaking First Aid training as required
• Undertaking training to meet any changes in standards or legal requirements
• Ensuring all health and hygiene requirements are always adhered to
• Applying legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children (e.g. food safety, allergies, COSHH)
• Applying the principles of risk assessment and risk management within documentation and practice
• Teaching children to develop skills to manage risk and maintain their own and others' safety
• Using a range of communication methods, including technology, with other professionals to meet individual child needs
• Developing and maintaining effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in the education and care of the child
• Undertaking the role and responsibilities of key person
• Recognising and applying theories of attachment to develop effective relationships with children
• Providing sensitive and respectful personal care for children from birth to 5 years
• Advocating for all children's needs, including those requiring SEND or EAL support
• Promoting and facilitating children's interpersonal communication to develop their social interactions and relationships
• Supporting children to develop a positive sense of identity and culture
• Supporting children to understand and respond to their emotions and make considered choices about their behaviours
• Assessing the responsiveness of the environment for effective child‑centred experiences in line with curriculum requirements
• Creating inclusive, child‑centred, dynamic, innovative, and evolving physical environments both indoors and outdoors
• Creating an inclusive and supportive emotional environment that enables children to feel safe, secure, respected and experience a sense of wellbeing, prioritising each child's voice
• Applying strategies that support children to manage change, transition and significant events
• Analysing observation evidence to assess and plan holistic individual learning based on a comprehensive understanding of the child's needs and interests
• Facilitating and supporting child‑centred opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Providing adult‑led opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Using reflection to develop personally and professionally

Training & Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification (to be achieved upon course completion)
• Level 3 Paediatric First Aid certification
• Remote training via Teams – weekly sessions for the first 8 weeks and thereafter as scheduled
• Training to meet any changes in standards or legal requirements as needed
• Required GCSEs: English (grade 4 or above) and Maths (grade 4 or above)

Skills & Experience

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Problem‑solving abilities
• Logical thinking
• Team working and collaboration
• Creativity and initiative
• Non‑judgemental attitude
• Patience and resilience

Salary & Hours

£11,778 for your first year, with potential increases based on age and performance.

Apprenticeship hours: 30 hours a week, Monday to Friday, shifts to be confirmed.

Start date: Tuesday 20 January 2026, Duration: 1 year 1 month. National Minimum Wage compliance continues throughout the apprenticeship.

Working Conditions

Apprentices are required to be flexible to meet business needs. Training is delivered remotely, with the tutor visiting the setting for support.

This apprenticeship is ideal for someone with prior knowledge and experience within a nursery or school setting, particularly those passionate about childcare and early years, looking to further their career.