Childcare Apprenticeship

Childbase Partnership Limited; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Childcare discount

Wellbeing support

Career development

Training opportunities

Job summary

Mulberry Day Nursery in Maidenhead is seeking an Early Years Apprentice. You will care for babies and young children, ensuring safety and development while following policies and collaborating with the nursery team.

The programme blends on‑site practice with theory, including regular Trainer/Assessor visits and group training, with a pathway to a permanent Qualified Nursery Practitioner role upon completion.

Qualifications

• A Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification (as determined by an online assessment).
• English and/or maths functional skills qualifications if not already held.
• Paediatric first aid qualification (valid for three years).
• Right to work in the UK with valid National Insurance Number and photographic ID.
• Access to a computer for online assessment and coursework.
• Residence in the UK for at least the last three years and commutable to the nursery.
• Comfortable travelling to Newport Pagnell academy (travel costs covered).
• Age 16+ (apprenticeship rules).
• Ready to undergo enhanced DBS checks.

Responsibilities

• You will care for babies and young children under five, ensuring their safety, well‑being and development.
• Planning and implementing high‑quality, engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum.
• Observing, assessing and recording children’s progress.
• Maintaining a positive, supportive environment for children, parents and colleagues.
• Following all policies and procedures and executing directions from management, your Trainer/Assessor and the wider nursery team.
• Managing your time effectively between on‑job duties and off‑job learning requirements.

Job description

Position Overview

Early Years Apprentice – Mulberry Day Nursery, Maidenhead, SL6 4ET. Contract: 37.5 hours/week, 52 weeks/year. Start window: 18August – 18September2026.

Working Hours and Pattern

Varied shifts Monday‑Friday from 07:30 to 18:30.

Compensation

£8.00 per hour to begin, rising to £10.41 after six months. If aged 21 or over, after 12 months the rate increases to £12.74 per hour.

Benefits

• 23 days paid leave per annum (pro‑rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Childcare discount: 75% on your fees at any Childbase nursery from day one (or 40% when using the grandparent discount).
• Exclusive partner benefits: long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
• Wellbeing 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 your apprenticeship courses, and a permanent role as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner upon successful completion.

Role & Responsibilities

You will care for babies and young children under five, ensuring their safety, well‑being and development. Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing high‑quality, engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum.
• Observing, assessing and recording children’s progress.
• Maintaining a positive, supportive environment for children, parents and colleagues.
• Following all policies and procedures and executing directions from management, your Trainer/Assessor and the wider nursery team.
• Managing your time effectively between on‑job duties and off‑job learning requirements.

Qualifications & Eligibility

• A Level2 or Level3 Early Years qualification (determined by an online initial assessment).
• English and/or maths functional skills qualifications, if not already held.
• Paediatric first aid qualification (valid for three years).
• Right to work in the UK with valid National Insurance Number and photographic ID (passport or driving licence).
• Access to a computer for online assessment and coursework.
• Residence in the UK for at least the last three years and commutable to the nursery.
• Comfortable travelling to and from group training sessions at the academy in Newport Pagnell (travel costs covered).
• Age 16+ (due to apprenticeship rules).
• Ready to undergo enhanced DBS checks.

Apprenticeship Details

Apprenticeship offers blended practice and theory: regular site visits from a Trainer/Assessor, group training sessions every 6–8weeks at the academy, and a pathway to a permanent Qualified Nursery Practitioner role upon completion.

EEO Statement

We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages (16+), genders, ethnicities, disabilities, religions, and backgrounds. We are committed to fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement (FREDIE) and will consider reasonable adjustments where required.