Childcare Apprenticeship

Childbase Partnership Limited; Winchester; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading childcare provider as an Early Years Apprentice in Winchester. This full-time role offers hands-on experience with children under 5, leading to a Level 3 qualification and a permanent contract. Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Starting salary of £7.57/hour, rising to £10.00/hour after 6 months.

75% discount for parents and 40% for grandparents at any Childbase nursery.

23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

Tax-free dividends and qualification bonuses.

Well-being support including mental health first aiders.

Qualifications

• Interest in child development and learning.
• Ability to be a positive role model to children.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain safe, supportive learning environments.
• Interact positively with nursery users and meet each child's needs.
• Manage time effectively to meet coursework deadlines.

Skills

Nurturing

Compassionate

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification

Level 2 functional skills in maths and English

Job description

Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.

At Childbase Partnership, we have been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Our mission is to give children the best possible start in life and instil a lifelong passion for learning. Across all 44 nurseries, Head Office, and our Training Academy of Excellence, our dedicated colleagues work together to create a lasting, positive impact in our communities.

We are determined to be excellent and strive for the best outcomes for children and colleagues alike.

What makes us special?

• We are 100% employee-owned—all partners with a meaningful voice and a stake in our future (including sharing profits tax-free).
• ‘Number 1’—we top the Nursery World league tables for Ofsted outcomes, thanks to our extraordinary colleagues.
• Record-breaking Green Flag achievements and climate-positive status—we reduce more CO2 than we produce.
• Planting over 2,000 trees in the Eden Restoration project—because the planet needs a hug too.
• Over £3.5 million raised for charity—we’re fundraising superheroes (without capes).

At Childbase Partnership, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute to our collective benefit. Our core values foster happiness, confidence, and growth, with a ‘careers not jobs’ approach, shaping the future of our company together.

Own your future and join us as an Early Years Apprentice at our West Downs Day Nursery in Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5HT.

We are seeking a special person to join us. Someone who:

• Is naturally nurturing, caring, and compassionate.
• Has an interest in child development and learning.
• Can be a positive role model to children.
• Enjoys working within a team environment.

Your apprenticeship begins in July 2025 and will teach you to provide outstanding care and education to young children. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Working as part of a team to create and maintain safe, supportive learning environments, planning and implementing activities to support children’s development, and completing observations linked to the early years curriculum.
• Interacting positively with nursery users and working with colleagues and parents to meet each child's needs.
• Following nursery routines and policies, seeking guidance from your leadership team when needed.
• Managing your time effectively to meet coursework deadlines set by your Trainer/Assessor.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you will gain:

• Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. An initial online assessment will determine if you need to complete maths and English at level 4 or above.
• Level 2 functional skills in maths and English if you do not already hold equivalent qualifications.
• A permanent contract, subject to qualification achievement, with the opportunity to be appointed as a qualified Nursery Practitioner.

Our apprenticeship offers:

• A full-time role (37.5 hours/week) working with children under 5, gaining practical childcare experience.
• A varied shift pattern, usually between 07:30 and 18:30, Monday to Friday, year-round.
• ‘Off the job’ learning time to support your studies.
• A Trainer/Assessor from our in-house Training Academy who will visit regularly.
• Group training sessions (every 6-8 weeks) at our Head Office and Training Academy in Newport Pagnell (MK16 8NJ).

When you join us, you will enjoy benefits including:

• Competitive salary: Starting at £7.57/hour, rising to £10.00/hour after 6 months, and £12.24/hour after 12 months if aged 21+.
• Discounts: 75% for parents and 40% for grandparents at any Childbase nursery from day 1.
• Generous leave: 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Exclusive rewards: Tax-free dividends, qualification bonuses, retail discounts, family days out, and cycle schemes.
• Well-being support: Mental health first aiders, free meals, subsidised medical care, flu jabs, eye care vouchers, occupational health, and free will-writing services.

Please note, some benefits and rewards are subject to terms and conditions.

To apply, you must:

• Provide evidence of right to work in the UK.
• Have photographic ID (passport or driving licence).
• Provide proof of your National Insurance number.
• Have access to a computer for assessments and coursework.
• Have resided in the UK for at least 3 years.
• Be willing to travel to training sessions in Newport Pagnell; transport costs will be reimbursed.

We will need references and an enhanced DBS check before employment starts. Evidence of qualifications and right to work will also be required. Our dedicated apprenticeships recruiter will support you throughout the onboarding process.

Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

• Location: Winchester, within a 50-mile radius