Early Years Apprentice

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, LLC.; Southampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 40%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Paid Christmas closure

Pension

24/7 virtual GP

Early access to wages

Careers coach access

Professional development programme

Job summary

Bright Horizons Southampton is seeking an Early Years Apprentice to join our nursery team. You will work with babies and children up to age 5, engaging in play and learning activities while training for a formal Early Years qualification under expert guidance.

You will attend required training, develop your skills, and contribute to a supportive learning environment for children and families. A genuine passion for early years and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Commitment to completing your apprenticeship.
• English qualification GCSE C/Level 4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2.
• Previous experience with children beneficial but not essential – Nursery roles.
• Passion for making learning fun and engaging.
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with colleagues and parents.
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Look after babies and children up to age 5 as part of a team.
• Engage in interactive play, activities, reading to support learning.
• Attend required training and coursework for completion of your formal qualification.
• Reflect and proactively use new ideas and feedback to enhance development and learning.

Skills

Apprenticeship commitment

English qualification

Childcare experience beneficial

Engaging learning

Team communication

Teamwork

Job description

Early Years Apprentice – Nursery – Bright Horizons Southampton

Salary – £26,662.20 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience) Location – Bright Horizons Southampton

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: "I did that."

Join Our Team as an Early Years Apprentice! Are you passionate about working with young children and eager to start a rewarding career in childcare? We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic, and motivated Early Years Apprentice to join our friendly nursery team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience while working towards a recognised Early Years qualification, supported by experienced practitioners who will help you develop your skills and confidence.

Benefits

• £26,662.20 per annum
• Childcare discount of 40% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure.
• Ability to also purchase additional leave* (subject to T&Cs)
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach* (subject to T&Cs)

The Role

As an Early Years Apprentice, you will work as part of a team to look after babies and children up to the age of 5. You will have adventures with our children through interactive play, activities, reading, and encouraging their curious minds – creating learning opportunities that support the children’s learning. With the support of your assessor, you will attend all required training and coursework for completion of your formal qualification. You will reflect and proactively use new ideas and initiatives, including feedback, to enhance development and learning.

What we’re looking for

• Commitment to completing your apprenticeship
• English qualification GCSE Grade C / Level 4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2. If not already held, a willingness to complete alongside your apprenticeship.
• Previous experience working with children beneficial but not essential – Nursery Bank Staff, Nursery Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Nanny, Childminder or similar.
• Passion for making learning fun and engaging for each child.
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents.
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

Bright Horizons has been recognised as a Great Place to Work by our employees and the Great Place to Work Institute for the last 13 years.

By creating this account you acknowledge that Bright Horizons will collect, store and process any of your personal data provided in respect of your application and employment in accordance with our Employee Privacy Notice. https://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/statutory-information/privacy-notice-employees.