Early Years Apprentice

SEYMOUR HOUSE LTD.; Witham; On-site; GBP 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early years education provider in the UK is seeking an Early Years Apprentice to support children's development and learning. You will work closely with experienced mentors and collaborate with colleagues to create a nurturing environment for children aged 0-5. The ideal candidate will be involved in organizing activities, assessing learning, and ensuring health and safety. This apprenticeship offers valuable training and career progression opportunities within the childcare sector, with a supportive team and competitive salary.

Benefits

£500 refer-a-friend bonus

Level 3 Early Years Educator training

Training costs covered by company

Qualifications

• Enhanced DBS check, regularly updated.
• High contact with children exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• Functional skills in maths (if required).

Responsibilities

• Work with children between the ages of 0-5 years, supporting play and nurturing development.
• Organise activities, assess and record children's learning and development.
• Collaborate with experienced educators and participate with fellow apprentices.

Skills

Communication

Team working

Creativity

Initiative

Patience

Education

Enhanced DBS check

Functional skills in maths (if required)

Job description

The role of the Early Years Apprentice is to help ensure all children receive outstanding quality care and education and support families to thrive. Meeting the children's individual needs, creating an enriched learning environment and working alongside the Nursery Leadership Team to implement and promote the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Responsibilities

• Work with children between the ages of 0-5 years, supporting play and nurturing development
• Organise activities, assess and record children's learning and development, and partner with colleagues and parents
• Collaborate with experienced educators, work with a dedicated mentor, and participate with fellow apprentices
• Plan and carry out physical care routines suitable to the child's age, stage, and needs
• Ensure the prevention and control of infection (hand washing, food preparation, hygiene, safe disposal of waste, PPE) and recognise safeguarding risks
• Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect health, safety and wellbeing (food safety, diets, allergies, COSHH, emergencies)
• Apply risk assessment and risk management principles in documentation and practice
• Teach children to develop risk‑management skills and maintain safety for themselves and others
• Use a range of communication methods, including technology, with other professionals to meet individual needs
• Develop and maintain effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in education and care
• Undertake the role and responsibilities of key person
• Apply attachment theory to develop effective relationships with children
• Provide sensitive and respectful personal care for children from birth to 5 years
• Advocate for all children's needs, including those requiring SEND or EAL support
• Promote and facilitate children's interpersonal communication for social interaction and relationships
• Support children in developing a positive sense of identity and culture
• Help children understand and respond to emotions and make considered choices about behaviour
• Assess environmental responsiveness for child‑centred experiences in line with curriculum requirements
• Create inclusive, dynamic, innovative physical environments indoors and outdoors
• Create inclusive, supportive emotional environment that enables children to feel safe, secure, respected and to experience wellbeing
• Apply strategies to support children's ability to manage change, transition and significant events
• Analyse observation evidence to assess and plan holistic individual learning based on needs and interests
• Facilitate and support child‑centred opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Provide adult‑led opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Use reflection to develop professionally and personally
• Complete a first‑aid course as per EYFS requirements (e.g., delivered by a Health & Safety Executive approved organisation)
• Develop functional maths skills if required
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check funded by Seymour House

Qualifications & Assessment

• Enhanced DBS check, regularly updated through the Disclosure and Barring Service
• High contact with children and exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• Functional skills in maths (if required)

Skills

• Communication
• Team working
• Creativity
• Initiative
• Patience

Career Path & Further Qualifications

• Specialisation in special educational needs, disability, speech and language, or management of a day nursery
• Progression to Level 5 Diploma in Leadership, Honours Degree in Early Years, Early Years Teacher (EYITT) or Primary Teacher (QTS)
• Post‑apprenticeship: Level 3 to Level 5, Honours Degree, QTS pathways

Additional Information

• Seymour House promotes equal opportunities and is committed to equality and diversity for all children and staff. Applicants are considered on merit only.
• A copy of the Company's Equal Opportunities Policy and Disclosure Information Policy is available on request.
• Applicants may be subject to online searches for due diligence.
• Founded in 1988, with over 30 years' experience in care, education and preparing children for school.
• Rewards: £22,000 a year, £500 refer‑a‑friend bonus.
• Hours Monday–Friday on a rota basis, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, 40 hours a week, start date 2 February 2026, duration 1 year 3 months.
• Training: Level 3 Early Years Educator, on‑ and off‑the‑job training, hourly fees covered by Seymour House.