Early Years Educator Apprentice Little Steps

Realise Training; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday day off

Additional leave

Christmas break off incl Christmas eve

Discounted or free food

Company events

Job summary

Realise Training is seeking an Early Years Educator Apprentice for Little Steps Nursery School in Dunstable. You will support daily activities, help create a nurturing environment for babies, and work with lead educators to promote child development.

Apprenticeship training will be provided alongside on-site duties. The role runs Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, with a structured on-the-job training plan through Realise.

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualification in early years (preferred).
• Maths & English GCSE or functional skills; support offered if not present.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and engage with children during playtime, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
• Communicate effectively with children to promote social skills and emotional development.
• Communicate with parents daily and at parents evenings about child development.
• Support children in daily routines, including meals, naps, and personal hygiene.
• Maintain a clean and organised nursery environment and ensure equipment is safe.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create a positive atmosphere that fosters learning.
• Manage behaviour according to nursery policies and promote positive interactions.
• Drive initiatives that enhance learning experiences through creative play.
• Write observations to build each child's learning journey and plan next steps.

Skills

Team player

Support learning activities

Education

Level 2 Early Years qualification

Maths & English GCSE or Functional Skills

Job description

Early Years Educator Apprentice Little Steps

Company: Realise Training Salary: £10.85 to £10.85 an hour Hours: Full-time Location: Dunstable, LU5 4HR Job type: Apprenticeship Posting date: 2 Nov 2026 Closing date: 29 Nov 2026

The position is in our Little Steps Nursery School. This role involves supporting the daily activities within the nursery, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all children, working mostly in the baby room. The Nursery Practitioner will work closely with the lead educators to promote the development and well-being of each child in our care. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with young children and babies.

We will support candidates to undertake an apprenticeship in Childcare alongside working with us in the setting.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and engage with children during playtime, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Communicate effectively with children, encouraging their social skills and emotional development.
• Communicating with parents daily and at parents evenings, sharing information regarding their child's development.
• Support children in their daily routines, including meals, naps, and personal hygiene.
• Maintain a clean and organised nursery environment, ensuring all equipment is safe and suitable for use.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create a positive atmosphere that fosters learning and growth.
• Manage behaviour in accordance with nursery policies, promoting positive interactions among children.
• Drive initiatives that enhance children's learning experiences through creative play.
• Writing observations on their key children to create a child's learning journey and support them with their next steps.

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• Additional leave
• Christmas break off inc Christmas eve
• Discounted or free food
• Company events

Working Week

Monday - Friday shifts between 8-6pm

Qualifications Required

• Level 2 qualification in early years preferable
• Maths & English GCSE or functional skills but will support if you do not have these.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about working in early years and keen to progress and develop
• Caring
• Reliable

Skills Required

• Team player
• Able to support fun leaning activities

Training to be Provided

Your full role and responsibilities will be set out by your employer. They will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to up-skill in your role, and your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day.

You will be working towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which includes:

• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
• Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid
• Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)

This will be delivered by your dedicated training provider, Realise.

Future Prospects

Career opportunity within the nursery and group to develop.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Apprenticeship Duration 14 Months