Early Years Educator Apprentice - Orchard Barns

Millcraft Systems Inc.; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£500 completion bonus

£1000 loyalty bonus after 1 year

Free uniform

Lunch provided

Discounted childcare

28 days annual leave

Job summary

Millcraft Systems Inc. in Colchester is seeking a warm Nursery Apprentice to join Orchard Barns, Ardleigh, and begin a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.

You will work with a supportive team, contribute to children’s learning, and progress through on-the-job training and formal qualifications. DBS checks apply and benefits include training opportunities and career progression.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths/English or equivalent, or willingness to work towards functional skills alongside the apprenticeship.
• Some experience working with babies or children under five.
• Care & Compassion
• Patience & Calmness
• Positive Work Ethic
• Teamwork
• Honesty & Integrity

Responsibilities

• Acting as a key person for a group of children
• Supporting planning, observations, and assessments
• Ensuring the safeguarding, welfare, and wellbeing of all children at all times
• Creating a safe, stimulating, and engaging learning environment in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework
• Building strong, positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues

Skills

Communication

Observation

Creativity

Safety & Hygiene

Organisation

Education

GCSE Maths/English or equivalent

Functional Skills (maths/english) if required

Job description

Colchester, CO7 7PQ

Ref: VAC-02301

Salary: £22,464.00 per year

Sector: Early Years

Deadline: 30/10/2026

Start Date: 02/11/2026

Working Week: 40 hours a week Monday to Friday - shifts to be agreed at offer stage

Positions Available: 1

Vacancy Detail

Orchard Barns, Ardleigh is seeking a warm, enthusiastic Nursery Apprentice with a genuine passion for working with children and a desire to complete a Level 3 Early Years qualification.

About the Role

As a Nursery Apprentice, you will work as part of a friendly and supportive team, playing an active role in children’s learning and development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as a key person for a group of children
• Supporting planning, observations, and assessments
• Ensuring the safeguarding, welfare, and wellbeing of all children at all times
• Creating a safe, stimulating, and engaging learning environment in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework
• Building strong, positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues

What We Offer

In return for your commitment, we offer:

• £500 completion bonus and £1000 loyalty bonus after 1 year.
• Free uniform
• Lunch provided
• Discounted childcare
• 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Access to CPD and training via Noodle Now

Your Future with Us

• Supportive Team: You’ll join a welcoming team that values your contribution and supports your learning and development
• Build Your Network: Connect with early years professionals from day one
• High Employability: Most apprentices secure employment or continue further study after completing their training
• Career Progression: Many apprentices remain with us in permanent roles, progressing into higher-level positions

Qualifications required

• GCSE Maths/English or equivalent, or willingness to work towards the required level of functional skills alongside the apprenticeship.
• Some experience working with babies or children under the age of five
• Care & Compassion
• Patience & Calmness
• Positive Work Ethic
• Teamwork
• Honesty & Integrity

Skills required

• Communication: Verbally and in writing, with children, parents, and staff
• Observation: Noticing and recording children’s development and well‑being
• Creativity: Planning engaging and fun activities (arts, music, games)
• Safety & Hygiene: Understanding and implementing health & safety, food hygiene, and child protection procedures
• Organisation: Managing time, resources, and tasks effectively

Future Prospects

Permanent Role: Many apprentices are offered permanent positions within their company, transitioning from fixed-term contracts to regular employment.

Other Information

DBS and references required, DBS paid for by company

On-site parking, infrequent bus route

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.