Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

NEXT Retail Ltd.; Whitwick; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent retailer in the UK offers an apprenticeship as an Early Years Educator. You'll assist in planning educational activities and promote learning through play in a safe environment. The role provides hands-on experience and career progression opportunities with training towards a Level 3 qualification. Ideal for candidates who enjoy working with children and are committed to their development.

Benefits

Discounted travel

Exclusive discounts at retailers

Personalised support and training

Qualifications

• Assist with planning and delivering engaging educational activities.
• Promote learning through play and observe children's progress.
• Maintain a safe and stimulating environment.

Responsibilities

• Implement educational activities according to EYFS framework.
• Establish and maintain consistent routines for children's comfort.
• Support children during daily routines and facilitate their social skills.

Skills

Engaging with children

Safety adherence

Collaborative teamwork

Effective communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years Educator (apprenticeship)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate activities
• Promote learning through play in line with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework
• Create a safe and stimulating environment
• Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming learning spaces
• Follow safeguarding and health & safety procedures at all times
• Observe and monitor children's progress
• Record observations and contribute to assessments and development plans
• Share relevant information with senior staff and parents as needed
• Promote positive behaviour and social skills
• Encourage kindness, sharing, and respectful behaviour
• Use positive reinforcement and model appropriate conduct
• Assist with daily routines
• Support children during mealtimes, toileting, dressing, and nap times
• Help establish consistent routines for comfort and stability
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and parents
• Communicate effectively with team members, children, and families
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and follow data protection policies
• Follow nursery/setting policies and procedures
• Adhere to guidelines for safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and diversity
• Support in ensuring the setting meets regulatory and quality standards
• Recognise when a child or a colleague is in danger or at risk of abuse and act to protect them in line with safeguarding policy and procedure
• Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the setting (for example, food safety, diets, starting solid food, allergies, COSHH, and accidents, injuries, and emergencies)
• Apply the principles of risk assessment and risk management within documentation and practice
• Teach children to develop skills to manage risk and maintain their own and others safety
• Use a range of communication methods, including technology, with other professionals to meet the individual needs of the child
• Develop and maintain effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in the education and care of the child
• Undertake the role and responsibilities of key person
• Recognise and apply theories of attachment 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 children which require SEND or EAL support
• Promote and facilitate children's interpersonal communication to develop their social interactions and relationships
• Support children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture
• Support children to understand and respond to their emotions and make considered choices about their behaviours
• Assess the responsiveness of the environment for effective child-centred experiences in line with curriculum requirements
• Create inclusive, child-centred, dynamic, innovative, and evolving physical environments both indoors and outdoors
• Create inclusive and supportive emotional environment that enables the child to feel safe, secure, respected and experience a sense of wellbeing; maintaining and prioritising the individual child's voice
• Apply strategies that support children's ability to manage change, transition, and significant events
• Analyse observation evidence to assess and plan holistic individual learning based on a comprehensive understanding of the child's needs and interests
• Facilitate and support child-centred opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Provide adult led opportunities and experience based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy
• Use reflection to develop themselves both professionally and personally

Training and Apprenticeship Details

• As an apprentice, you’ll receive regular training alongside your job to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role. At least 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to off-the-job training, which includes study time, workshops, and learning activities. You’ll be working to complete the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which will include any required Functional Skills in English and maths.
• Training is delivered either online or in person at our training centre in Hackney, offering flexibility to suit your needs. You’ll be supported by experienced tutors and assessors throughout your apprenticeship, ensuring you stay on track and successfully complete your qualification.
• Senior Practitioner or Room Leader - overseeing a team within a room, leading planning and observation, and supporting less experienced colleagues
• Deputy Nursery Manager - supporting the nursery manager in daily operations, compliance, safeguarding, and staff development
• Nursery Manager - leading the entire nursery setting, ensuring high standards of care and education, team performance, and regulatory compliance

Advanced Qualifications and Progression

• Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner: Ideal for those who want to specialise in areas such as SEND, safeguarding, or early language development. This course enhances practice and supports progression into leadership
• Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner: Designed for experienced practitioners ready to take on leadership roles within their settings. It focuses on leading day-to-day practice, mentoring staff, and contributing to strategy and curriculum development
• Both qualifications can be delivered flexibly, either online or in-person, and include dedicated support from our experienced tutors and safeguarding officers
• Further progression can include: Moving into school-based roles such as Teaching Assistant or SEND Support; Becoming a Trainer, Assessor, or Mentor for apprentices; Pursuing a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies, leading towards Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

About NextStep Training

NextStep Training Ltd is an apprenticeship and skills training provider, funded by the Department for Education, delivering apprenticeships in London and across England. We have been in operation since 2012 and have built an established reputation as a reliable and employer-led training provider. We work with employers and learners to design and deliver training programmes that meet both learners and employers’ needs. Our goal is to empower individuals to reach their full potential and to help businesses develop capable staff.

Benefits and Miscellaneous

• Being an apprentice means earning while you learn, gaining hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications
• You’ll receive expert training, personalised support, and a clear pathway to career progression
• Discounted travel, exclusive discounts at over 350 retailers, and reduced council tax

Contract Details

Wage: £13,741 for your first year, then may increase depending on age and National Minimum Wage rates for apprentices. Pay will increase after the first 12 months of the apprenticeship. Training course: Early years educator (level 3). Hours: Monday to Friday, varied shifts between 6:30am – 6:00pm. No weekends. 35 hours a week. Start date: Wednesday 29 October 2025. Duration: 1 year 6 months.