Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprentice

Best Practice Network; Leicester; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar Day Nursery in Leicester is inviting applicants for a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship. This role is ideal for someone with a Level 2 Early Years qualification or relevant nursery experience who is ready to advance while earning a formal qualification.

You will learn by doing, supporting children through play, assisting with planning under EYFS, and developing safeguarding practices. The apprenticeship offers tutor support, online and workplace learning, paid off‑the‑job

Qualifications

• Level 2 Early Years qualification or prior experience in an early years setting.
• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Genuine passion for supporting children's learning and development.
• Commitment to completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Support children's learning, development and wellbeing through play-based activities.
• Assist with planning and delivering engaging experiences based on the EYFS framework.
• Help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Support children with daily routines, including mealtimes, personal care and hygiene.
• Observe children's progress and contribute to learning journals and assessments.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Support indoor and outdoor learning opportunities.
• Promote safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies at all times.
• Develop your knowledge and skills through training and mentoring.

Skills

Caring approach

Communication skills

Reliable & professional

Team player

Organised & eager to learn

Patient & enthusiastic

Education

Level 2 Early Years qualification or equivalent experience

GCSE English & Maths (4/C or above)

Job description

Are you passionate about helping young children learn, develop and thrive? Caterpillar Day Nursery is looking for an enthusiastic and caring Level 3 Early Years Apprentice to join our dedicated team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who already holds a Level 2 Early Years qualification or has relevant experience working within an early years setting and is ready to take the next step in their career. You'll gain hands-on experience while working towards your Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.

What You'll Do

• Support children's learning, development and wellbeing through play-based activities.
• Assist with planning and delivering engaging experiences based on the EYFS framework.
• Help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Support children with daily routines, including mealtimes, personal care and hygiene.
• Observe children's progress and contribute to learning journals and assessments.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Support indoor and outdoor learning opportunities.
• Promote safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies at all times.
• Develop your knowledge and skills through training and mentoring.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Early Years qualification or previous experience working within an early years environment.
• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Genuine passion for supporting children's learning and development.
• Commitment to completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.

Personal Qualities

• Caring and nurturing approach.
• Strong communication skills.
• Reliable and professional.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Organised and willing to learn.
• Patient, enthusiastic and positive.

Training & Development

You will complete the Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship with Best Practice Network, benefiting from:

• Dedicated apprenticeship tutor support.
• Online and workplace-based learning.
• Regular progress reviews and coaching.
• Paid off-job training.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.

Hours

• Full-time opportunities (up to 40 hours per week)
• Part-time opportunities (20 hours per week)

Working patterns can be discussed with successful applicants.

Salary

Salary£16,640 per annum (full-time equivalent)

Future Prospects

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into a permanent qualified Early Years Educator role, with further development into senior practitioner and room leader positions.

Safeguarding Statement

Caterpillar Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.

Start your Early Years career with a supportive nursery that is committed to helping both children and staff reach their full potential.