Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice

Islington Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Islington Council is offering an Early Years Educator Apprenticeship in London. You will work with the team to deliver high quality early years curriculum, learn safeguarding, and support child development across ages 6 months to 4 years.

This paid apprenticeship provides dedicated study time, a buddy/mentor, and access to training while you gain a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification. Start date is September/October 2026, with added council network and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Age 16 or over.
• Islington resident or Islington care leaver or Islington school leaver within last 12 months.
• Pass course entry tests for Maths and English.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a high quality early years curriculum based on the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Be trained in safeguarding and understand child development.
• Gain experience with children aged 6 months to 4 years.
• Develop partnerships with parents to support learning and care.
• Work with colleagues and partners to provide the best start for children.

Job description

About The Role

Do you enjoy working with people, families and children and want to make a difference?

Would you like to be a part of a dedicated team with the opportunity to learn from a range of professionals?

If so then read on…

Our apprenticeships combine working in a great job, with training, development, and a competitive salary. You will be given dedicated time in your working week to focus on your studies. You will also have access to a network of colleagues from within the organisation and tutors to support your learning.

Westbourne is an Ofsted rated 'Good' setting located just off Liverpool road in Islington. Westbourne offers 3 separate learning rooms for babies, toddlers and nursery aged children.

Westbourne EYC is a Tiny TiPS (trauma informed) centre with a curriculum underpinned with 'The Loving Pedagogy'. We are also very proud to have been awarded the Gold Rosette for Pride in EDI based on our work as an Ally to the LGBTQIA+ community where we believe everyone has the right to be their true self.

We are looking for someone who has the desire and commitment to work as part of a committed team and the enthusiasm to provide exceptional Early Years care and education to our children.

In return we provide extensive and ongoing training and are keen to invest in the right person.

You will gain an understanding of the work of the team and will work in a supported learning environment whilst working towards a nationally recognised Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.

To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:

• Be aged 16 or above and
• Be an Islington resident or
• Islington care leaver or
• Islington school leaver in the last 12 months

You will also need to satisfy the following course entry requirements:

• Not already have a qualification at the similar level or above in this apprenticeship subject
• Not have extensive skills or experience in this apprenticeship subject.
• Pass the course entry tests for example in Maths and English

Apprenticeship Start Date: September/October 2026

The Job -

Working as a Early Years Educator Apprentice for the Council you will:

• Work with your colleagues to deliver high quality early years curriculum based around the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
• Be trained in safeguarding
• Understand and develop knowledge of child development
• Gain experience with children 6 months to 4 years
• Develop strong partnerships with parents to promote both the learning and caring environment for young children
• Understand and work with partners to provide the best start for children

Training and Development –

As part of your role you will:

• Complete a level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeshipqualification.
• Study Maths and English if you have not already achieved a GCSE or Level 2 equivalent.
• Participate in the Councils apprenticeship network and various development activities.
• Have access to a buddy/mentor.

After you have successfully completed your apprenticeship, you will have gained valuable workplace experience and attained your level 3 qualification. This will improve your chances of finding work within the Council, with other employers or help you move on to a higher-level apprenticeship.

For an informal discussion about apprenticeships at Islington council please contact, the Early Careers and Talent Team by emailing [email protected]

If you are an Islington resident who would like support with your application, please contact the iWork Team on 020 7527 3559 or email [email protected]

Contact Information

Wendy Dormer
Executive Head of Centre
[email protected]

Mel Skipp
Head of Centre
[email protected]

Please note that all interviews will be conducted using safer recruitment trained staff

Note to Recruitment Agencies

We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.

About You

Working for the team, service and our organisation

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note:

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to a enhanced DBS check with children barred list, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.