Nursery Apprentice

Acorn Early Years Foundation; Brafield-on-the-Green; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

65% childcare discount

Enhanced pension scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Job summary

Acorn Day Nursery Brafield On The Green is offering an Early Years Apprentice position. You’ll earn while you learn by working towards a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, gaining hands-on experience in a nurturing, not-for-profit setting.

The role combines practical nursery duties with study, under a mentor, in a 36-hour week, open 7.30am–6pm. You’ll help with play-based learning, safeguarding, and creating a warm, safe environment for children aged 4 months to 4 years.

Qualifications

• Passion for working with children
• Interest in outdoor learning and creative play
• Eagerness to learn and develop in early years education
• Willingness to balance work and study commitments

Responsibilities

• Support children through play-based learning and activities
• Deliver a holistic early years curriculum
• Create a warm, safe and stimulating environment
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Assist with EYFS practices and safeguarding procedures
• Work with a mentor to achieve apprenticeship objectives

Skills

Outdoor learning

Play-based learning

Safeguarding

Communication

Education

Level 2/3 Early Years Educator qualification

Job description

Job Description

Early Years Apprentice

Acorn Nursery, Brafield
Level 2 or Level 3 Apprenticeship Opportunity

Full time - 36 hours per week

Are you looking to start your career in early years and gain a recognised qualification while working? We are looking for an Early Years Apprentice to join our team at Acorn @ Brafield.

This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, working towards your Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification while gaining hands‐on experience in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Acorn Early Years is a well-established not-for-profit childcare provider with over 35 years’ experience, delivering high-quality early years education across Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bedford.

Our nurseries are built on strong values, including nature-based learning, child-centred practice, and professional development, and we are proud to have been recognised as a ‘Top 20 Recommended Nursery Group 2025’ by Day Nurseries.

About Acorn Brafield

Established in 1997, this small and friendly nursery is situated in the village of Brafield-on-the-Green.It is in an idyllic setting, a quiet location on the edge of the village, next to the church.

We offer full and part‑time care for up to 44 children from the age of four months to four years, and are open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round.

One of the nursery’s most attractive features, and extremely popular with the children, is the wonderful outside space and gardens, fully enclosed and secure for the children to enjoy. The nursery gardens offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor play and learning, which is a key aspect of Acorn’s ethos. Pre‑school children have regular Forest School sessions in the nursery garden.

The building itself was formerly the village primary school and, whilst retaining the character of the original architecture, it has been sympathetically refurbished to provide a warm and homely environment. The rooms provide light and spacious play areas, with a child‑centred focus.

About the Role

As an Early Years Apprentice, you will:

• Work as part of the nursery team while completing your qualification
• Learn how to support children’s learning, development and play
• Help create a warm, safe and stimulating environment
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
• Gain experience in EYFS practice and safeguarding procedures
• Work closely with a mentor to achieve your apprenticeship objectives

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting children through play‑based learning and activities
• Being a positive role model for behaviour and engagement
• Learning how to deliver a holistic early years curriculum
• Supporting children’s progress and development
• Observing children and learning about planning in the moment
• Encouraging curiosity through creative, outdoor and messy play
• Developing strong communication skills with children and adults
• Learning and applying Acorn’s values, ethos and practices
• Ensuring children are safe and well cared for at all times

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about working with children
• Enjoys outdoor learning and creative play
• Is enthusiastic, reliable and eager to learn
• Can balance work and study commitments
• Has a positive, caring and proactive attitude
• Wants to develop a long‑term career in early years

(No prior qualification is required — full training will be provided as part of the apprenticeship.)

What We Offer

• A recognised Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification
• Hands‑on experience in a supportive nursery environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Enhanced pension contributions
• 65% childcare discount
• Four annual nursery closure days dedicated to staff training
• The opportunity to work for a not‑for‑profit organisation that puts children first

Equality, Diversity & Safer Recruitment

At Acorn, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Successful applicants must:

• Have the right to work in the UK
• Provide two satisfactory references
• Complete an Enhanced DBS check prior to starting

Benefits

As a thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making Acorn a safe, nurturing and fun place for our children to be, we offer:

• Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
• 65% Childcare discount Pro‑ratio according to contracted hours
• Generous family leave
• Christmas closure
• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays (and the option to buy more)
• 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Cyclescheme
• Techscheme
• Length of Service awards
• Summer and Christmas parties
• Pay advances for when times are tough
• Employee assistance wellbeing programme

Nursery Name

Acorn Day Nursery Brafield On The Green