Nursery Apprentice

Fennies Day Nurseries Ltd; Croydon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free daily meals

20 days leave + bank holidays

Group bonus potential

Job summary

Fennies is looking for an Early Years Apprentice to join our Addiscombe Road nursery in Croydon. You’ll earn while you learn and work toward the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification with a leading training provider.

This structured 12‑month apprenticeship offers a competitive salary and a bonus scheme, with options for a 4‑day or 5‑day week, and daily meals provided in the on‑site café. No previous nursery experience is required.

Qualifications

• You don’t need previous nursery experience – we’ll provide the training and support you need.
• No prior nursery experience required; you’ll learn on the job and work toward a formal qualification.

Responsibilities

• Support children aged 0-5 during play, learning activities and daily routines.
• Help create experiences that encourage curiosity and development.
• Work with experienced educators to keep the nursery safe, organised and welcoming.
• Build warm relationships with children and their families.

Job description

Early Years Apprenticeship Scheme – Addiscombe Road

• Salary: Up to £27,262per year
• Bonus: Potential to earn a further£1,000 in bonus
• 4-day or 5-day working week available

Startyour career in early years while gaining a recognised qualification.

At Fennies,we believe great childcare starts with great people. Youdon’tneedpreviousnursery experience to join us – just a genuine passion for working with children and a willingness to learn.

As an Early Years Apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, gaining hands‑on experience in a nursery while working towards your Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification with a leading training provider.

Why join Fennies?

Wesupportourapprenticeswith great benefits,structuredtrainingand clear career progression.

Competitive salary and bonus

• Up to £26,190annual salary
• Performance-related bonuses up to £1,000

Work-life balance

• Choice of a 4-day or 5-day working week
• 20 daysannual leaveincreasing by 1 day per year of service (up to 25) plus bank holidays
• Free daily meals from the Fennies Café
• Summer BBQs, Christmas events,companycelebrationsandApprentice Week events
• Recognition and reward through the Fennies Club long service awards
• Work towards the Level 2 or 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification
• Structured apprenticeship programme (typically 12 months)
• Dedicated trainer with regular coaching and check ins
• Blended learning, including on‑the‑job training, workshops and online sessions
• Support to progress to Level 3 Early Years Educator
• Personalised development plans,mentoringand support

About the Role

As an Early Years Apprentice, you’ll work as part of a supportive team while learning the skills needed to become a qualified early years professional.

You will:

• Support childrenaged 0-5during play, learning activities and daily routines
• Help create experiences that encourage curiosity and development
• Workalongside experienced educatorsto keep the nursery safe,organisedand welcoming
• Build warm relationships with children and their families
• Support children’s confidence,independenceand wellbeing
• Learn how toobservechildren’s development and contribute to their learning journeys

You’llgainreal experienceevery day, helping children grow through play,explorationand meaningful interactions.

Your Apprenticeship journey with Fennies

This is a structured training programme designed to set you up for long‑term success in early years.

During your apprenticeship, you will:

• Learn essential skills in child development, safeguarding and early years practice
• Complete off‑the‑job training (around 6 hours per week) alongside your role
• Build a portfolio of evidence todemonstrateyour progress
• Receive regular support from your trainer and Nursery mentor
• Complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) to achieve your qualification

Upon completion, you’ll be a qualified Early Years Practitioner with opportunities to progress at Fennies or the wider early years sector.

Whatwe’relooking for

Youdon’tneedpreviousnursery experience –we’llprovide the trainingand supportyou need.

Who is this role perfect for

An Apprenticeshipcould be a great fit if you:

• Are you starting your career after school or college
• Want to earnwhile gaining a qualification
• Are you looking to start a meaningful career
• Have experience incare roles and enjoy working with people
• Have worked as a teaching assistant,nannyor babysitter
• Looking for a career change into childcare/education
• Want a role where every day is active,rewardingand different
• Want to join a company that iscommitted to building exceptional places to work.

Youdon’tneedpreviousnursery experience –we’llprovide the training and support you need to succeed.

Become part of the Fennies DNA

We’re family‑owned and family‑run; this guides our culture, our decision‑making, and what it feels like to be part of our team. We have a strong sense of community, with connections that bring us together and the systems and processes that mean our educators can focus on what they do best. Quality matters to us – starting with our people and curriculum - through to our beautiful buildings and inspiring environments. We’re investing in Fennies, in our teams, and into the education we provide our children. Our People Promise inspires us to build the kind of culture that is ambitious, passionate and supportive. We provide the environment where you can:

• Be Yourself
• Come Together
• Be All In
• Go Further

If this sounds like you, or you just want to know more about what it means to be part of the Fennies family,make contact withus today for a chat.

At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

Safeguarding

Fennies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity. In line with Safer Recruitment guidance, online searches (including social media) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates.

We only offer 4 or 5 day working patterns. A minimum of 37 hours per week is required and you must be able to work both 7.45am-5pm and 8.45am-6pm. Does this work for you? * Select...