Nursery Apprentice

Summary

About the Role: Join a vibrant nursery team and gain hands-on experience working with children aged 0-5 years in a safe, caring, and stimulating environment. As a Nursery Apprentice, you’ll support the daily running of the nursery while working towards your nationally recognized childcare qualification.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Early years educator (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

40 hours a week

Start date

Saturday 14 June 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with planning and delivering engaging activities that support children’s development
Ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all children in your care
Help maintain a clean, tidy, and nurturing environment
Build positive relationships with children, parents, and staff
Follow all safeguarding policies and health & safety procedures

Where you'll work

254 Upland Road
London
SE22 0DN

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

HIT TRAINING LTD

Your training course

Early years educator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

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.
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.

Your training plan

Location: First Steps Montessori Day Nursery, 254 Upland Road, SE22 0DN.

Training schedule has yet to be agreed. An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying. Details will be made available at a later date.

Requirements

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Team working
Passion to work with Children

About this company

First Steps Montessori is a warm and welcoming nursery dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and early education for children aged 0-5 years. Our experienced team creates a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We believe in fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence through play-based learning and carefully planned activities. As a trusted part of the community, we work closely with families to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

https://www.firststepsmontessoridaynursery.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Completing a Nursery Apprenticeship opens doors to a variety of career paths in the childcare and education sectors. With hands-on experience and a nationally recognized qualification under your belt, you can take the next steps to grow your career:

Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification (if not already achieved)

Advance your skills by progressing to a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
This is essential for roles with more responsibility, such as supervising staff or planning activities independently.

Full-Time Nursery Practitioner

Step into a permanent role as a Nursery Practitioner, supporting children’s development in a nursery or preschool setting.

Room Leader or Deputy Manager

With experience, move into leadership roles such as Room Leader, where you’ll oversee a specific age group and guide other staff members.
Progress further to become a Deputy Manager, assisting in the day-to-day running of the nursery.

Nursery Manager

Take charge of a nursery as a Nursery Manager, managing staff, ensuring high standards of care, and maintaining compliance with regulations.

Further Education and Specialisation

Teaching Assistant: Use your experience to transition into a school-based role, working with children in a classroom setting.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support: Specialize in working with children with additional needs through SEN training.
Childcare Assessor or Trainer: Share your expertise by mentoring and assessing future childcare apprentices.

Higher Education Pathways

Pursue higher qualifications, such as a foundation degree or full degree in:

Early Childhood Studies
Education
Child Psychology
This can lead to careers in teaching, social work, or educational consultancy

Starting Your Own Business

With experience and qualifications, you can set up your own childcare business, such as running a childminding service or opening a daycare center.

The opportunities are endless, and you’ll have a strong foundation to build a rewarding and impactful career!

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

JP FIRST STEPS LIMITED

Paula Hogman

paulahogman@firststeps-montessori.co.uk

07548661751

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000320373.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Friday 13 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

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