Early Years Educator Apprentice

Willowdown Primary School

Bridgwater (TA6 4FU)

Closes in 9 days (Sunday 26 April 2026)

Posted on 16 April 2026

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Summary

We are seeking a motivated Nursery Educator Apprentice to join our team. The role includes attending college one day per week while supporting Nursery pupils. You will help deliver an engaging curriculum, maintain good behaviour, and support all learners to reach their full potential in a positive, inclusive environment.

• Wage:

  £13,520 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Please note the wage is pro rata, based on time time hours only.

• Training course: Early years educator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm

  32 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 25 May 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 9 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 – Supporting Pupils

• Support pupils’ personal, social, and developmental needs
• Assist with health, hygiene, first aid, and general welfare
• Supervise pupils to ensure safety and access to learning
• Build positive relationships and act as a role model
• Promote inclusion and support pupils of all abilities
• Encourage independence, confidence, and cooperation
• Support pupils to engage in activities and celebrate achievements
• Supporting Teaching & Learning
• Work with the Nursery Lead to create a positive learning environment
• Help set up and clear classrooms for activities
• Assist with displays and learning resources
• Support assessment, observations, and record-keeping
• Promote positive behaviour and manage incidents appropriately

Supporting the School

• Contribute to the school’s values and overall ethos
• Work collaboratively with staff and other professionals
• Attend meetings and training as required
• Supervise pupils outside of lesson times
• Communicate effectively with parents/carers when appropriate
• Promote equality, inclusion, and respect for all
• Safeguarding & Professional Responsibilities

Support the wellbeing and protection of all pupils

• Follow safeguarding, health & safety, and school policies
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Participate in training and ongoing development
• Undertake additional duties as required

Requirements

• A positive, caring, and reliable attitude
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A genuine interest in working with young children
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally

Where you'll work

Willowdown Primary School
Kings Drive
Bridgwater
TA6 4FU

Training

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

Training provider

BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE

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.

Training schedule

Training will take place once a week at Strode College, Street

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Other requirements

• Applicants will need to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Applicants must hold a level 2 childcare qualification or have relevant experience to be considered for his apprenticeship.

About this employer

Willowdown Primary School, in Bridgwater, is a growing and ambitious school with a modern approach to education. It is known for its caring community, strong focus on wellbeing, and creative curriculum that supports every child’s academic and personal growth.

Willowdown Primary School is proud to be part of Futura Learning Partnership, a trust dedicated to building the brightest future for all, enabling every individual to flourish.

https://www.willowdownprimaryschool.org.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Pension scheme, discounted sports. centre/gym membership, free wellbeing. support & medical cover, free on-site parking and cycle to work scheme.

After this apprenticeship

• Futura Learning Partnership offers a wide range of CPD opportunities across the sector

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE

Business@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000026383.

Apply now

Closes in 9 days (Sunday 26 April 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.