APPRENTICE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR L3
Federation of DUKE STREET NURSERY SCHOOL & Highfield Nursery School
Chorley (PR7 3DU)
Closes in 13 days (Monday 13 July 2026)
Posted on 30 June 2026
Contents
Summary
We are looking to appoint 2 Business Administration apprentices. As a busy Ofsted Outstanding local authority maintained setting, we require efficient and adaptable administrative support to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the provision.
- Wage
-
£13,312 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday. Times to be confirmed. Term time only.
30+ hours a week.
32 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
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2 years
- Positions available
-
2
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
Every day is different. This is a unique opportunity to join a nursery ranked "Outstanding" by Ofsted.
We are an Early Years Education setting, and we are passionate about loving, nurturing and cherishing our young children.
The working day is very busy, and you must be hardworking and be able to think on your feet. Core values of safeguarding and all areas of business excellence are at the heart of everything we do. We are an inspirational and aspirational setting and the correct individual will be passionate, resilient, hard-working, thoughtful, proactive and resourceful to think on their feet.
- The working day starts just before the children arrive at 8.45am and will end at 3.30. Some variation of this will apply in line with wraparound clubs and other staff meetings and similar, you will be given this information. You will get a half an hour lunch break, which is unpaid in the middle of the day.
- Everyday duties include preparing resources for activities; all aspects of school admin will be covered, training provided. The commitment and role requires passion, dedication and a nurturing approach.
- You will have a unique opportunity to learn from a highly qualified team and the continuous professional development for your career in all areas of school administration and management.
- The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting high‑quality early years provision, demonstrate excellent organisation and communication skills, and show a proactive, positive attitude towards learning in a busy and rewarding environment.
- Working closely with experienced staff, you will gain valuable hands‑on experience across a range of administrative functions while contributing to the smooth running of a nurturing, inclusive and highly respected setting at the heart of the community.
Where you'll work
Federation of DUKE STREET NURSERY SCHOOL Highfield Nursery School
Chorley
PR7 3DU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
EAST LANCASHIRE LEARNING GROUP
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
You will join an OUTSTANDING nursery school where training and professional development is highly valued. Staff wellbeing is a priority, and we have a team of mental health first-aiders. You will be supported to gain your Business Administration L3 (eligibility checks apply), which could be a stepping stone for a future career. You will learn above and beyond in our nurturing, forward-thinking nursery schools. This experience will make you stand out from the rest. The current hourly rate for apprentices applies as at June 2026 (£8 p/h).
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade GCSE A-C/9-4)
- ICT (grade GCSE A-C/9-4)
- Maths (grade GCSE A-C/9-4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Organisation skills
- Team working
- Non judgemental
About this employer
Duke Street Nursery is a very special place where children, practitioners and families come together to achieve their very best. This is achieved through our very strong vision which is shared and celebrated. Our vision comprises of the following:
'All children are loved like our own' - Children are loved and nurtured to ensure high levels of emotional wellbeing are achieved. We know that young children need to feel safe and secure in order to learn. We cuddle them, rock them to sleep, wipe their little noses and tune in to their individuality.
'Strong relationships are fostered' - Relationships are highly valued and respected. Not just with the children, but with our incredible families too. When children join our nursery, they join our family- a place of respect, support and understanding.
'All children are able to succeed' - We see the strengths in every single child and celebrate the way in which they are unique. We meet children at their starting points and use our exciting and interactive curriculum to ensure progress in development is made following children's interests and ideas.
'Equal Opportunity means a flexible approach' - All children are individual and need different approaches to meet their needs. This means thinking 'outside of the box' and being creative- always having the child's best interests at heart.
'Strong Community links' - Duke Street Nursery School is at the heart of the Chorley Community. Many families return to us again and again. We support the local community with fundraising and events. We teach our children to respect and value the world which they are in and spread kindness and joy.
'Experts in child development' - Highly experienced practitioners know how to support young children to develop. Duke Street Nursery School is forward thinking and is the first to lead the way in Early Years.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
There is no guarantee of a role at the end of this apprenticeship, but support/further discussion during supervision, induction and probation meetings will follow/will be given.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
EAST LANCASHIRE LEARNING GROUP
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000039951.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Monday 13 July 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.