Early Year Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship

SAFARI CUBS LTD

Leeds (LS9 9LF)

Closes in 30 days (Sunday 11 October 2026)

Posted on 11 September 2026

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Summary

Safari Cubs Nursery Creche provides a safe, supportive space for children aged 6 months to 12 years in Leeds. With NHS Quality Assurance, we combine health-focused routines with a vibrant curriculum. Our approach builds confidence, respect, and global awareness through fun and care. With over 20 years of experience, our team supports every family.

• Wage:

  £12,480 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Early years educator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 6.00pm

  30 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 26 October 2026

• 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

We are looking to grow our team and welcome applications from enthusiastic, caring individuals who are passionate about supporting young children. We would love to hear from motivated candidates eager to learn and develop within a supportive nursery environment. If you are dedicated to delivering high-quality childcare and helping children thrive in a safe, nurturing setting, we want to hear from you

Key responsibilities:

• To deliver a high standard of learning, development, and care for children aged 0-5 years
• To ensure that the preschool nursery is a safe environment for children, staff, and others
• To develop partnerships with parents/carers to increase involvement in their child’s development
• To be responsible for any tasks delegated by the Deputy Nursery Manager/Nursery Manager
• To complete all academic aspects of the apprenticeship 

Where you'll work

9a Unit F Curtis Business Centre
Leeds
LS9 9LF

Training

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

Training provider

CENTRAL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

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

• Full Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
• Training will include paediatric first aid qualification
• Functional skills if applicable

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths & English (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
• Team working
• Initiative
• Creative
• Patience

Other requirements

A DBS is required for this role.

About this employer

Safari Cubs Nursery Creche offers a welcoming space where every child’s individuality is nurtured. Proudly associated with the National Day Nurseries Association, we provide a trusted and supportive environment where children thrive through engaging daily activities and cultural learning, working closely with families to achieve the best outcomes.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Future Prospects:

• A permanent position may be offered upon successful completion of the apprenticeship
• Opportunity to learn and develop within the company
• Progression on to higher apprenticeship/training

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CENTRAL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

Clara Phillips-Williams

Clara.Phillips-Williams@ymca.co.uk

020 3994 9544

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000053022.

Apply now

Closes in 30 days (Sunday 11 October 2026)

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