Early Years Apprenticeship

CATERPILLAR DAY NURSERY LTD

MARKET HARBOROUGH (LE16 9HF)

Closes in 29 days (Friday 16 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 16 September 2026

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Contents

Summary

Join Caterpillar Day Nursery as a Full-Time Early Years Apprentice. Gain valuable experience supporting children's learning and development while working towards a recognised qualification in a nurturing and supportive nursery environment.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  • Competitive apprenticeship salary, with reviews based on performance and progression.
  • Ongoing support and mentoring from experienced Early Years professionals.
  • Opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification while earning.
  • Friendly and supportive team environment.
  • Potential for future career progression within the nursery upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Training course
Early years educator (level 3)
Hours
This role is based within the 2.5 to 3.5-year-old age group and is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Exact working days and hours TBC.

40 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

  • Support children’s learning, development and wellbeing through play-based activities
  • Assist with planning and delivering engaging age-appropriate activities
  • Help create a safe, clean and stimulating learning environment
  • Support children with daily routines, including mealtimes and personal care
  • Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
  • Observe and record children’s progress with guidance from experienced staff
  • Promote safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies at all times
  • Assist with indoor and outdoor learning experiences
  • Develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
  • Work towards a recognised Early Years qualification while training on the job

Where you'll work

88 NORTHAMPTON ROAD
MARKET HARBOROUGH
LE16 9HF

Training

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

Training provider

BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED

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 be provided through Best Practice Network and delivered primarily in the workplace. Apprentices will receive regular support from a dedicated trainer, including online learning, reviews and workplace visits. Off-the-job training will be completed during paid working hours, with training and assessments taking place throughout the apprenticeship programme.

More training information

  • Early Years Educator Level 3
  • Training will include paediatric first aid qualification

Best Practice Network is an experienced apprenticeship training provider, offering dedicated support throughout the programme. Apprentices will be assigned a specialist trainer who will provide regular coaching, progress reviews and assessment guidance. Training is delivered through a blend of workplace learning and online sessions, allowing apprentices to develop their skills while carrying out their role within the nursery.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C)
  • Maths (grade 4/C)

Early Years Level 2 - Apprenticeship in:

Level 2 Early Years (grade Pass)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide suitable references. Applicants should be reliable, enthusiastic and committed to working with young children in a busy nursery environment. As this role involves supporting children's care and development, the successful candidate must be willing to follow safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies at all times.

About this employer

Caterpillar Day Nursery is a well-established childcare provider based in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Operating from a beautifully renovated Victorian house, the nursery provides high-quality care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment. The nursery is committed to helping every child reach their full potential through a balance of play, exploration and learning. 

With bright, age-appropriate learning spaces, a strong partnership with parents, and a dedicated team of experienced practitioners, Caterpillar Day Nursery offers a welcoming and supportive environment for both children and staff. The nursery takes pride in delivering excellent care and creating positive experiences that help children thrive.

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

After this apprenticeship

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

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be the opportunity to progress into a qualified Early Years Educator role within the nursery. Further development opportunities may include senior practitioner positions, room leadership responsibilities, or additional specialist training within the early years sector.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED

Alice Pollington

recruitment@bestpracticenet.co.uk

0117 920 9200

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000053908.

Apply now

Closes in 29 days (Friday 16 October 2026 at 11:59pm)