APPRENTICE NURSERY EDUCATOR

THE POCKLINGTON SCHOOL FOUNDATION

YORK (YO42 2NJ)

Closes in 22 days (Saturday 22 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 22 July 2026

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Contents

Summary

As a valued member of the nursery team, you will develop your knowledge and practical skills while supporting engaging, child-centred learning experiences inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. You will learn how to promote children's independence, curiosity and exploration through play, observation and meaningful interactions.

Wage

£17,500 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£17500- £20000 depending on experience

Training course
Early years educator (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 25 August 2026

Duration

1 year

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

Key Responsibilities:

1. Child-Centred Learning & Development

  • Support experienced practitioners in delivering the Reggio Emilia approach to create a child-led, play-based learning environment.
  • Assist in planning and preparing engaging activities that encourage children's curiosity, creativity and exploration.
  • Help provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn and develop.
  • Observe children's play and learning, contributing to observations and learning records under supervision.
  • Support children's individual learning and development in line with the EYFS.
  • Develop an understanding of child development through practical experience and apprenticeship training.

2. Working with the Nursery Team

  • Work closely with Room Leads and Nursery Educators to support the daily running of the room.
  • Attend team meetings, staff training and apprenticeship learning sessions.
  • Learn about the Reggio Emilia philosophy and apply new knowledge in everyday practice.
  • Be open to feedback and actively develop your skills and confidence.
  • Build positive working relationships with colleagues and contribute positively to the nursery team.

3. Building Relationships with Children & Families

  • Develop warm, caring and professional relationships with children.
  • Welcome and support parents and carers, communicating courteously and professionally.
  • Assist with sharing information about children's daily experiences with families under the guidance of qualified staff.
  • Encourage children's independence, confidence and participation in nursery life.

4. Health, Safety & Well-being

  • Follow all nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, hygiene and child protection.
  • Help maintain a clean, safe and stimulating environment.
  • Support children's personal care routines, mealtimes and wellbeing in accordance with nursery procedures.
  • Promote positive behaviour through kind, consistent interactions.
  • Complete mandatory safeguarding and health and safety training as part of your apprenticeship.

 

5. Contribution to the Learning Environment

  • Help prepare and maintain attractive indoor and outdoor learning environments.
  • Support the organisation of resources and learning materials.
  • Encourage children to explore natural materials, open-ended resources and creative opportunities.
  • Ensure resources are clean, safe and ready for children's use.

 

6. Professional Development

  • Work towards successful completion of your Early Years apprenticeship qualification.
  • Complete all apprenticeship coursework and attend off-the-job training as required.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to learn, reflect and continuously improve your practice.
  • Take responsibility for your own professional development with support from your mentor and manager.

Where you'll work

POCKLINGTON SCHOOL
WEST GREEN
POCKLINGTON
YORK
YO42 2NJ

Training

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

Training provider

VELOCITY 1ST 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

Velocity apprenticeship training programmes are delivered virtually by our fully qualified and industry experienced training team. Using their expert knowledge, they will provide the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace and to expand future career prospects.

Throughout the apprenticeship, learners receive coaching, help and guidance from a dedicated team who are there to ensure they get the most from their programme.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade A*-C/ 9-4)
  • Maths (grade 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
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Childcare experience

Other requirements

  • Passing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
  • First aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

About this employer

Little Pips Nursery is an early years childcare provider offering a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for young children. It supports children's learning and development through play while working closely with families.
 
 

https://www.littlepips.com/ (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).

The role offers long-term security and the opportunity to progress into a permanent position.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

VELOCITY 1ST LIMITED

Ivana

ivana@velocity-academy.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000043927.

Apply now

Closes in 22 days (Saturday 22 August 2026 at 11:59pm)