Job Description

The Little Blue Door is a nursery where imagination thrives and little minds blossom. With locations in Chichester and Westhampnett, we're passionate about creating a warm, vibrant environment for children aged 3 months to 4 years. We are looking for Apprentices to join our team either as

Early Years Practitioner

or

Early Years Educator Apprentice.

What you will do

You'll help create a nurturing, inclusive, and child-led environment across all age ranges. As a key person for allocated children, you'll ensure their individual needs are met, keep them safe, and encourage them to reach their full potential. Dedicated planning time and close collaboration with parents are part of the role, and you'll enjoy working as part of a dynamic team.

Key Responsibilities

-Help create a nurturing, inclusive, and child-led environment across all age ranges -Help and encourage all children to achieve their full potential Change nappies, promote healthy eating and engage best practice in Early Years principles Dedicate time to complete observations/assessments and plans and work in partnership with parents to ensure they are kept up to date Support all classroom and outside activities including some day trips Have knowledge of the EYFS, OFSTED and British Values Be prepared to undertake professional development to continuously improve practice Keep up to date with childcare knowledge and training Earn while you learn studying to qualify as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner or Level 3 Early Years Educator whichever is appropriate

Key Skills

Warm and engaging nature Good communication skills Reliable Self-Motivated Have a professional manner Creative Demonstrates best practice Hard-working Good sense of humour Personable Strives for improvement Displays patience Dedicated Nurturing nature

What we are looking for:

A natural connection with children and a warm, engaging personality. Strong communication skills, reliability, and professionalism. A passion for Early Years principles and the creativity to bring them to life.
If you're enthusiastic, caring, and ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Working Week:

40 hours per week working shifts Monday to Friday between 7.15am-4.30pm and 8am-6pm with 6 hours per week dedicated on learning

Salary:

15,704 per annum in line with Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage. Please see below for further information.

Qualifications Required:

GCSE Maths and English minimum grade 4 preferred Early Years Practitioner Level 2 already achieved to apply for the Level 3 apprenticeship

Training Provided:

Comprehensive on the job training and support for development will be provided.

About the Employer:

At The Little Blue Door Nursery our ethos is "developing little minds," and this shines through everything we do, from our high-quality facilities and spacious outdoor garden to delicious home-cooked meals, exciting activities, and memorable day trips. Every day is an opportunity to spark curiosity and create joyful experiences for our children. Each of our four beautifully designed rooms is tailored to meet the unique needs of every age group, ensuring the very best start in life. For further information please visit: https://www.littlebluedoor.co.uk/

Future Prospects:

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will become a full permanent team member and subject to a salary review and increase.

What you need to know:

The Level 3 qualification is a 21-month apprenticeship and includes 18 months of learning and a 3-month end point assessment. The Level 2 qualification is an 18-month apprenticeship again including the end point assessment. To apply you must have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years before the start date of the apprenticeship learning and have authorisation to work in the UK. You cannot apply if you already have a qualification equal to or higher than the apprenticeship standard being studied. You can apply if you have a higher qualification than the apprenticeship standard in an unrelated subject. You should live in the area local to the employer and the college campus offering the apprenticeship. This is a combination of work and learning so you will need to commit to the learning and stay at the employers until the apprenticeship is successfully completed. Please ensure you have the means of travel to the Westhampnett location each day. The nursery believes in working hard and having fun! Outside of nursery hours, our team enjoys social activities like meals out, cold-water swimming, spin classes, and more. It's all about building a supportive, friendly community.

Further Information:

Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (ANMW): The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is 7.55 per hour (As of the 1st April 2025). This is the legal minimum pay per hour applying to 16- to 18-year-old apprentices and those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. For apprentices 19 or over who have completed their first year and are continuing their apprenticeship, the National Minimum Wage appropriate to their ages applies.

Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: 15,704.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Ability to commute/relocate:

Chichester PO18 0FP: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):

Please tell us what interests you about this apprenticeship What experience due to already have in early years childcare? Which Apprenticeship level are you interested in applying for? Please confirm you have read the 'What you need to know' section of the application Please confirm you have the required qualifications to be apply for this apprenticeship opportunity
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person