Job Description

Organisation -

Smarty Pants Day Nursery

Apprenticeship -

Level 3 Early Years

Salary -

8.00ph

Hours -

36-40 hours per week

Vacancy overview -

The Nursery Apprentice plays an active and vital role in the day-to-day running of the nursery. Under the guidance of experienced practitioners, they help to deliver high standards of care, learning and play opportunities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This role is designed to support the apprentice's professional development, offering hands-on experience, mentoring and opportunities to grow into a confident Early Years practitioner.

Main Responsibilities -

Support the delivery of a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for all children attending the nursery. Assist in providing a stimulating and engaging learning environment that encourages curiosity and creativity. Work alongside qualified practitioners to plan and implement play-based learning activities in line with the EYFS. Supervise and support children at all times, ensuring their safety, wellbeing and happiness. Help to maintain accurate observations and contribute to children's learning journeys under guidance from senior practitioners. Assist children with personal care needs, including nappy changing and toileting, following individual care plans and hygiene procedures. Contribute to keeping the nursery environment clean, organised and welcoming. Work closely with the team to ensure all policies and procedures are followed, particularly around safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality. Communicate professionally and positively with colleagues, parents and carers. Attend staff meetings, training sessions and apprenticeship reviews as required.

Apprenticeship Responsibilities -

Commit to completing all coursework, assignments and training within agreed timeframes. Maintain clear communication between the nursery, training provider and course tutor. Attend scheduled meetings with tutors and ensure work is available for review during visits. Attend college or online training sessions as required, notifying the nursery of any absences. Take an active role in developing skills and knowledge through mentoring, observation and reflection.

Childcare and Curriculum -

Support the delivery of the EYFS, ensuring every child's individual needs, interests and stage of development are met. Participate in the key person system and build strong relationships with children and their families. Help plan and prepare age-appropriate activities that encourage learning through play. Ensure all children are treated equally, with respect and inclusion at the heart of practice. Encourage healthy eating and support children during meal and snack times, promoting independence and good manners. Provide comfort and reassurance to children when needed and help to create a secure, trusting environment.

Parent and Carer Partnerships -

Build positive relationships with parents and carers, recognising their central role in their child's learning journey. Share updates about children's progress and daily activities in a warm and professional manner. Support the nursery team in organising and attending parent meetings, open days and events.

Health, Safety and Safeguarding -

Be fully aware of and adhere to all nursery safeguarding policies and procedures. Immediately report any safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Ensure the safety and security of children, colleagues and visitors at all times. Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe and hazard-free environment, carrying out regular checks and risk assessments as required. Follow hygiene and infection control procedures, including cleaning toys, equipment and play areas. Record accidents and incidents accurately and promptly.

Values and Conduct -

Apprentices are expected to uphold the values of Smarty Pants Day Nursery at all times:

Demonstrate honesty, integrity and professionalism in all interactions. Be proud to represent an Ofsted Outstanding nursery. Treat all children, parents, staff and visitors with respect and kindness. Be reflective and open to feedback to support personal and professional growth. Work collaboratively as part of a team, offering support and encouragement to others. Be proactive, positive and eager to learn. Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Person Specification -

Essential:

A genuine interest in working with young children. A positive, caring and patient attitude. Willingness to learn and complete training towards a recognised childcare qualification. Good communication and teamwork skills. Punctual, reliable and professional approach.

Desirable:

Some prior experience of working with children, either through volunteering, babysitting or work experience. Basic understanding of child development or the EYFS.

Training Information -

Over the course of 15 - 18 months (dependent upon the level of course an apprentice is being enrolled onto), you will study units such as health & safety in a childcare setting, holistic child development, safeguarding in a childcare setting, child development, communication with children, purposeful play and educational programmes, supporting children with special educational needs, collaborative working in early years childcare, wellbeing principles for children and at higher levels, child protection, data, supporting key life transitions and behaviour management (these modules may differ).


Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will achieve a Level 3 qualification and a TQUK Diploma in Early Years.


We and our employer partners are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, so a DBS check will be required for this role. To make you aware, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as 'spent' must be declared, and you will be asked about these during the recruitment process.


If you do not hold GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent), these will be delivered alongside the apprenticeship programme.


Our delivery of training is through blended learning. Supported by one of our sector specialist tutors, they will deliver teaching sessions using various methods including face to face teaching, Skype, Facetime, telephone and peer virtual classroom whilst using our interactive multi-sensory teaching resources. Teaching sessions are normally bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the learner's preferred learning style. Additionally, the tutor will provide the support required to ensure the learner enjoys and ultimately successfully achieves their goals and completes their training. We want learners to feel that our team are approachable at any stage of their learning journey.


You will initially take an online assessment that will help us to understand your learning style and needs, then we will tailor your learning experience accordingly. We ensure that you stay on track to complete your programme on time by managing your expectations through our state-of-the-art e-portfolio system. At the end of your programme, your learnt knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed by an independent assessor in your end point assessment (EPA).


As part of the apprenticeship, alongside your job role, 20% of your time in work must be dedicated to developing new skills. This can be any time devoted to learning and improving new skills without interruption.