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- Tasks: Support children's learning through play and provide high-quality care in a fun environment.
- Company: Join Sundon Stars Preschool, a friendly and inclusive childcare service in Luton.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, 100% childcare discount, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Build a rewarding career in early years education while making a positive impact on children's lives.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent; a passion for learning and teamwork is essential.
- Other info: Virtual interviews via Microsoft Teams; flexible working hours available.
We have a fantastic opportunity for an Apprentice Early Years Assistant to join our team at Sundon Stars Preschool in Luton. Rated Good by Ofsted and 9.9 on Day Nurseries. We are looking for an Apprentice Early Years Assistant who will offer our children high quality inclusive early years education and care. We take great pride in being a friendly, inclusive setting that puts children and their families at the heart of our practice and provides excellent promotion and progression opportunities for our staff team.
If you are excited about building a career in the early years and passionate about supporting children's learning and development through inclusive play this is the role for you. Working in the early years really is one of the best decisions you will ever make, and we can't wait to be part of your career journey!
About Sundon Stars: Sundon Stars Pre-school is an Early Years Alliance childcare service providing quality, flexible and affordable childcare based in Luton, Bedfordshire. Our committed, friendly and well-qualified nursery team provides high quality care and learning opportunities for children aged from 2 to 4 years old. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a focus on learning through play, and actively encourage parents to become involved in the life of the pre-school. We are able to offer up to 34 Ofsted-registered places every day.
What we offer: We are proud to be part of the Early Years Alliance family of early years settings. Founded over 60 years ago, the Alliance is an educational charity dedicated to supporting the delivery of quality early years education and care to children and families. The Alliance prides itself on being a supportive workplace and offers significant benefits for our team members including:
- Level 2 and 3 Early Years Apprenticeship programmes
- Extensive training and career progression planning, including access to our Learning Management System (LMS)
- The Alliance has invested in FAMLY reducing paperwork and giving you more time to focus on the children.
- 100% discount on childcare places
- A generous workplace pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, with additional annual leave for long service.
- Birthday leave so you can have a day off for your birthday dedicated to you and your well-being
- Enhanced sickness pay and paid bereavement leave
- A Recruitment Referral Payment Scheme, giving you an introductory payment of up to £300 if someone you have referred to the Alliance takes up a role in the charity.
- Access to our Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which includes 24/7 helpline access, dedicated managers helpline, confidential counselling sessions delivered by accredited specialists, legal, debt and life management advice, discounts, and wellbeing content plus resources.
- Savings of up to 25% on O2 Refresh Airtime Plan on any new phone or tablets
- A dedicated mental health First aider to support your mental well-being
Job purpose and duties: We are all about delivering inclusive play and learning opportunities for all children in a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable environment, while providing you as an apprentice with the learning opportunities you need. In this role, you will learn:
- How to meet children's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs by providing stimulating and age-appropriate play and learning opportunities in the setting.
- How to supervise the children where appropriate and to protect them from dangerous or harmful situations, with the support and guidance of senior staff.
- How to contribute to a high level of care that will enhance the children's general health and wellbeing.
- How to carry out observations of children, discuss the progress of children with the key person and contribute any ideas to informal and formal planning sessions.
- How to be aware of any special needs a child may have and to familiarise yourself with relevant play and learning plans.
Your responsibilities will also include:
- Working with colleagues to provide fun and engaging outdoor activities to cover all areas of the children's development
- Preparing healthy snacks, setting up and clearing away mealtimes and supporting children during mealtimes.
- Attending and contributing to your feedback sessions.
- Attending and contributing at regular staff/team meetings.
- Sharing any child protection concerns immediately with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or their deputy.
- Adhering to our code of practice on confidentiality.
Desirable requirements:
- Good written and verbal communication
- GCSE grade D or 3 in English and Maths or functional skills level 1
- Ability to work using own initiative and work as part of a team
- Good customer awareness
- Experience of dealing with young children
But first and foremost, we are after someone with a genuine willingness to learn and a friendly, flexible approach, so if that sounds like you, please get in touch!
Hours per week: 32.5
Weeks per year: 39
Virtual interview date: TBC
Please note our virtual interviews take place via Microsoft Teams, so you may need to download this ahead of your interview.
The Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and equal opportunities in employment. It is a requirement of all staff that they share this commitment and follow the prescribed policy and procedures to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding and equal opportunities across the whole organisation.
Apprentice Early Years Assistant employer: Early Years Alliance
Contact Detail:
Early Years Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Early Years Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understanding its principles will not only help you in your role but also show your commitment to providing quality early years education during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community and parents. Building relationships with families can demonstrate your dedication to inclusive play and learning, which is a key aspect of the role at Sundon Stars Preschool.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your understanding of child development and how you would support children's learning through play. This will highlight your passion for the role and your readiness to contribute positively to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your flexibility and willingness to learn. The role requires a friendly approach and adaptability, so sharing examples from past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities can set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Early Years Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Apprentice Early Years Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Sundon Stars Preschool is looking for.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for early years education. Share specific examples of your experiences with children, your understanding of inclusive play, and your eagerness to learn and grow in this field.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences, such as GCSEs in English and Maths, or any previous work with children. If you have any certifications or training related to childcare, include those as well.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-written application demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a role working with children.
How to prepare for a job interview at Early Years Alliance
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young children. Share any relevant experiences or activities that demonstrate your commitment to supporting children's learning and development through play.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the EYFS Framework
Before the interview, take some time to understand the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Being able to discuss how you would implement this in practice will show your potential employer that you are serious about the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with children. Think of examples from your past experiences or hypothetical scenarios where you can showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to create a safe, engaging environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the preschool's approach to inclusive education and staff development opportunities. This shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
