Educator Apprentice in Kettering

Ashbourne Day Nurseries Mawsley invites you to join our established team as a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice. We are a family‑run charity nursery, established in 2008, that offers a fun, friendly, child‑centred environment in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and Ofsted approved professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Promote our values and ethos to ensure a child‑centred, safe and stimulating environment that meets the individual needs of every child.
• Participate in day‑to‑day operations in line with safeguarding, Ofsted, LGA guidance, health & safety and equal opportunity policies.
• Deliver the Statutory Framework for Early Years Foundation Stage and welfare requirements to the highest standard.
• Collaborate with the team, sharing daily responsibilities and workload.
• Under the supervision of a qualified staff member, maintain and review each child’s progress as the key person.
• Provide exciting and educational experiences for children.
• Apply safeguarding procedures, recognise any risk of abuse or danger and act to protect children and staff in line with policy.
• Implement legislation, policy and procedure to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of children (food safety, allergies, COSHH, accidents and emergencies).
• Apply risk assessment and risk management principles within documentation and practice.
• Teach children to manage risk and maintain their safety and that of others.
• Use a range of communication methods, including technology, with professionals to meet a child’s individual needs.
• Build and maintain effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in a child’s education and care.
• Act as the key person, recognising and applying attachment theories to build effective relationships with children.
• Deliver sensitive, respectful personal care for children from birth to 5 years.
• Advocate for all children, including those requiring SEND or EAL support.
• Promote and facilitate social interaction, communication and positive identity development for children.
• Support children in understanding their emotions and making considered behavioural choices.
• Assess the environment for child‑centred experiences in line with the curriculum.
• Create inclusive, innovative, and evolving physical, outdoor and indoor environments.
• Support children to manage change, transition and significant events.
• Analyse observation evidence and plan holistic, individual learning.
• Facilitate child‑centred and adult‑led opportunities in line with the curriculum and pedagogy.
• Use reflection to develop professionally and personally.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours required for an Early Years Educator.
• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Educator (standard).
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid or in Emergency Paediatric First Aid.
• Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English (if required) or GCSE/ equivalent maths and English grade 4.
• Personal qualities: friendly, initiative, patience, team working, understanding.

Apprenticeship Details

• Training: Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship standard, including the statutory qualifications listed above.
• 40‑hour week, Monday to Friday, shift timings agreed at offer.
• Start date 5 January 2026.
• Duration 1 year 2 months.

Salary & Working Conditions

• Base salary £15,704 for the first year (potentially increased with experience).
• National Minimum Wage for apprentices applies.
• Job location: Ashbourne Day Nurseries, Mawsley (or relevant nursery).