Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 3) in Chester

Location: Acresfield Academy Nursery

Hours: 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm

Contract: Apprenticeship (Level 3 Early Years Educator)

About the Role

Acresfield Academy is seeking to appoint a motivated and enthusiastic Level 3 Early Years Apprentice to join our welcoming nursery team. Our nursery, attached to the school, provides high-quality early years education for 26 children aged 3 and 4 years. We have established a strong educational nursery where children are encouraged to develop curiosity, confidence and independence through high-quality early learning experiences. We are looking for someone who understands the importance of the early years as the foundation for lifelong learning and who can help children thrive in a calm, nurturing and stimulating environment. Our nursery is well resourced and designed to provide a modern, enabling and welcoming space where children can flourish. This is an excellent opportunity to begin or further your career in Early Years, working alongside an experienced, hardworking and highly successful team who will provide support, guidance and challenge throughout your apprenticeship.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Support children's learning and development through high-quality play-based experiences.
• Assist in planning and delivering engaging activities appropriate to children's individual ages, stages and interests.
• Promote children's emotional wellbeing, independence and positive behaviour.
• Provide high-quality care, including supporting personal hygiene routines, toileting and changing where required.
• Prepare and serve meals, snacks and drinks in line with food hygiene and allergy procedures.
• Support children during mealtimes and encourage healthy eating habits.
• Help create and maintain a safe, clean, stimulating and welcoming learning environment.
• Observe children's progress and contribute to assessments, learning journals and planning.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety and all nursery and school policies and procedures.
• Work effectively as part of the nursery and wider school team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Apprenticeship Learning

Alongside your day-to-day role, you will complete a Level 3 Early Years apprenticeship, which will include:

• Attending online or face-to-face training sessions, workshops and INSET days.
• Completing assignments, reflective journals and project work.
• Developing new skills, including working with different groups of children and supporting those with additional needs.
• Taking part in mentoring and shadowing opportunities with experienced practitioners.
• Participating in training relating to safeguarding, curriculum developments, policies and procedures.
• Completing off-the-job training as required by the apprenticeship programme.

Person Specification

Essential

• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics.
• A genuine passion for working with young children.
• A caring, patient and nurturing approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A flexible and reliable team player.
• A willingness to learn and develop professionally.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work using your own initiative when appropriate.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working or volunteering with young children.
• Knowledge of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• An understanding of inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.

What We Offer

• A supportive and experienced nursery team.
• A well-resourced, modern learning environment.
• High-quality mentoring throughout your apprenticeship.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to make a real difference to children's earliest learning experiences.
• A welcoming and successful school community committed to achieving the best outcomes for every child.

If you are enthusiastic, committed and ready to begin a rewarding career in Early Years, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to Acresfield Academy.