Nursery Apprentice Early Years Educator (Full Time) in Colchester, Essex

Bows and Arrows Group is offering an exciting opportunity for Early Years Teacher Degree Apprentices to join their team across their nurseries in Ipswich, Suffolk. Please note this is a 3 year fixed term appointment in line with the apprenticeship. This opportunity is available on both a full-time and part-time basis (21-40 hours per week). This unique apprenticeship programme starts in September 2026 and provides the chance to earn while you learn, gaining a fully funded degree and professional status without the burden of tuition fees.

Salary: UK National Minimum Wage (existing internal employees will normally retain their current rate of pay)

Additional: Earn while you learn with no tuition fees and gain invaluable hands-on experience in a high-quality nursery environment; Structured support from both a workplace mentor and academic tutor throughout the programme.

Kickstart your career in early years education through this exciting degree apprenticeship programme. Combining paid employment with university study through the University of Suffolk, you will work directly with children aged 0-5 while developing the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to achieve Early Years Teacher Status.

Bows and Arrows are recruiting six enthusiastic and committed apprentices who are passionate about making a difference in children's lives. Throughout the programme, you will gain practical experience in a nursery setting while studying towards a BA (Hons) Early Years degree, creating a strong foundation for a rewarding long-term career.

• Support children's care, learning, and development within a nursery environment.
• Observe, assess, and record children's progress and achievements.
• Assist with planning and delivering engaging, inclusive, and age-appropriate activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and other professionals to support children's development.
• Attend university study sessions and complete off-the-job training as part of the apprenticeship programme.
• Develop professionally towards achieving Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

To be considered for this Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, you will have a genuine passion for working with young children and a commitment to developing a career in early years education.

• A Level 3 qualification (A Levels, T Levels, BTEC or equivalent) in any subject area. Candidates with a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare are particularly encouraged to apply.
• GCSEs in English, Maths and Science at Grade 4/C or above.
• A clear commitment to working in early years education.
• Evidence of the right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship programme.

Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, safeguarding training, and verification of qualifications and identity.

Bows and Arrows are a values-driven charity operating seven nurseries across Ipswich, providing high-quality education and care for children aged 0-5. As a not-for-profit organisation, all income is reinvested into improving outcomes for children, families, and staff. Many of their nurseries have been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with teaching, learning, safeguarding, and children's wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.

Joining Bows and Arrows means becoming part of a highly skilled, supportive, and passionate team dedicated to giving children the very best start in life while investing in the development of future early years professionals.

If you have the relevant skills and qualifications for this Early Years Teacher Degree Apprentice role and would like to be considered, please apply by forwarding an up-to-date CV as soon as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments or information in an alternative format, please inform us as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

No recruitment agencies please.