At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join Childbase Partnership, a top-rated employee-owned childcare provider since 1989.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, generous leave, and well-being support from day one.
- Other info: Apprenticeship starts September/October 2025 with opportunities for permanent roles.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while growing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for child development and teamwork.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.
Role: Early Years Apprentice (Level 3).
Location: Green Park Day Nursery | Reading | RG2 6UQ
Contract: 37.5 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30.
Start date window: Between 14th October – 13th November
Salary: £8.00 per hour to start, rising to £10.41 per hour after six months in post. If you are aged 21 or over, after 12 months in post there will be a further increase to £12.74 per hour.
We've been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in ‘careers, not jobs’, supporting one another to grow and succeed.
Why join us?
- Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro-rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
- Exclusive partner benefits: Long-service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will-writing service.
- Career development: Team inset days, access to online training in addition to your course and a permanent role as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner (subject to you successfully completing your apprenticeship).
About us
We are employee-owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax-free dividend.
We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.
We are community driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.
We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.
We are invested in your development: Our commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and learning has established our academy, EduBase, as a trusted provider in the sector.
About you
- You are passionate about building a career with children: You have an interest in child development and would like to build a career in early years where you will care for babies and young children under the age of five.
- You are keen to learn: You thrive when engaging in practical tasks and are excited about learning how to plan and implement high quality, engaging activities that are linked to the early years curriculum and promote children’s learning through play; observing, assessing and recording children’s progress.
- You are nurturing and empathetic and prioritise safety: You will ensure every child feels safe, valued, and happy, their well-being is promoted and their individual needs are met at all times, whilst demonstrating a respect for our policies and procedures and following direction given by your management team and your Trainer/Assessor.
- You are able to manage your time effectively: You will make good use of your 'off the job' learning time within your working week to engage in your studies, allocate time outside of work to complete your written work and submit your coursework by the deadlines set by your Trainer/Assessor.
- You are collaborative: You enjoy working in partnership with others as part of a team, have strong communication skills (verbal and written) and will build strong and positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
What does our apprenticeship offer you?
A blend of practical experience and underpinning theory: Your role will be based at the nursery and a Trainer/Assessor from our academy will visit you regularly to guide your learning; you will also attend regular group training sessions (usually once every 6-8 weeks) at our academy in Newport Pagnell with other apprentices from across our partnership.
A Level 3 early years qualification:You will engage in a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification;there will be an online initial assessment during our screening stage to ensure a level 3 apprenticeship is suitable for you.
English and/or maths Functional Skills qualifications:If you do not already hold suitable English and maths qualifications, inline with the apprenticeship rules set by the government and the EYFS requirements, you will undertake the relevant functional skills qualification/s.
A paediatric first aid qualification: The first aid course will take place at our academy and your certificate will be valid for three years.
Eligibility criteria
For your application to be considered, at the time you apply you must:
- Have documentation to evidence your Right to Work in the UK and your National Insurance Number.
- Ideally have photographic ID in the form of either a valid passport or a driving licence (full or provisional).
- Have access to a computer (laptop or PC) to undertake the initial on-line assessment and to submit on-going coursework.
- Have been residentin the UK for at least the last three years.
- Be comfortable travelling to and from group training sessions at our academy in Newport Pagnell (MK16 8NJ); your travel costs will be covered for you.
We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages (16+ due to apprenticeship rules set by the government) and backgrounds.We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required.
If you meet the essential criteria for this role, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step.
Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery, meet the eligibility criteria and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available.Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
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Childcare Apprenticeship in Reading employer: Childbase Partnership Limited
Childbase Partnership Limited is an excellent employer, offering a nurturing work environment at Brinds Well Day Nursery in Chelsfield, Orpington. With a strong focus on employee growth through training and development, alongside flexible hours and generous leave benefits, we empower our Nursery Practitioners to inspire young minds while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Childbase Partnership Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Apprenticeship in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Childbase Partnership's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to childcare excellence and employee ownership will help you align your passion for child development with their ethos during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current employees or apprentices at Childbase Partnership through social media platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable in your conversations with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've demonstrated nurturing and caring qualities in your past experiences. Whether through volunteering, babysitting, or other roles, having concrete stories ready will showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in asking questions during your interview about the training and support you'll receive as an apprentice. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow within the company, which aligns perfectly with their 'careers not jobs' philosophy.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Apprenticeship in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Childcare Apprenticeship. Highlight your interest in child development and your nurturing qualities in your application.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work or volunteer experience with children, as well as your ability to work in a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for childcare and your understanding of Childbase Partnership's values. Mention why you want to join their team and how you can contribute to their mission of providing excellent care.
Prepare for the Online Assessment:Ensure you have access to a computer for the initial online assessment. Familiarise yourself with the types of questions that may be asked, particularly around maths and English, to demonstrate your competency in these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in child development and how children learn. Share any relevant experiences you have, whether it's babysitting, volunteering, or coursework related to childcare.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your ability to contribute positively to a team environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in childcare situations. Think about how you would handle various scenarios, such as managing conflicts between children or adapting activities to meet individual needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the nursery's approach to childcare, training opportunities, or the team culture. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
