Childcare Apprenticeship in Thatcham

Position Overview

Early Years Apprentice – Mulberry Day Nursery, Maidenhead, SL6 4ET. Contract: 37.5 hours/week, 52 weeks/year. Start window: 18August – 18September2026.

Working Hours and Pattern

Varied shifts Monday‑Friday from 07:30 to 18:30.

Compensation

£8.00 per hour to begin, rising to £10.41 after six months. If aged 21 or over, after 12 months the rate increases to £12.74 per hour.

Benefits

• 23 days paid leave per annum (pro‑rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
• Childcare discount: 75% on your fees at any Childbase nursery from day one (or 40% when using the grandparent discount).
• 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 apprenticeship courses, and a permanent role as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner upon successful completion.

Role & Responsibilities

You will care for babies and young children under five, ensuring their safety, well‑being and development. Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing high‑quality, engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum.
• Observing, assessing and recording children’s progress.
• Maintaining a positive, supportive environment for children, parents and colleagues.
• Following all policies and procedures and executing directions from management, your Trainer/Assessor and the wider nursery team.
• Managing your time effectively between on‑job duties and off‑job learning requirements.

Qualifications & Eligibility

• A Level2 or Level3 Early Years qualification (determined by an online initial assessment).
• English and/or maths functional skills qualifications, if not already held.
• Paediatric first aid qualification (valid for three years).
• Right to work in the UK with valid National Insurance Number and photographic ID (passport or driving licence).
• Access to a computer for online assessment and coursework.
• Residence in the UK for at least the last three years and commutable to the nursery.
• Comfortable travelling to and from group training sessions at the academy in Newport Pagnell (travel costs covered).
• Age 16+ (due to apprenticeship rules).
• Ready to undergo enhanced DBS checks.

Apprenticeship Details

Apprenticeship offers blended practice and theory: regular site visits from a Trainer/Assessor, group training sessions every 6–8weeks at the academy, and a pathway to a permanent Qualified Nursery Practitioner role upon completion.

EEO Statement

We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages (16+), genders, ethnicities, disabilities, religions, and backgrounds. We are committed to fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement (FREDIE) and will consider reasonable adjustments where required.