Childcare Apprenticeship

Childcare Apprenticeship

Winchester Apprenticeship No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to nurture and educate young children in a supportive nursery environment.
  • Company: Childbase Partnership is an employee-owned childcare provider dedicated to excellence since 1989.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, discounts, and well-being support from day one.
  • Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while growing your career in a caring community.
  • Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion for child development and teamwork.
  • Other info: Apprenticeship starts September/October 2025 with opportunities for permanent roles upon qualification.

Job Introduction

Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.

Role: Early Years Apprentice.
Location: Maples Day Nursery | Winchester | SO22 6RT
Contract: 37.5 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30.
Start date window: March 12th – April 17th 2026
Salary: £7.57 per hour to start, rising to £12.24 per hour after six months in post.

We’ve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 43-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 2 or Level 3 early years qualification: You will engage in either a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification or a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification; there will be an online initial assessment during our screening stage to determine the most suitable level 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 resident in 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.

    Apply

    Childcare Apprenticeship employer: Childbase Partnership

    At Childbase Partnership, we pride ourselves on being a 100% employee-owned organisation, where every colleague has a meaningful voice and shares in our success. Our nurturing work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering apprentices the chance to gain valuable experience while working towards recognised qualifications in a supportive environment. Located in Winchester, our commitment to excellence in childcare is matched by our dedication to employee well-being, with generous benefits including competitive salaries, discounts for families, and comprehensive support for mental health and development.
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    Contact Detail:

    Childbase Partnership Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Childcare Apprenticeship

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with Childbase Partnership's core 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 discussions or interviews.

    ✨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 when preparing for your application.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss your experiences with teamwork and nurturing roles. Since the role requires working closely with children and colleagues, having specific examples ready will demonstrate your suitability for the position.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Show your enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development. Childbase Partnership values growth, so expressing your eagerness to learn and improve will resonate well with their 'careers not jobs' approach.

    We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Apprenticeship

    Nurturing and Caring Attitude
    Interest in Child Development
    Positive Role Modelling
    Teamwork and Collaboration
    Time Management
    Communication Skills
    Adaptability
    Observation Skills
    Understanding of Early Years Curriculum
    Ability to Follow Policies and Procedures
    Commitment to Continuous Learning
    Basic IT Skills for Coursework Submission

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the responsibilities and qualities Childbase Partnership is looking for in a candidate, such as nurturing, caring, and teamwork skills.

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience or skills related to childcare. Include any volunteer work, babysitting, or educational experiences that demonstrate your interest in child development and your ability to be a positive role model.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for childcare and aligns with the values of Childbase Partnership. Mention specific examples of how you embody their core values and how you can contribute to their mission of providing excellent care.

    Prepare for the Online Assessment: Since there will be an online initial assessment, ensure you have access to a computer and are comfortable with the format. Brush up on your maths and English skills, as these will be evaluated during the screening stage.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership

    ✨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 Questions About the Role

    Think of insightful questions to ask about the apprenticeship and the nursery environment. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you understand if the role is the right fit for you.

    ✨Understand Childbase Partnership's Values

    Familiarise yourself with the core values and mission of Childbase Partnership. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding nurturing and supporting children's growth.

    Childcare Apprenticeship
    Childbase Partnership
    Location: Winchester
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