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Childbase Partnership

Childcare Apprenticeship

Orpington Apprenticeship No home office possible

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.
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.
Other info: Apprenticeship starts July 2025; gain qualifications and a permanent role upon completion.

Job Introduction

Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.

Role: Early Years Apprentice.
Location: Brinds Well Day Nursery | Orpington | BR6 7PH.
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 enjoying competitive salaries, generous leave, and well-being support. Join us at our Brinds Well Day Nursery in Orpington, where you can make a lasting impact on children's lives while being part of a community dedicated to excellence and sustainability.

Contact Detail:

Childbase Partnership Recruiting Team

View Childbase Partnership Profile

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 responses during any interviews or discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your passion for child development by engaging in relevant activities or volunteering experiences. This will not only enhance your understanding but also provide you with real-life examples to discuss when you meet the team.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of Childbase Partnership. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the nursery environment. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out as a proactive candidate.

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

Empathy and Compassion

Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Childcare Apprenticeship. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with what they are looking for.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the role. Emphasise any previous work with children, teamwork, and your nurturing qualities. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for childcare and your desire to contribute positively to the nursery environment. Mention specific examples of how you embody the qualities they seek, such as being nurturing and a positive role model.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and complete. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

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 through volunteering or personal interactions, to demonstrate your nurturing nature.

✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions

Since the role involves working as part of a team, be ready to discuss your experiences in collaborative environments. Think of examples where you contributed positively to a group and how you supported others.

✨Understand Their Values

Familiarise yourself with Childbase Partnership's core values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding creating a positive impact in local communities.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you understand more about the nursery's environment and expectations.

Childcare Apprenticeship

Childbase Partnership

Location: Orpington

Childcare Apprenticeship

At a Glance

Childcare Apprenticeship employer: Childbase Partnership

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

✨Tip Number 1

✨Tip Number 2

✨Tip Number 3

✨Tip Number 4

We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Apprenticeship

Some tips for your application 🫡

How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership

Childcare Apprenticeship

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