Early Years Educator Apprenticeship in Weymouth

Join Mama Bear's Day Nursery at our new Weymouth nursery at Coastland College! Earn while you learn, gaining hands‑on experience and a nationally recognised qualification in a supportive environment. Work alongside experienced professionals, develop essential skills, and grow your career within our expanding family of nurseries.

Apprenticeship Details

• Wage: £16,640 for the first year, with potential increases depending on your age.
• Course: Early Years Educator (Level 3).
• Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (shift options: 07:00 – 16:00 / 09:00 – 18:00).
• Duration: 1 year 6 months, commencing Tuesday 1 September 2026.
• Location: Cranford Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7LQ.

What You’ll Do

• Support the care, learning and development of children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Collaborate with experienced practitioners to plan and deliver engaging activities that promote children’s development.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues to create a welcoming and nurturing environment.
• Carry out observations and contribute to children’s learning journeys and next steps.
• Assist with the preparation, cleanliness and organisation of nursery environments and resources.
• Supervise children’s meals, routines and personal care while promoting independence and wellbeing.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, nursery events and parents’ evenings.
• Work towards becoming a key person for a small group of children when appropriate.
• Adhere to Mama Bear's policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality and confidentiality.

Training & Development

• Recognise when a child or colleague is at risk of abuse and act to protect them in line with safeguarding policy.
• Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the setting.
• Apply the principles of risk assessment and risk management within documentation and practice.
• Teach children to develop skills to manage risk and maintain their own and others’ safety.
• Use a range of communication methods, including technology, with other professionals to meet the individual needs of the child.
• Develop and maintain effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in children’s education and care.
• Undertake the role and responsibilities of key person.
• Apply theories of attachment to develop effective relationships with children.
• Provide sensitive and respectful personal care for children from birth to five years.
• Advocate for all children’s needs, including those requiring SEND or EAL support.
• Promote and facilitate children’s interpersonal communication to develop social interactions and relationships.
• Support children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture.
• Support children to understand and respond to their emotions and make considered choices about their behaviours.
• Assess the responsiveness of the environment for effective child‑centred experiences in line with curriculum requirements.
• Create inclusive, child‑centred, dynamic, innovative and evolving physical environments both indoors and outdoors.
• Create supportive emotional environments that enable children to feel safe, secure, respected and experience a sense of wellbeing, prioritising each child’s voice.
• Apply strategies that support children’s ability to manage change, transition and significant events.
• Analyse observation evidence to assess and plan holistic individual learning based on a comprehensive understanding of a child’s needs and interests.
• Facilitate and support child‑centred opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy.
• Provide adult‑led opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy.
• Use reflection to develop professionally and personally.

The apprentice will study the Early Years Educator Level 3 course within a 40‑hour week, dedicating 6 hours a week to in‑house study time to complete the qualification. The remainder of the time will be spent working as an Early Years Educator, gaining practical experience within a dedicated nursery.

Requirements

• GCSE Maths (Grade 4).
• Relevant qualifications and industry experience may be considered; the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect existing knowledge.

Skills Required

• Customer care skills.
• Initiative.

Other Requirements

• You must be prepared to commit to your work and training for the duration of the apprenticeship.
• You will be required to attend an interview and assessment at Coastland College to ensure you meet the requirements.
• If a suitable candidate is found prior to the advertised closing date, the posting may close earlier, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

About this Employer

Mama Bear's Day Nursery is an award‑winning, family‑run childcare provider with nurseries across the South West of England. Established in 2002, we are passionate about providing outstanding care and education for children from birth to five years. We pride ourselves on creating nurturing, stimulating environments where children can flourish and where staff feel valued, supported and encouraged to develop their careers. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long‑term health condition, including non‑visible disabilities and conditions. You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

EEO Statement

Mama Bear's Day Nursery is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.

Apply now – this apprenticeship will close on the date above.