At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's development through play-based learning in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join a family-run nursery with 25 years of experience and a nurturing culture.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, enjoy competitive salary, discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining a Level 3 qualification.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; passion for early years education essential.
The predicted salary is between 16640 - 26104 € per year.
Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship (Full-Time 40 hours per week, all year round)
We Are Recruiting: Do you aspire to be a dedicated and passionate early years educator? Join our well-established team in High Wycombe (Handy Cross) and be part of a nurturing environment where you can truly make a difference in children’s lives and develop your career in early years.
Position: Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: 18-month apprenticeship contract with potentially a permanent contract once qualified.
Unqualified Apprentice Salary working towards a Level 3: £16,640
Salary Increase after 12 months: National Minimum Wage until qualification is achieved, at which point you will move on to our pay scales for qualification level.
Qualified Level 2 Apprentice Salary working towards a Level 3: £26,104
Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 6.30 pm
Why Choose Our Apprenticeship Programme?
- As an Apprentice Early Years Educator, you’ll be part of a close-knit, passionate team that’s committed to making a difference in children’s lives.
- This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining valuable experience working hands‑on in a vibrant nursery environment while gaining a nationally recognised Early Years Level 3 qualification.
About Our Nursery
We are a family‑run business with 25 years of experience and eight beautiful nurseries across Buckinghamshire and West London. Our High Wycombe setting is especially close to our hearts – a truly unique nursery nestled in the heart of the community. Celebrating its 6th birthday in 2025, the nursery was lovingly transformed into a vibrant early year setting by our founders, Olivia and Tim. Thoughtfully designed with stunning rooms, exceptional resources, and exciting outdoor gardens, the nursery is a place where curiosity, creativity, and joy come to life. The ongoing development of the nursery is a priority, with generous budgets for resources, enrichment activities, and creative projects which our dedicated maintenance team work closely with the nursery staff to bring inspiring ideas to life for the children.
What can we offer you?
- A competitive salary
- Workplace pension
- Employee Assistance Programme – available from your first day of employment
- Birthday/Wellbeing Day as an annual gift
- Bupa health care package
- Mental health first aiders at nursery to offer support when needed
- 50% discounted childcare fees
- Retail discounts
- FREE Monthly Staff Prize Draw
- FREE welcome goodie bag, uniform, snacks, drinks and personal care items whilst at work
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth including 5 paid training days per year, access to extensive online and face to face CPD
- Referral bonus when you recommend a staff member or a family to the nursery
- Team wellbeing and celebration budget to enable regular events, celebrations, annual awards day, summer and Christmas party and treats at nursery.
What we are looking for:
We’re looking for a special individual who has a genuine passion for working with children and is committed to building a rewarding career in early years education. A great sense of humour is essential, along with a team player mindset, flexibility, and resilience. If you can bring fun, laughter, warmth, and a heartfelt enthusiasm for early childhood development to our children, families, and team — we’d love to hear from you.
You will also need:
- GCSE Grade C / 4 (or Functional Skills Level 2) in English
- GCSE Grade C / 4 (or Functional Skills Level 2) Maths (if under 19 years)
- Have lived in the UK for the past three years / right to work
Your Role as an Apprentice Educator
With full support from your assessor, mentor, and the wider nursery team, you’ll:
- Work alongside qualified educators to deliver high-quality, child-focused care and education
- Support individual development needs through play‑based learning
- Help create a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment
- Build strong relationships with children, parents, and your team
Apply Now! Join our award-winning, family-run nursery group at our beautiful High Wycombe setting. Be part of a passionate team that’s making a real difference in children’s lives every day. We can’t wait to hear from you!
We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well‑being of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This is in line with updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 Guidance. Safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfill their responsibilities. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a Disclosure Barring Scheme check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Nursery - Early Years Level 3 Apprenticeship in High Wycombe employer: Escrick Preschool
Join our award-winning, family-run nursery in High Wycombe, where you will be part of a nurturing team dedicated to making a real difference in children's lives. We offer a supportive work culture with generous training opportunities, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits including discounted childcare fees and a comprehensive health care package. With a focus on personal and professional growth, our vibrant environment is designed to inspire creativity and joy in both our staff and the children we care for.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery - Early Years Level 3 Apprenticeship in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or check out their social media. This way, you can drop in some personal touches during your chat, showing you’re genuinely interested in their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions like your passion for early years education and how you’d handle different situations with kids. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your personality! Don’t just stick to the script; let your enthusiasm for working with children come through. Share stories or experiences that highlight your love for early childhood development – it’ll make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows you’re keen and appreciative of the opportunity. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery - Early Years Level 3 Apprenticeship in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about early years education and are excited about making a difference in children's lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific qualities and skills we’re looking for. Highlight any relevant experience or qualifications that align with our nursery's values and mission.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing! A great sense of humour and a warm, friendly tone can really help us get to know you better and see if you’d fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so we can start reviewing it right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Escrick Preschool
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Early Years Educator. Familiarise yourself with key concepts in child development and play-based learning. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine passion for working with children.
✨Show Your Personality
Bring your sense of humour and warmth to the interview! The nursery is looking for someone who can connect with children and families. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your ability to engage with kids and create a fun, nurturing environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to early years education and the nursery's values. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is essential in this role, be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in the past. Highlight any experiences where you supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team atmosphere, as this aligns with the nursery's values.
