At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 0-5 in play and learning activities while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Fennies Nurseries, dedicated to exceptional childcare and supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Earn up to £27,262, enjoy bonuses, flexible working, and free meals.
- Other info: Structured apprenticeship with mentoring, regular coaching, and opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Start your career in childcare while earning a qualification and making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with children; Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27185 - 29000 £ per year.
Early Years Apprenticeship Scheme – at any of our Fennies Nurseries
Salary: Up to £27,262 per year
Bonus: Potential to earn a further £1,000 in bonus
4‑day or 5‑day working week available
Start your career in early years while gaining a recognised qualification. At Fennies, we believe great childcare starts with great people. You don’t need previous nursery experience to join us – just a genuine passion for working with children and a willingness to learn.
As an Early Years Apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, gaining hands‑on experience in a nursery while working towards your Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification with a leading training provider.
- Competitive salary and bonus
- Up to £26,190 annual salary
- Performance‑related bonuses up to £1,000
- Work‑life balance
- Choice of a 4‑day or 5‑day working week
- 20 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year of service (up to 25) plus bank holidays
- Free daily meals from the Fennies Café
- Summer BBQs, Christmas events, company celebrations and Apprentice Week events
- Recognition and reward through the Fennies Club long service awards
- Work towards the Level 2 or 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification
- Structured apprenticeship programme (typically 12 months)
- Dedicated trainer with regular coaching and check‑ins
- Blended learning, including on‑the‑job training, workshops and online sessions
- Support to progress to Level 3 Early Years Educator
- Personalised development plans, mentoring and support
About the Role
As an Early Years Apprentice, you’ll work as part of a supportive team while learning the skills needed to become a qualified early years professional. You will:
- Support children aged 0‑5 during play, learning activities and daily routines
- Help create experiences that encourage curiosity and development
- Work alongside experienced educators to keep the nursery safe, organised and welcoming
- Build warm relationships with children and their families
- Support children’s confidence, independence and wellbeing
- Learn how to observe children’s development and contribute to their learning journeys
You’ll gain real experience every day, helping children grow through play, exploration and meaningful interactions.
Your Apprenticeship journey with Fennies
This is a structured training programme designed to set you up for long‑term success in early years. During your apprenticeship, you will:
- Learn essential skills in child development, safeguarding and early years practice
- Complete off‑the‑job training (around 6 hours per week) alongside your role
- Build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your progress
- Receive regular support from your trainer and Nursery mentor
- Complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) to achieve your qualification
Upon completion, you’ll be a qualified Early Years Practitioner with opportunities to progress at Fennies or the wider early years sector.
What we’re looking for:
- Friendly, patient and caring
- Interested in working with children
- A positive team player who enjoys working with others
- Reliable and motivated to learn new skills
- Ideally you will have Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or a willingness to work towards them.
Most importantly, you bring enthusiasm, curiosity and a desire to build a meaningful career.
Who is this role perfect for:
- Starting your career after school or college
- Want to earn while gaining a qualification
- Looking to start a meaningful career
- Have experience in care roles and enjoy working with people
- Have worked as a teaching assistant, nanny or babysitter
- Looking for a career change into childcare/education
- Want a role where every day is active, rewarding and different
- Want to join a company that is committed to building exceptional places to work.
Safeguarding
Fennies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of identity. In line with Safer Recruitment guidance, online searches (including social media) may be conducted for shortlisted candidates.
At Fennies, we celebrate diversity and believe inclusive teams create stronger learning environments for children. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
Nursery Apprentice in Walton-on-Thames employer: Fennies Day Nurseries
Fennies Nurseries is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees through a structured Early Years Apprenticeship Scheme. With competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and a supportive work culture, apprentices benefit from hands-on experience, dedicated mentorship, and opportunities for progression within the early years sector. Located in a nurturing environment, Fennies fosters a sense of community with regular team events and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about childcare to start their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Apprentice in Walton-on-Thames
✨Get Hands-On at Local Gardens
Dive into your local horticulture scene! Volunteer at community gardens or local parks to gain practical experience and meet professionals in the field. This not only builds your skills but also expands your network, making you more visible to potential employers like Fennies Day Nurseries.
✨Join Horticulture Societies
Research and join horticulture societies and clubs in your area. These groups often host workshops, events, and networking opportunities that can connect you directly with companies looking for apprentices, like Fennies Day Nurseries. Plus, you'll get to learn from seasoned pros in a relaxed environment.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb Online
Create a garden blog or an Instagram account to share your horticulture journey. Post about plants you’re working with, gardening tips, or even your experiences at local events. This will not only showcase your passion but also draw attention from potential employers, including Fennies Day Nurseries.
✨Apply Early and Keep It Local
Apprenticeships in horticulture can fill up fast, especially in peak seasons. Make sure to check for openings on our website regularly, and consider walking into garden centres or nurseries to inquire about opportunities directly. A friendly chat can sometimes go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Apprentice in Walton-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, we like to see your passion for plants and the outdoors. Whether it’s a garden project or a few houseplants you’ve nurtured, include any practical experience and why it inspires you in your application. It’s all about demonstrating your love for the industry!
Highlight Your Learning Potential:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to know how eager you are to learn and grow. In your cover letter, make sure to discuss what you hope to gain from this role and how it fits into your career goals in horticulture. Show us your enthusiasm for lifelong learning!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to gardening, horticulture, or environmental studies, throw them into your application mix! These little nuggets help us see that you’ve got a solid foundation and commitment to the field, making you a more appealing candidate.
Keep It Personal and Passionate:When applying, remember to speak from the heart. Share personal stories or experiences related to horticulture that shaped your interest. We love seeing authentic passion, so let it shine through in your writing. And hey, don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fennies Day Nurseries
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Make sure to brush up on your plant knowledge! During the interview, we might get into some technical questions about plant care, soil types, or pest management. Have some examples ready from your gardening experience or coursework that show how you’ve dealt with various horticultural challenges.
✨Bring Your Own Garden Portfolio
Since this is an apprenticeship, showcasing your passion can really set you apart. Create a small portfolio with pictures of your gardening projects, plants you've nurtured, or any relevant coursework. This hands-on evidence of your enthusiasm will definitely impress the folks at Fennies Day Nurseries.
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Familiarise yourself with the tools and techniques used in horticulture. Whether it's knowing how to use a spade correctly or understanding the basics of propagation, don’t be afraid to mention any specific tools you've used in the past. This will show that you're not just book-smart but also hands-on ready for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is just as important as your current knowledge. We need to convey your motivation during the interview, so reflect on what excites you about horticulture and how you're keen to grow (pun intended!) in this role at Fennies Day Nurseries. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
