At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a fun, nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Finkley Nurseries, part of the innovative Attraction Nurseries family.
- Benefits: Earn up to £13.01 per hour, enjoy 6 weeks holiday, and receive a £100 welcome bonus.
- Other info: Clear career progression from Apprentice to Nursery Manager with ongoing support.
- Why this job: Gain a recognised qualification while making a real impact on children's lives.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for childcare and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
Join the Finkley Nurseries Team as an Apprentice Nursery Practitioner.
Location: Salisbury – Hudson's Field
Hours: Full Time option of 38 or 40 hours per week over 4 or 5 days
Salary: Up to £13.01 per hour dependent on experience and qualification
About Us (Why This Role is Different)
Finkley Nurseries is part of the Attraction Nurseries family, a fast‑growing group redefining early years education. The Setting Our Salisbury setting is truly unique:
- Trips out on our very own Bertie Bus
- Outdoor learning, real experiences, real impact
In short: we create childhoods full of adventure, not just childcare. Our ethos says it all: Happy Children. Happy Parents. Happy Staff.
The Benefits (The Stuff That Matters)
- Badge scheme — earn an additional +30p per hour through WOW moments, planning & checklists
- Up to 6 weeks holiday + birthday
- Volunteer day — support a charity of your choice
- 50% childcare discount
- Wellbeing support (Health Assured & attendance rewards)
- 100+ training courses & SENCO
- £100 welcome bonus for resources
- Free uniform & DBS
- Referral bonuses up to £750
- Free family access to Finkley Down Farm & Solstice Play
The Role (What You’ll Actually Be Doing)
We’re looking for an enthusiastic Early Years Apprentice to start their career in childcare and support children’s learning and development in a fun, nurturing environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, gain a recognised qualification, and build a long‑term career in Early Years. You’ll be supported every step of the way by an experienced team while developing your skills and confidence.
Responsibilities
- Supporting Children’s Learning & Development
- Support the delivery of EYFS through play‑based learning and activities
- Observe and interact with children to support their development
- Assist with recording observations and next steps (with support)
- Help care for children’s daily needs (mealtimes, toileting, hygiene)
- Promote inclusive practice and support children with additional needs
- Safeguarding & Welfare
- Help maintain a safe and secure environment at all times
- Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately
- Learn the importance of confidentiality and data protection
- Take part in safeguarding training and development
- Environment & Daily Routine
- Help prepare and maintain clean, safe, and engaging environments
- Support the setup of activities and daily routines
- Assist with tasks such as meal prep, cleaning, and tidying
- Carry out basic health & safety checks with guidance
- Teamwork & Communication
- Work as part of a supportive team to keep the day running smoothly
- Learn from experienced colleagues and take on feedback
- Attend training, meetings, and nursery events
- Begin to communicate professionally with parents (with support)
- Health & Safety
- Follow all nursery health and safety procedures
- Maintain hygiene standards across all areas
- Learn emergency procedures (fire, lockdown, etc.)
- Report any concerns to the management team
- Your Development & Growth
- Work towards your Early Years qualification while gaining experience
- Take part in supervisions, reviews, and training sessions
- Be open to feedback and committed to learning
- Build confidence, skills, and independence in your role
What Makes This Role Amazing
- Earn while you learn
- Gain a recognised Early Years qualification
- Clear pathway into a permanent Practitioner role
- Ongoing support from a friendly, experienced team
- Start a long‑term, rewarding career in childcare
Why this role is awesome
- Real variety — from farm visits to outdoor learning and trips on the Bertie Bus
- Genuine impact — you’ll play a key role in children’s early development
- Supportive team culture — positive, collaborative, and people‑first
- Career growth — clear progression pathways and access to online courses
- Great tools & environment — modern systems and well‑resourced settings
Clear Career Progression
- Apprentice → Practitioner → Deputy Daily Lead → Daily Lead → Deputy Manager → Nursery Manager
- Pay increases linked to performance (WOW moments, planning quality, checklists)
- Funded qualifications and specialist training
- Leadership development opportunities
The Details
Location: Finkley Hudson's Field
Hours: 38 or 40 hours across 4 days
Salary: up to £13.01
All‑year round setting
Ready to Apply? We’re looking for someone ready to jump in, get involved, and make a difference from day one. If you’re looking for a role where:
- You’re valued
- You can grow
- You actually enjoy coming to work
Apply now and start your next adventure with Attraction Nurseries. Attraction Nurseries is an equal opportunities employer. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Apprentice Nursery Practitioner employer: Finkley Nurseries
Finkley Nurseries offers a vibrant and supportive work environment in Salisbury, where you can embark on a rewarding career as an Apprentice Nursery Practitioner. With a focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits including up to 6 weeks holiday, a childcare discount, and extensive training opportunities, we prioritise your growth and development while fostering a culture of happiness for children, parents, and staff alike. Join us to make a real impact in early years education and enjoy a fulfilling journey with a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Nursery Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Finkley Nurseries if you can. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and environment. This will help you connect better during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on common questions like how you’d support children’s learning or handle a tricky situation. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine in the real deal!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for early years education! During your interview, share any experiences you've had with kids, whether it's babysitting or volunteering. Let them see your enthusiasm for creating fun and engaging learning environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready about the nursery's approach or training opportunities. It shows you're keen and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Nursery Practitioner
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’re genuinely excited about the role and ready to make a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Mention specific examples of how you’ve supported children’s learning or worked in a team.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a well-structured application! Keep your sentences clear and to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team. Avoid jargon and focus on what matters.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Finkley Nurseries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Finkley Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and how it applies to play-based learning. Familiarise yourself with Finkley Nurseries' ethos of creating adventurous childhoods, as this will show your genuine interest in their approach.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's babysitting, volunteering, or even personal anecdotes that highlight your love for nurturing and supporting children's development.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the training opportunities available, how the team supports each other, or what a typical day looks like at Finkley Nurseries. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn more about the role.
✨Be Ready to Demonstrate Skills
You might be asked to demonstrate how you would handle certain situations with children. Think about scenarios related to care routines, promoting inclusivity, or engaging children in activities. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
