At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with children through play, activities, and care routines while promoting their development.
- Company: Join a supportive team at CHRISTCHURCH PLAYGROUP, dedicated to early years education.
- Benefits: Enjoy holiday pay, a pension scheme, and receive branded clothing.
- Other info: Potential for career growth as an Early Years Practitioner after the apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun and learning.
- Qualifications: GCSE (grade 1) in Maths and a creative initiative.
The predicted salary is between 14700 - 14700 € per year.
You must be caring, enthusiastic, eager to learn new things, not afraid to get messy, and willing to sing with the children (even if you can’t sing – we can’t!). A passion for working in early years is essential. We offer a supportive team and encourage further professional development. We welcome informal visits.
Responsibilities:
- Helping set up and tidy up
- Play and interact with the children
- Help prepare snack
- Plan activities for the children 1–2 times a week
Training and Development:
- Support babies and young children through a range of transitions and significant events, such as moving onto school, moving house or the birth of a sibling
- Recognise when a child is in danger, at risk of serious harm or abuse and explain the procedures to be followed to protect them (domestic, neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse)
- Identify risks and hazards in the provision and during off‑site visits, and follow reporting procedures
- Use prevention and control of infection techniques for hand washing and food preparation and hygiene, deal with spillages safely, and safely dispose of waste, using correct personal protective equipment
- Use equipment, furniture and materials safely and securely, following the manufacturers’ instructions and provision’s requirements
- Encourage children to be aware of personal safety and develop personal hygiene practices (including oral hygiene)
- Promote health and wellbeing by encouraging healthy, balanced and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks and physical activity, both indoors and outdoors
- Carry out respectful care routines appropriate to the child's development, stage and needs (eating, feeding, nappy changing, toilet training, care of skin, teeth and hair, and rest and sleep provision)
- Communicate with all children, including those with English as an additional language and those with additional needs, using verbal and non‑verbal methods
- Extend children’s development and learning through verbal and non‑verbal communication, encouraging a range of communication methods
- Use a range of appropriate communication methods to share information with children, parents or carers and other professionals
- Work with colleagues to identify and plan educational programmes that support children’s holistic development through play, creativity, social development and learning
- Implement and review activities that support children’s play, creativity, social development and learning and clear up after activities
- Observe children, assess, plan and record outcomes, and share results accurately and confidentially in line with statutory and provision requirements
- Use learning activities to support early language development, writing, reading and mathematical learning including numbers, patterns, counting and matching
- Support the graduated approach for assessment, planning, implementation and reviewing each baby’s and young child’s individual plan for care and participation
- Use feedback and mentoring or supervision to identify and support areas for development, goals and career opportunities
- Work cooperatively with colleagues, other professionals and agencies to meet the needs of babies and children and enable them to progress
- Work alongside parents or carers and recognise their role in a child’s health, well‑being, learning and development, encouraging them to take an active role in care, play and learning
- Demonstrate how to share information with parents or carers about healthy, balanced and nutritious diets, teeth care and physical activity
Requirements:
- GCSE (grade 1) in Maths
Skills:
- Creative
- Initiative
About the Employer:
We are a term time only, pack‑away setting providing early years care and education for children aged 2–4 years old. We provide T‑Shirts and a fleece or coat with logo. We have a pension scheme. As a term time only setting we do not have holiday, but you receive holiday pay within your annual salary.
After this Apprenticeship:
Early Years Practitioner if the numbers of children allow. Initially a fixed‑term contract for 2 years, with the potential of extension depending on the needs of the setting.
Location:
CHRISTCHURCH HALL, MALVERN ROAD, CHELTENHAM, GL50 2JH
Contact:
GLOUCESTERSHIRE COLLEGE 0345 155 2020
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000030876.
Apprentice Early Years Practitioner at CHRISTCHURCH PLAYGROUP in Cheltenham employer: Gloucestershire College
At Christchurch Playgroup, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a nurturing and supportive environment for our team. Our term-time only setting allows for a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow in your career as an Early Years Practitioner. With a focus on creativity and collaboration, we encourage our staff to engage fully with the children and their families, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Early Years Practitioner at CHRISTCHURCH PLAYGROUP in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the playgroup! Before your interview, pop in for an informal visit. This shows your enthusiasm and gives you a chance to see the environment where you'll be working. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with the team!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for early years! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in the past. Whether it's through play, storytelling, or even messy activities, let them see your creative side!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Since you'll be working with kids and their families, practice explaining things simply and clearly. Maybe even throw in a fun song or two – they’ll love it, even if you think you can’t sing!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about their approach to child development and how they support staff training. It’s a two-way street, and we want to make sure it’s the right fit for both of us!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Early Years Practitioner at CHRISTCHURCH PLAYGROUP in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children! Share any experiences you have, whether it's babysitting, volunteering, or just playing with younger siblings. We want to know why you’re excited about this role!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. If you love to sing (even if it’s not your strong suit), mention it! We appreciate authenticity and want to get to know the real you.
Highlight Your Skills:Make sure to point out any relevant skills you have, like creativity or initiative. Think about how these can help you in the role of an Early Years Practitioner. We’re looking for someone who can bring fun and learning together!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire College
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young children during the interview. Share any relevant experiences, even if they are informal, like babysitting or volunteering. This will show that you genuinely care about their development and well-being.
✨Be Ready to Get Messy!
Since the role involves play and creativity, be prepared to discuss how you would engage children in fun, messy activities. Think of examples where you've encouraged creativity or learning through play, and don’t shy away from sharing your own playful side!
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice explaining how you would interact with children, parents, and colleagues. Use simple language and be ready to demonstrate your understanding of non-verbal communication methods, especially for children with additional needs.
✨Know Your Safety Procedures
Familiarise yourself with basic child safety protocols and hygiene practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle situations involving risk or harm, and show that you understand the importance of keeping children safe and healthy in a playful environment.
