Early Years Practitioner Apprentice at Aspire Foundation in Cheltenham
Early Years Practitioner Apprentice at Aspire Foundation

Early Years Practitioner Apprentice at Aspire Foundation in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Apprenticeship 800 - 1000 £ / month (est.) No home office possible
Gloucestershire College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children's learning through play-based activities in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: Aspire Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and professional training.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable skills.
  • Qualifications: GCSE in Maths (grade 1) and a creative mindset.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 £ per month.

Apprentices play a valuable role within our nurseries and work as part of the EY team, to support children’s learning and development through a range of play‑based activities and experiences within an enabling learning environment.

Wage: £14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age

  • 18‑20‑year‑olds = £13,365 Yr 1
  • Yr 2 £16,550
  • 21 yrs + = £20,200

Hours: 08:30 am – 16:30 pm Monday to Thursday; finishing at 16:00 pm on Fridays. Term time only. 37 hours a week

Duration: 1 year 6 months

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

What you’ll do at work:

  • Work directly with children alongside EY staff to deliver high‑quality early years education and care.
  • Assist with completion of records, observations and assessments.
  • Assist planning of activities and experiences for children.
  • Build effective relationships with children, parents and staff.
  • Ensure children's individual needs are met.
  • Understand and follow the setting’s policies and procedures.
  • Prepare and maintain learning environment and resources.
  • Complete all apprenticeship modules, with expectation of completion by agreed timeframe.
  • Be proactive and demonstrate commitment to CPD.
  • Liaise regularly with mentor.

Where you’ll work: GARDNERS LANE CHILDREN CENTRE, GARDNERS LANE, CHELTENHAM, GL51 9JW

Training: Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Support babies and young children through a range of transitions and significant events. Recognise when a child is in danger, at risk of serious harm or abuse and explain the procedures to be followed to protect them. Identify risks and hazards in the provision and during off‑site visits relating to both children and staff and visitors and follow reporting procedures.

Use prevention and control of infection techniques for hand washing and food preparation and hygiene, deal with spillages safely, safe disposal 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 the safety of others and develop personal hygiene practices (including oral hygiene). Promote health and wellbeing in the provision by encouraging babies and young children to consume healthy, balanced and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks appropriate for their age and be physically active through planned and spontaneous activity throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.

Carry out respectful care routines appropriate to the development, stage, dignity and needs of the child, including eating (feeding and weaning or complementary feeding), nappy changing procedures, potty or toilet training, care of skin, teeth and hair and rest and sleep provision.

Communicate with all children, including those for whom English is an additional language and those with additional needs, in ways that will be understood. This includes verbal and non‑verbal communication. Extend children’s development and learning through verbal and non‑verbal communication. Encourage babies and young children to use 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 to support children’s holistic development through a range of play, creativity, social development and learning. Implement and review activities to support children’s play, creativity, social development and learning and clear up after activities.

Observe children, assess, plan and record the outcomes, share results accurately and confidentially in line with expected statutory and the provision’s requirements. Use learning activities to support early language development. Support children’s early interest and development in mark making, writing, reading and being read to. Support children’s interest and development in mathematical learning including numbers, number patterns, counting, sorting and matching.

Support the graduated approach for the assessment, planning, implementation and reviewing of each baby’s and young child’s individual plan for their care and participation. Work in ways that value and respect the developmental needs and stages of babies and children. Use feedback and mentoring or supervision to identify and support areas for development, goals and career opportunities.

Work co‑operatively with colleagues, other professionals and agencies to meet the needs of babies and young children and enable them to progress. Work alongside parents or carers and recognise their role in the baby or child’s health, well‑being, learning and development. Encourage parents or carers to take an active role in the baby or child’s care, play, learning and development.

Demonstrate how to share information with parents or carers about the importance of healthy, balanced and nutritious diets for their child, looking after teeth and being physically active.

More training information: Early Years Practitioner Level 2.

Requirements: GCSE in Maths (grade 1)

Skills: Creative, Initiative

About this employer: Aspire Foundation is a registered charity founded to support children and families to ‘Aspire and Achieve’. We have delivered successful, high‑quality early intervention services and educational programmes to families with young children for over 20 years. These include family support services, children’s centres, primary schools and early years settings. We provide early education across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, with children’s wellbeing at the heart of our provision.

Contact: GLOUCESTERSHIRE COLLEGE, 0345 155 2020

Early Years Practitioner Apprentice at Aspire Foundation in Cheltenham employer: Gloucestershire College

Aspire Foundation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to nurturing the next generation while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from hands-on experience in early years education, alongside comprehensive training opportunities that empower them to grow in their careers. Located in Cheltenham, our commitment to children's wellbeing and community engagement makes working here both meaningful and rewarding.
Gloucestershire College

Contact Detail:

Gloucestershire College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner Apprentice at Aspire Foundation in Cheltenham

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the Aspire Foundation and their values. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about supporting children and families. Research their programmes and be ready to chat about how you can contribute!

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll need to connect with kids, parents, and staff. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence and showcase your ability to engage effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with children. Whether it’s babysitting, volunteering, or any relevant activities, share specific examples of how you’ve supported children’s learning and development. This will help you stand out as a proactive candidate!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner Apprentice at Aspire Foundation in Cheltenham

Child Development Knowledge
Observation Skills
Record Keeping
Activity Planning
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Health and Safety Awareness
Risk Assessment
Personal Hygiene Practices
Creative Play Facilitation
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
CPD Commitment
Understanding of Policies and Procedures

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Early Years Practitioner role. Highlight any relevant experience you have with children, as this will show us you're a great fit for the team!

Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your written application. We want to see your genuine interest in early years education and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment for kids.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications and motivations without getting lost in complicated wording.

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 the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire College

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Early Years Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as supporting children's learning and development through play-based activities. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.

✨Show Your Passion for Childcare

During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's babysitting, volunteering, or previous work in childcare. Highlight how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment that supports children's growth and wellbeing.

✨Prepare Questions

Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the nursery's approach to early years education or how they support staff development. Asking questions shows that you're engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you valuable insights into the workplace.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

As an Early Years Practitioner, effective communication is key. During the interview, practice clear and confident communication. You might even want to demonstrate how you would interact with children or parents. This will showcase your ability to connect with others and your understanding of the importance of communication in childcare.

Early Years Practitioner Apprentice at Aspire Foundation in Cheltenham
Gloucestershire College
Location: Cheltenham

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