At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children's learning and development in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Spencer Nursery School, part of Hackbridge Primary School, committed to high-quality early education.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, funded training, and mentorship in a supportive team.
- Other info: Full-time apprenticeship with excellent growth opportunities in a diverse community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while kickstarting your career in education.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and maths; enthusiasm for childcare and education.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
Join us as a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice. Are you passionate about making a real difference to young children’s lives? Do you want to train and grow in a welcoming, ambitious setting where we nurture success? Spencer Nursery School, in federation with Hackbridge Primary School, is looking for an enthusiastic Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice to join our small, friendly team. We offer a two-year apprenticeship where you’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience working with children under five, supported by experienced mentors and funded training. This is an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in early years education in a busy, diverse community setting.
About Us
Spencer Nursery School is a local authority maintained nursery school federated with Hackbridge Primary School. We provide affordable, high‑quality childcare and early education for children aged 0-5. We are part of a larger school community (Hackbridge Primary has 781 pupils across Reception‑Year 6) and serve a diverse local area where many families speak additional languages (51 languages across the primary school). We are committed to inclusion and supporting all children, including those with SEND and English as an additional language, across our three school sites.
About The Role
As a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice you will:
- Work 36 hours per week (full time, 52 weeks) on a shift rota covering early or late shifts to provide consistent childcare and education throughout the day.
- Support children’s routines, learning and development through planned and child‑initiated activities, while promoting independence, positive behaviour and inclusion.
- Assist with personal care, mealtimes, indoor and outdoor play, and contribute to maintaining a safe, stimulating learning environment.
- Participate in observations, record children’s progress and — in the second year — act as a key person for a designated group, planning next steps in partnership with parents and the leadership team.
- Be supported by a mentor, receive Paediatric First Aid training, and have your apprenticeship training funded by the nursery.
This is a fixed‑term apprenticeship placement for 24 months designed to develop confident, professional early years practitioners. The nursery will support your learning, review coursework with the external training provider, and include you in regular supervision and appraisal processes.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is excited to pursue a career in education and childcare, showing enthusiasm, reliability and a positive, can‑do attitude.
- Has good communication skills and the ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
- Can use their initiative, work well within a team, and adapt to different areas and tasks across the nursery.
- Has at least 5 GCSEs (grades 9-4 / A*-C) or equivalent, including English and maths.
- Demonstrates sensitivity to children’s individual needs, inclusion and safeguarding, and is committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice (Fixed Term 24 Months) employer: Hackbridge Primary School
At Spencer Nursery School, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a nurturing and inclusive work environment. Our Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice role offers not only hands-on experience in early years education but also the opportunity to grow professionally with the support of experienced mentors and funded training. Located within a diverse community, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on children's lives while providing a collaborative and supportive atmosphere for our staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice (Fixed Term 24 Months)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the early years education field, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have a lead on an apprenticeship or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years education. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your enthusiasm! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight why you're excited about working with children and how you can contribute to our nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your application! A quick email thanking them for the opportunity and expressing your continued interest can set you apart from other candidates. It shows you're keen and proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice (Fixed Term 24 Months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for early years education right from the start! Share why you want to make a difference in young children's lives and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or in educational settings.
Be Yourself:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Authenticity goes a long way in showing us you’re the right fit for our friendly team.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackbridge Primary School
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice. Familiarise yourself with early years education principles, child development stages, and the importance of inclusion. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for making a difference in children's lives.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your excitement for working with children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your passion for education and childcare. Employers love to see genuine enthusiasm, so don’t hold back!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle specific situations with children. Think about examples from your past experiences or hypothetical situations where you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills, ability to promote positive behaviour, and commitment to inclusion.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about their approach to supporting apprentices, how they foster a nurturing environment, or what opportunities there are for professional development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
