Bright Little Stars - Level 2/3 Early Years Educator Apprentice

Location: EN5 5EB.

Employment type: Full time.

Employer: Bright Little Stars.

Hours: Option 1 – 40 hours, Mon-Fri, shifts rotating 8am-5pm or 9am-6pm; Option 2 – 30 hours, Mon-Fri, shifts set 9am-3:30pm for 1st year, then 2nd year will increase to 40 hours.

Responsibilities

• To assist in undertaking all base room activities alongside studying a relevant and recognised early years qualification.
• To follow and assist with all daily routines whilst under the constant supervision and guidance of your mentor and/or qualified practitioners.
• To be aware of the needs of children at all times, act professionally and within the Job Descriptions expectations.

Early Years

• Interacts with children, using appropriate language and open body language.
• Provides a friendly, caring and relaxing environment in order to encourage confidence, independence and help children to learn.
• Assists in maintaining a safe, clean and tidy nursery, ensures daily routines are adhered to.
• Assists in the completion of key person children’s development records where required.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures in relation to safeguarding of children.
• Reports any concerns about children to the room leader, mentor or Safeguarding Officer.

General

• Ensures that operational procedures are fully understood and consistently followed.
• Communicates effectively with parents and visitors where appropriate.
• Appropriately consoles children if they become upset, applying appropriate positive behaviour intervention techniques.
• Actively contributes as part of the team, attending team meetings and activities.

Self-Management

• Studies a recognised early years qualification within one of the Bright Little Stars authorised apprenticeship paths and is wholly committed to the training programme.
• Is mindful of personal safety and safety of colleagues.
• Acts professionally, follows all employee guidance as set out in the Trainee Apprenticeship Handbook.
• Attends training courses to further personal development and meet statutory guidelines.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience

Essential to role:

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Empathetic, caring and friendly.
• Enthusiastic, positive attitude.
• Committed to providing excellent care and education.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Is keen to learn and complete all course deadlines as requested.

Desirable to role:

• Experience of working with children under the age of 5 years old.

Benefits we offer

• High Apprentice Salaries Above Government (apprentice) Standard.
• Daily Hot Staff Lunches.
• Win BLS Bucks Rewards such as Virgin Experience Days.
• Wellness Programme.
• Job Opportunities after Completion of Apprenticeship.
• Paid Training Days.
• Work With Qualified Teachers.

An Early Years Apprenticeship at Bright Little Stars offers you the chance to gain a nationally recognised Level 2 or Level 3 qualification as well as providing you with hands on experience. You carry out a 5-week paid trial which decides what kind of learner you are, then we match your unique learner needs to one of our Apprentice providers.

Training Information

Over the course of 15 – 18 months (dependent upon the level of course an apprentice is being enrolled onto), you will study units such as health & safety in a childcare setting, holistic child development, safeguarding in a childcare setting, child development, communication with children, purposeful play and educational programmes, supporting children with special educational needs, collaborative working in early years childcare, wellbeing principles for children and at higher levels, child protection, data, supporting key life transitions and behaviour management (these modules may differ). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will achieve a Level 2 or 3 qualification and a TQUK Diploma in Early Years.

We and our employer partners are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, so a DBS check will be required for this role. To make you aware, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as “spent” must be declared, and you will be asked about these during the recruitment process. If you do not hold GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent), these will be delivered alongside the apprenticeship programme.

Our delivery of training is through blended learning. Supported by one of our sector specialist tutors, they will deliver teaching sessions using various methods including face to face teaching, Skype, Facetime, telephone and peer virtual classroom whilst using our interactive multi-sensory teaching resources. Teaching sessions are normally bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the learner’s preferred learning style. Additionally, the tutor will provide the support required to ensure the learner enjoys and ultimately successfully achieves their goals and completes their training. We want learners to feel that our team are approachable at any stage of their learning journey.

You will initially take an online assessment that will help us to understand your learning style and needs, then we will tailor your learning experience accordingly. We ensure that you stay on track to complete your programme on time by managing your expectations through our state-of-the-art e-portfolio system. At the end of your programme, your learnt knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed by an independent assessor in your end point assessment (EPA). As part of the apprenticeship, alongside your job role, 20% of your time in work must be dedicated to developing new skills. This can be any time devoted to learning and improving new skills without interruption.