apprentice nursery practitioner in Leeds

Apprentice Nursery Practitioner (Level 2/3)

We are recruiting for an apprentice nursery practitioner who will work towards the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship standard. This role offers the opportunity to develop professional skills while caring for babies and young children.

Responsibilities

• Support babies and young children through transitions and significant events (e.g., moving onto school, moving house, or the birth of a sibling).
• Recognise when a child is in danger or at risk of serious harm or abuse and explain the procedures to protect them (domestic, neglect, physical, emotional, sexual abuse).
• Identify risks and hazards in the provision and during off‑site visits, relating to both children and staff, and follow reporting procedures.
• Use infection control techniques for hand washing, food preparation and hygiene; deal with spillages safely and dispose of waste correctly using appropriate PPE.
• Use equipment, furniture and materials safely and securely, following manufacturers’ instructions and the provision’s requirements.
• Encourage children to be aware of personal safety, the safety of others and to develop personal hygiene practices (including oral hygiene).
• Promote health and well‑being by encouraging healthy, balanced and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks, and by ensuring children are physically active outdoors and indoors.
• Carry out respectful care routines appropriate to the child’s development, stage, dignity and needs – feeding/weaning, nappy changing, toilet training, skin care, teeth and hair care, rest and sleep.
• Communicate with all children, including those with English as an additional language and those with additional needs, in ways that will be understood (verbal and non‑verbal).
• 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 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 holistic development through play, creativity, social development and learning.
• Implement and review activities that support play, creativity, social development and learning, then clear up after activities.
• Observe children, assess, plan and record outcomes, and share results accurately and confidentially in line with statutory 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 assessing, planning, implementing and reviewing each child’s individual plan for care and participation.
• Work in ways that value and respect babies’ and children’s developmental needs and stages.
• Use feedback, 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, recognising their role in the child’s health, well‑being, learning and development.
• Encourage parents or carers to take an active role in the child’s care, play, learning and development.
• Demonstrate how to share information with parents or carers about healthy, balanced and nutritious diets, dental care and physical activity.

Apprentice Apprenticeship Highlights

• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification (competence to work with children and adults).
• Functional skills in maths and English (GCSE or equivalent, or optional training).
• Communication skills, initiative, patience, teamwork and awareness of safeguarding.

Benefits and Compensation

• Pay starting from £12.26 per hour (based on age and experience).
• Access to professional, accredited training and genuine career progression.
• Comprehensive pension scheme with employer contributions.
• 60 % discount on childcare across all our settings.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave.
• Rewards and recognition – discounts, buddy bonus scheme and cash rewards for referrals.
• Birthday leave and 24/7 health & wellbeing support.

Our apprentices work in a supportive environment where they build strong relationships with children, parents and colleagues while delivering EYFS‑aligned activities.