Early Years Apprentice - Reading

Welcome to the heart of Kido, where passion, ambition, and people are at the core of everything we do! As an Apprentice you’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience within the nursery while working towards a sought‑after early years qualification. Our Level 3 course takes approximately 2 years to complete, but offers you advancement to Level 2 sign off as soon as you’re ready. The apprenticeship is designed to be work‑based, with dedicated time allocated to support you with relevant learning and study to gain your qualification.

We are looking for an Early Years Apprentice to join our team at Kido Reading Nursery & Preschool, RG30 2AY.

What we’re looking for:

• For the Level 3 Apprentice role you do not need any existing qualifications, but must have genuine passion for Early Years and Childcare and be hardworking and keen to learn.
• You must have some evidence of experience with children, ideally in a nursery setting.
• You must have the right to work in the UK and must hold UK residency for the past 3 years or more.
• Maths and English GCSE is desirable; if you do not have these you will complete a Level 2 Maths and English Functional Skills test to show competence in these areas.
• To be accepted initially, current equivalent of Level 1 Maths and English is required.
• Your values will align with our 3 core values – Listen, Learn and Lead.

If shortlisted you’ll be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions prior to interview, in line with our Safer Recruitment process. We will also process an Enhanced DBS Criminal Record check for anyone who joins the team. Unfortunately, we are not able to support Sponsorship Application at this time.

What’s next?

If you’re ready to seize the opportunity to join the Kido team and build a fulfilling career, apply today and we’ll be in touch. You can expect an initial phone call with one of our Talent Partners who will take you through the next stages. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us via careers@kido.school.

Benefits:

The Early Years Apprentice role offers a salary for L2 Apprenticeship of £18,200 for full time, 40 hours per week. Once qualified salary increase to £26,000 (12.50%).

The Early Years Apprentice role offers a salary for L3 Apprenticeship of £19,240 for full time, 40 hours per week. A pay increase when you achieve Level 2 competency sign off bringing your salary up to £21,320 (10.25%). Usually achievable within your first 2 months of employment. In the second year of your apprenticeship, you will receive a big pay uplift to the minimum wage for age. Once you complete your qualification your salary will increase to at least £26,499 (12.74%) and you will be eligible for your qualification bonus of £500 paid in 2 instalments.

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising year on year to 30 days after 5 years service.

Your birthday off.

100% free childcare at Kido (subject to available spaces & T&C’s).

£1000 refer a friend bonus.

Enhanced sick pay.

Annual performance‑related pay increases.

Brilliant career progression opportunities.

Company awards, celebrations and team social events.

Access to a healthcare cash plan.

Early access to pay through the Hastee app.

Perkbox discounts and savings on thousands of retailers.

Your wellbeing matters – we provide a confidential employee assistance programme and access to our wellness hub.

Cycle to work scheme.

Safer Recruitment:

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self‑disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

Kido is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. Kido will ensure that our recruitment procedures meet the standards set out in our safer recruitment policy (available upon request) and our selection criteria prevents unsuitable people from gaining access to children. As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care, successful candidates are expected to undergo pre‑employment checks including an enhanced DBS and barred lists check.