At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver engaging activities for children aged 0-2 in a nurturing environment.
- Company: KidsStop Nursery, a charming 17th-century cottage nursery in Towcester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working days and opportunities for career progression available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in early years education.
- Qualifications: Passion for early years education and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1167 £ per month.
KidsStop Towcester Cottage Nursery provides a warm, homely environment designed to feel calm, natural, and nurturing. Our facilities include a courtyard, playground, and garden, enabling seamless free-flow play between indoor and outdoor spaces. At KidsStop, we are committed to delivering consistently high and professional standards of care and education, ensuring every child thrives socially, emotionally, and cognitively in preparation for school and beyond.
The Role
We are seeking an Apprentice Early Years Educator to join our team at our Cottage Nursery in Towcester, Northamptonshire. The position will be based in our Baby & Toddler Room working with children aged 0 – 2 years old.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver engaging child-initiated and adult-led activities based on children’s individual needs and interests.
- Provide high-quality care, including feeding, nappy changing, and supporting personal hygiene.
- Support children’s development in numeracy and language through play-based learning.
- Act as a Key Person, ensuring children feel safe and secure while observing, assessing, and planning for their individual learning and development.
- Work in partnership with colleagues, parents/carers, and external professionals to meet each child’s needs.
- Support children with additional needs through inclusive practice and strong knowledge of child development.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including registers, risk assessments, planning records, daily evaluations, fire drill logs, cleaning schedules, and food/allergen records.
- Ensure resources are prepared, maintained, and stored safely and appropriately each day.
- Contribute to maintaining stock levels of food, cleaning materials, and learning resources.
Qualifications & Skills
- Organised, proactive, and hardworking, with a genuine passion for early years education.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
- Ability to plan engaging, developmentally appropriate activities tailored to individual children.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Word, email, and WhatsApp, as some documentation is completed electronically.
- Ability to communicate clearly and relay information accurately and promptly.
Additional qualifications may be required and will be discussed with the KidsStop Manager. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is preferred.
Working Hours
8:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday, 50 weeks per year. Closed for two weeks over Christmas and New Year. Flexible or tailored working days may be considered upon request.
Holidays
20 days plus bank holidays. To be requested in advance and approved by the KidsStop Manager.
Salary
Up to £30,186.25 per annum | Up to £12.71 per hour (depending on age, experience, skill set, and agreed hours). Annual pay reviews are conducted to reflect cost of living increases and performance, at the discretion of the Nursery Manager.
Career Progression
KidsStop is a growing organisation committed to developing its team. Opportunities for progression into senior management roles may be available for candidates seeking greater responsibility and advancement.
Probation
The successful candidate will complete a six-month probationary period. Subject to satisfactory performance and feedback, a permanent position will be confirmed. Two satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check are required.
Training & Development
KidsStop is committed to continuous professional development. All essential childcare training, mandatory updates, and further professional development opportunities will be fully funded. Staff meetings are held after working hours (with advance notice), and attendance is required.
Benefits & Perks
We value our team and recognise their dedication through a range of benefits:
- Recruitment Referral Bonus Scheme
- High-quality branded uniform provided
- Company pension scheme
- Team social events and celebrations
- Opportunities to attend industry award ceremonies
- Employee of the Month recognition (including personalised award)
- Staff wellbeing basket within the setting
- Discounted childcare for employees
How to Apply
To apply, please email Nikki, KidsStop Manager, at: nikki@kidsstop.co.uk
Apprentice Early Years Educator – Towcester Cottage Nursery KidsStop Baby & Toddler Room employer: Kidsstop
Contact Detail:
Kidsstop Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Early Years Educator – Towcester Cottage Nursery KidsStop Baby & Toddler Room
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Visit KidsStop if you can, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you understand their vibe and show your genuine interest when you chat with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media. They can give you insider tips about what it’s really like working there and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to their mission of nurturing children. Have some examples ready that showcase your passion for early years education and your ability to connect with kids.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Early Years Educator – Towcester Cottage Nursery KidsStop Baby & Toddler Room
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about nurturing and supporting children's development.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific activities or experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage with children aged 0-2.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use simple language to convey your ideas effectively, as we appreciate straightforward communication. Remember, we’re looking for strong communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kidsstop
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with KidsStop's philosophy and approach to early years education. Understand their commitment to creating a nurturing environment and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to that ethos.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine passion for working with young children. Share specific examples from your experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for early years education and how you’ve engaged with children in the past.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to tackle practical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would plan activities for different age groups, handle challenging behaviours, or support children with additional needs. This will show your understanding of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional development, or how they measure success in child development. This shows your interest and engagement with the role.