At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's development and provide high-quality care in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Leeds City Council's Little Owls nurseries, committed to community-focused childcare.
- Benefits: Gain practical experience, earn a Level 2 qualification, and secure an interview for a permanent role.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with opportunities for further training and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while kickstarting your career in early years education.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths (grades 9-4) required; passion for childcare essential.
The predicted salary is between 13140 - 16060 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to support the provision of a stimulating and effective Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which will enhance children’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual development. To support the provision of high quality child care that meets the professional inspection standards.
About the Employer
Leeds City Council Children's Services Directorate operates 19 Little Owls nurseries across Leeds, offering both full-day care and term-time-only provision. The Council has been providing high-quality early years education and childcare for more than 20 years and is committed to apprenticeships as a key route into employment and career development. The entry-level role of Apprentice Childcare Assistant has been designed to provide applicants with the opportunity to gain practical experience of working in an early years setting while studying towards a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification. Throughout the apprenticeship, apprentices will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support children's learning and development in a high-quality childcare environment. On successful completion of the 13-month apprenticeship, apprentices will be guaranteed an interview for the post of Nursery Assistant. Successful candidates are expected to progress into permanent roles within Little Owls nurseries across Leeds, with opportunities for further training and career progression.
Little Owls nurseries serve local communities and are closely linked to Children's Centres. This makes them distinct from many private and voluntary sector childcare providers, as they support a diverse range of families, including working parents, children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and some of the city's most vulnerable children and families. Many of the Council's nurseries are located within inner-city communities, enabling them to provide accessible, inclusive and community-focused early years services.
What You'll Do
- To support the team to provide high quality care and education for all children and support for families
- To support the team to provide a broad and balanced Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum that will meet the requirements of relevant national and local standards
- To learn how to follow Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and the Early Support Programme for children with Special Educational needs (SEN) and implement that learning in the workplace
- To learn to observe and monitor children's development and contribute to written reports of their progress and to implement that learning in the workplace
- To maintain client confidentiality
- To report any injury or accident ensuring that health and safety of the individual is maintained
- To follow the process for reporting any suspicious or suspected non-accidental injury complying with Departmental Child Protection Procedures in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures (West Yorkshire Consortium Procedure Manual)
- To refer parents and families for support where necessary
- If necessary, to take responsibility for a group of children during any building evacuation
- To support the team to provide educational visits for children and families, observing Health and Safety policies
- To understand and support Leeds City Council and Departmental Policies including these on Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety
- To undertake other duties commensurate to the post or grade as required by the Department
- To undertake the accountabilities of the post in accordance with Council policies including the Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety policies
Training Outcome
Apprenticeship level 3 Early Years Assistant. At the end of the apprenticeship, the successful candidate may be offered the opportunity to progress within the setting.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Qualifications
- Essential - GCSE - English - 9-4
- Essential - GCSE - Maths - 9-4
Course Information
Course: Early years practitioner (level 2)
Level: 2
Route: Education and early years
Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate
Working Arrangements
Working Week: Total Weekly Working Hours: 37 (7.5 hours per day)
Working Days: Monday to Friday. Term time only and all year round posts are available dependent on centre
Expected Duration: 1 Year
Number of Positions Available: 12
Training Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
Apprentice Early Years Practitioner in Leeds employer: Little Owls Nursery
Leeds City Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career in childcare, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and hands-on experience. As an Early Years Apprentice, you will benefit from a structured training programme while working in the vibrant Little Owls nurseries, with guaranteed progression opportunities into permanent roles upon completion of your apprenticeship. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and enjoy a fulfilling career path in early years education.
