Colchester, CO7 7PQ
Ref: VAC-02301
Salary: £22,464.00 per year
Sector: Early Years
Deadline: 30/10/2026
Start Date: 02/11/2026
Working Week: 40 hours a week Monday to Friday - shifts to be agreed at offer stage
Positions Available: 1
Vacancy Detail
Orchard Barns, Ardleigh is seeking a warm, enthusiastic Nursery Apprentice with a genuine passion for working with children and a desire to complete a Level 3 Early Years qualification.
About the Role
As a Nursery Apprentice, you will work as part of a friendly and supportive team, playing an active role in children’s learning and development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as a key person for a group of children
- Supporting planning, observations, and assessments
- Ensuring the safeguarding, welfare, and wellbeing of all children at all times
- Creating a safe, stimulating, and engaging learning environment in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework
- Building strong, positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
What We Offer
In return for your commitment, we offer:
- £500 completion bonus and £1000 loyalty bonus after 1 year.
- Free uniform
- Lunch provided
- Discounted childcare
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Access to CPD and training via Noodle Now
Your Future with Us
- Supportive Team: You’ll join a welcoming team that values your contribution and supports your learning and development
- Build Your Network: Connect with early years professionals from day one
- High Employability: Most apprentices secure employment or continue further study after completing their training
- Career Progression: Many apprentices remain with us in permanent roles, progressing into higher-level positions
Qualifications required
- GCSE Maths/English or equivalent, or willingness to work towards the required level of functional skills alongside the apprenticeship.
- Some experience working with babies or children under the age of five
- Care & Compassion
- Patience & Calmness
- Positive Work Ethic
- Teamwork
- Honesty & Integrity
Skills required
- Communication: Verbally and in writing, with children, parents, and staff
- Observation: Noticing and recording children’s development and well‑being
- Creativity: Planning engaging and fun activities (arts, music, games)
- Safety & Hygiene: Understanding and implementing health & safety, food hygiene, and child protection procedures
- Organisation: Managing time, resources, and tasks effectively
Future Prospects
Permanent Role: Many apprentices are offered permanent positions within their company, transitioning from fixed-term contracts to regular employment.
Other Information
DBS and references required, DBS paid for by company
On-site parking, infrequent bus route
Training to be Provided
Your full role and responsibilities will be set out by your employer. They will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to up-skill in your role, and your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day.
You will be working towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which includes:
- Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
- Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
- Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid
- Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)
This will be delivered by your dedicated training provider, Realise.
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