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- Tasks: Support children's development through engaging activities and nurturing care.
- Company: Join a leading nursery with a commitment to childcare excellence.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with generous leave and childcare discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a blend of practical experience and theory with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for child development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 16640 - 26500 £ per year.
Location: Sandfield Day Nursery, Oxford, OX3 7RH.
Contract: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30.
Start date window: Between June 12th - July 8th 2026.
Salary: £8.00 per hour starting, rising to £10.41 after 6 months, further increase to £12.74 after 12 months if over 21.
Why Join Us
- Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro-rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
- Exclusive partner benefits: Long-service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will-writing service.
- Career development: Team inset days, access to online training in addition to your course and a permanent role as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner (subject to you successfully completing your apprenticeship).
About You
- Passionate about building a career with children: interest in child development and desire to care for babies and young children under five.
- Keen learner: thrives in practical tasks, excited about planning and implementing high-quality, engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum, promoting children’s learning through play; observing, assessing, and recording children’s progress.
- Nurturing and empathetic, prioritising safety: ensures every child feels safe, valued and happy, promotes their well-being, allocates individual needs, and follows policies and management direction.
- Time management: uses off-job learning time efficiently during the week, allocates time outside work for written work, and submits coursework by deadlines set by the Trainer/Assessor.
- Collaborative: enjoys working in partnership with others as part of a team, has strong verbal and written communication skills, and builds strong, positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
What the Apprenticeship Offers You
- Blend of practical experience and underpinning theory: role at the nursery with regular Trainer/Assessor visits; attends group training sessions every 6-8 weeks at the academy in Newport Pagnell.
- A Level 3 early years qualification: engages in the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, with an online initial assessment during the screening stage.
- English and/or maths Functional Skills qualifications: if not already held, obtains the relevant functional skills qualification inline with apprenticeship rules and EYFS requirements.
- A paediatric first aid qualification: course at the academy, certificate valid for three years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Evidence of Right to Work in the UK and National Insurance Number.
- Photographic ID: valid passport or full or provisional driving licence.
- Access to a computer (laptop or PC) for the online assessment and coursework.
- Resident in the UK for at least the last three years.
- Comfortable travelling to and from group training sessions at the academy in Newport Pagnell (MK16 8NJ); travel costs will be covered.
We’ve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in 'careers, not jobs', supporting one another to grow and succeed. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants of all ages (16+ under apprenticeship rules) and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement) and will consider reasonable adjustments. VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, including an Enhanced DBS check. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
Childcare Apprenticeship employer: myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community
Contact Detail:
myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll past Sandfield Day Nursery and soak in the vibe. This will help you understand their environment and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on common questions for childcare roles, like how you'd handle a challenging situation with a child. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for early years education.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Prepare a few examples of activities you've planned or participated in that relate to child development. Whether it's a fun game or a learning activity, having real-life examples will make you stand out as a keen learner.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to connect with you right from the start. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children! Share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your commitment to child development and care. This is your chance to shine!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Use keywords from the listing, like 'nurturing', 'collaborative', and 'time management' to show you’re a perfect fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great candidate for the apprenticeship.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Sandfield Day Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Early Years curriculum and child development principles. Brush up on key topics like play-based learning and how to promote children's well-being. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Nurturing Side
During the interview, share examples of how you've cared for children or worked in a team. Highlight your empathy and ability to create a safe, happy environment for kids. This is crucial for a childcare apprenticeship, so let your personality shine!
✨Time Management is Key
Be prepared to discuss how you manage your time, especially when balancing practical tasks and coursework. Share any strategies you use to stay organised and meet deadlines, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the apprenticeship.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training sessions, support available, or how they promote teamwork. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.