Nursery Practitioner Apprenticeship (17-20 Years Old)

Apprenticeship Nursery Practitioner

Part Time – 30 Hours Per Week

KEY OBJECTIVES

To work as a member of the nursery team, showing initiative and creativity to foster an environment which encourages the children’s all‑round development and where high standards of care and safety are provided.

RESPONSIBILITIES – OPERATIONAL

• Be a reliable member of a team, working cooperatively and with flexibility; understand that each child is an individual and have a general understanding of childcare and child development.
• Observe each child’s progress and report on achievements, looking for progression and continuity, including written information for Development Files.
• Assist with the supervision of children at play (indoor and outdoor) and at mealtimes.
• Assist with planning a programme of activities, suitable for the age range of the children, following Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles; provide ideas on the weekly themes to your manager at least once a week.
• Understand the intent, implementation and impact of each activity undertaken.
• Assist with creating a stimulating and attractive environment.
• Provide wonderment and awe when reading to the children, bringing books and poems to life.
• Learn to take circle time, nursery rhymes and singing; give children the opportunity to choose songs; teach the alphabet, numbers and shape names.
• Communicate with the children using a narrative teaching strategy when conversing with babies and very young children; give children time to respond (20 seconds) and ask open‑ended questions.
• Expand children’s sentences and vocabulary through picture reading and alternative adjectives.
• Assist with the care, maintenance and security of all equipment and toys within the nursery.
• Assist at mealtimes and encourage babies and young children to be independent.
• Encourage children to manage life skills appropriate to their age and stage.
• Help with clearing and cleaning of toys and premises.
• Open and close travel cots for sleep purposes, ensuring correct bedding, blankets and growbags are used.
• Help with any administrative work when requested.
• Learn nappy changing and bottle feeding.

PERSONNEL

• Be punctual and arrive ten minutes prior to shift start.
• Maintain a clean uniform and tie back medium/long hair; wear trousers or long shorts and low‑heel shoes; use minimal make‑up and no facial piercings.
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
• Attend college regularly and produce good quality work.
• Participate in all self‑development activities, including appraisals.
• Complete online courses as requested by the company, e.g., safeguarding.