At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children's care and learning while gaining your Level 3 qualification.
- Company: Ridgemount Cottage Nursery, a family-run nursery focused on outdoor learning.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, supportive environment, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a nurturing team and enjoy a rewarding apprenticeship experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building your career in childcare.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children and a desire to learn.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 € per year.
Ridgemount Cottage Nursery are looking for a new Apprentice. You will be studying toward your Early Years Educator apprenticeship L3.
Ridgemount Cottage Nursery School is a long established, family run nursery in the heart of Brockworth. It offers a warm, nurturing environment for children from babies up to preschool age, with a strong focus on outdoor learning and exploration. The setting includes woodland areas, gardens, and adventure spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence. Indoors, children benefit from cosy, natural play spaces designed to support a wide range of interests and developmental stages. The nursery embraces community involvement, with regular local visits and family events to help children feel connected to the world around them.
An Early Years Apprentice plays a hands on role in supporting the care, learning, and development of young children while working toward their Level 3 Early Years qualification. They help create a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn through play. Apprentices assist with daily routines such as mealtimes, personal care, activity setup, and tidying, while gradually taking on more responsibility as their confidence and skills grow.
As they progress, they begin to observe children’s development, contribute ideas for activities, and support planned learning experiences in line with the EYFS framework. Throughout the apprenticeship, they learn from experienced practitioners, developing strong communication skills, safeguarding awareness, and the ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
If you are someone who is enthusiastic, caring, and eager to grow—supporting children’s early development while simultaneously building a rewarding professional pathway of their own.
Apprentice Responsibilities- Support daily routines such as meal preparation, personal care, tidying, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for children.
- Assist in delivering play based activities, helping children learn through exploration, creativity, and social interaction.
- Observe and record children’s development, sharing insights with senior practitioners to support planning and next steps.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and the team, demonstrating warm, caring, professional behaviour.
- Follow safeguarding, health & safety, and EYFS guidance, ensuring children’s wellbeing is always the top priority.
Childcare Apprenticeship – Gloucester employer: Shapinglives
Ridgemount Cottage Nursery offers a nurturing and supportive environment for aspiring childcare professionals, making it an excellent employer for those looking to embark on a meaningful career in early years education. With a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and community involvement, apprentices benefit from hands-on experience while working towards their Level 3 qualification, all within a family-run setting that values personal growth and development. The warm, engaging culture fosters strong relationships with children and families, ensuring that every day is rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Apprenticeship – Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Ridgemount Cottage Nursery if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in their approach to childcare.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since building relationships is key in this role, try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and demonstrate your caring nature during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you apply through our website, make sure to express your passion for working with children and your eagerness to learn. A positive attitude can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Ask questions! During your interview, don’t hesitate to ask about the nursery's approach to outdoor learning or community involvement. This shows that you’re engaged and ready to contribute to their nurturing environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Apprenticeship – Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share why you’re excited about the Early Years Educator apprenticeship and how you connect with our nurturing approach at Ridgemount Cottage Nursery.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on outdoor learning and community involvement!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We’re looking for someone who is caring and enthusiastic, so share a bit about yourself and what makes you unique in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and easily, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your amazing application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shapinglives
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the specific values of Ridgemount Cottage Nursery. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their nurturing environment will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
During the interview, share your enthusiasm for working with children. Talk about any relevant experiences, whether it's babysitting, volunteering, or even just your own childhood memories that inspire you. This will help them see your commitment to supporting children's development.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their approach to outdoor learning or how they involve families in the nursery. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also in how you can fit into their community-focused ethos.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles or projects. Since this role involves building relationships with colleagues and families, showcasing your teamwork skills will be a big plus.
