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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children's learning and development in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Shooting Stars Nurseries, a welcoming and inclusive childcare provider.
- Benefits: Free snacks, supportive mentors, and a friendly team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while kickstarting your early years career.
- Qualifications: Passion for childcare; previous experience is a bonus but not required.
- Other info: Join our Internal Apprenticeship Academy for growth and connection with fellow apprentices.
The predicted salary is between 8 - 8 £ per hour.
Ready to make a difference in the lives of young children and begin a truly rewarding early years career? If you are enthusiastic, caring and excited to learn, our 2026 Apprenticeship Programme could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous childcare or nursery experience is welcome, but absolutely not essential.
- Genuine passion for early years education and a desire to help provide safe, engaging, high-quality childcare.
- Patience, empathy and kindness.
- An eagerness & commitment to learn and develop new skills.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- Good organisation and reliability.
- Passion & motivation to build a long-term early years career.
If you want to help children feel safe, supported and inspired to learn, we want to meet you.
We offer two pathways:
- Level 2 – Early Years Practitioner Ideal for those new to childcare and starting out in their early years journey.
- Level 3 – Early Years Educator Suitable for applicants with some childcare experience or understanding of the EYFS.
Location: Shooting Stars Nursery, 25 Mount Road, Hinckley, LE10 1AD
Hours: 30 hours per week, in shifts 7:30am–6:00pm, Monday to Friday all year round
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Salary: £8.00 per hour
Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent is desirable, but not essential.
Closing Date for Applications: 1pm, Friday 13th March 2026
How to Apply
Click the Apply Now button. Our careers team will contact you via email (please check your junk/spam folder) to complete an Expression of Interest Form and guide you through the next steps.
To progress an application you must be available to attend in person on the following dates:
- Wednesday 18th March 2026 – Meet & Greet, 6:30pm onwards A friendly introduction to our nursery team, tour of the nursery and opportunity to learn more about the role.
- Saturday 11th April 2026 – Assessment Day An interactive session designed to help us understand your strengths, personality and suitability for the programme.
If successful, you will be invited back for a practical trial during nursery operational hours. Final decisions will be communicated as soon as possible, and no later than Monday 1st June 2026.
About our Apprentice Role
As part of our nursery team, you will be supported by experienced Early Years professionals who will guide you in:
- Providing high-quality care and play experiences.
- Supporting children’s learning and development.
- Keeping children safe and nurtured.
- Contributing to daily routines such as mealtimes, play, activities and rest.
You will complete theoretical and practical training to achieve your Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, delivered in partnership with Realise, our training provider.
Why Choose Shooting Stars Nurseries?
We provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where you can grow and feel valued. You’ll benefit from:
- A bespoke welcome workshop & induction programme.
- Our Internal Apprenticeship Academy, connecting you with apprentices across all 7 Shooting Stars settings.
- A friendly team and supportive mentors.
- Uniform and enhanced DBS provided.
- A dedicated team break room with free snacks and drinks.
- Staff celebrations, awards and recognition events.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. All posts involve working with children and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS disclosure, suitability checks & satisfactory references.
Early Years Apprentice (Level 2 or 3) New at Shooting Stars Nurseries Hinckley employer: Shooting Stars
Contact Detail:
Shooting Stars Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Apprentice (Level 2 or 3) New at Shooting Stars Nurseries Hinckley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your Meet & Greet, do a bit of research on Shooting Stars Nurseries. Familiarise yourself with their values and what they offer. This will help you connect better during your introduction.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you’re chatting with the team, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share any experiences, even if they’re not directly related to childcare, that demonstrate your caring nature and eagerness to learn.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the Assessment Day! Think about how you can showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Maybe practice some fun activities you could do with children, as this will help us see your potential in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, keep an eye on your email for updates from our careers team – you don’t want to miss out on any important info!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Apprentice (Level 2 or 3) New at Shooting Stars Nurseries Hinckley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see your genuine passion for helping children learn and grow, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Mention any relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly in childcare.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so avoid long-winded sentences and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and our careers team will guide you through the next steps.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shooting Stars
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with young children. Share any experiences, even if they're informal, that highlight your love for childcare. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show them that you're truly committed to making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial in a nursery setting, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Whether it's in school projects or volunteer work, showcasing your ability to collaborate will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
During the assessment day, you might face practical scenarios related to childcare. Think about how you would handle various situations, like comforting a child or organising a play activity. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of your interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's approach to early years education or how they support apprentices. This shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.