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 opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy staff celebrations and recognition events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Passion for early years education; previous experience is a bonus but not required.
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, 168 Lower High Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1TT
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:
- Monday 23rd 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 Stourbridge employer: Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars Nurseries is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its team members in a nurturing and inclusive environment. As an Early Years Apprentice, you will receive comprehensive training and support from experienced professionals, along with access to our Internal Apprenticeship Academy, ensuring you have the tools to build a rewarding career in early years education. With a friendly team culture, regular staff celebrations, and a focus on employee well-being, Shooting Stars Nurseries is dedicated to making a positive impact on both children and their staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Apprentice (Level 2 or 3) New at Shooting Stars Nurseries Stourbridge
✨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 with the team and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since teamwork is key in early years education, try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for childcare during the assessment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your enthusiasm! During the Meet & Greet and Assessment Day, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences, even if they're informal, to demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your assessment, send a quick thank-you email to the team. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decisions. Plus, it’s a great way to express your eagerness to join their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Apprentice (Level 2 or 3) New at Shooting Stars Nurseries Stourbridge
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 desire to make a difference in children's lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that fuel your passion!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the qualities we're looking for, like patience, empathy, and teamwork. We love seeing how you align with our values, so don’t hold back on showcasing your unique skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively!
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. Plus, keep an eye on your email for updates from our careers team – we can’t wait to hear from you!
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 that you're committed to making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Patience and Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've shown patience or empathy. Whether it's helping a friend or volunteering, these qualities are crucial in early years education. Use specific examples to illustrate how you handle challenging situations with kindness.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since you'll be working as part of a nursery team, it's important to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Talk about past experiences where you've worked in a team, focusing on how you communicated and contributed to group success.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the nursery and the apprenticeship programme. This shows your interest and eagerness to learn more about the role. You might ask about the training process or how they support apprentices in their development.
