Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship in South Hetton

The aim of the nursery is to help children to develop into confident, happy, independent and co‑operative individuals. This happens throughout the nursery but it is especially important for the toddlers and twos as these earliest years are formative and have a fundamental effect on your child's future development.

We believe childhood should feel calm, magical and full of opportunities to explore. We’re looking for a warm, dedicated Level 3 practitioner who shares our passion for natural environments, outdoor learning and child led discovery. Someone who sees the wonder in everyday moments and wants to help children grow with confidence, curiosity and joy.

As part of our team, you’ll help us create an environment where children can follow their interests, explore freely and develop a deep love for learning. You’ll support their development in line with the EYFS 2025, while confidently preparing for the EYFS 2026 reforms, ensuring our practice remains reflective, responsive and forward‑thinking,

• Use natural, open‑ended and real‑life resources to spark imagination and exploration
• Create calm, thoughtful spaces that encourage independence, confidence and deep‑level learning
• Observe children closely and respond to their fascinations, extending learning in meaningful ways
• Support children to take the lead in their play, offering gentle guidance and warm interactions
• Bring imagination and creativity into everyday moments, helping children see magic in the ordinary

Forest‑School Inspired Outdoor Learning

• Champion outdoor learning as a core part of our daily routine
• Help children explore nature, investigate the environment and develop resilience through safe, supported risk‑taking
• Use natural materials, loose parts and outdoor provocations to inspire curiosity and awe
• Model respect for the natural world and encourage children to care for their environment

Teaching & Learning (EYFS 2025 & EYFS 2026 Reforms)

• Plan and deliver high‑quality learning experiences tailored to each child’s needs
• Support progress across all EYFS areas, with a strong focus on communication, language, emotional wellbeing and early literacy

Being a Role Model Within the Team

• Show professionalism, warmth and positivity in everything you do
• Lead by example, demonstrating best practice in safeguarding, interactions, planning and environment setup
• Be someone the team naturally looks up to — calm, polite, supportive and dependable
• Bring creativity, imagination and enthusiasm that motivates others
• Support colleagues through encouragement, guidance and reflective conversations
• Help create a team culture where everyone feels valued, confident and motivated
• Demonstrate hard work, dedication and pride in your role, inspiring others to do the same

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Children’s safety is our absolute priority. As part of our safer‑recruitment commitment, you will:

• Hold (or obtain) an enhanced DBS and complete all suitability checks
• Follow safeguarding procedures confidently and report concerns immediately
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and digital‑safety expectations
• Model behaviour that helps children feel safe, valued and protected
• Engage in ongoing safeguarding and child‑protection training

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all statutory requirements including ratios, supervision, hygiene and first aid
• Support Ofsted compliance through high‑quality practice and professional conduct

Working With Families

• Build warm, trusting relationships with parents and carers
• Communicate children’s achievements, progress and wellbeing in a positive, professional way
• Work collaboratively to support children’s routines, transitions and individual needs

Teamwork & Professionalism

• Contribute to staff meetings, reflective practice and continuous improvement
• Engage in ongoing professional development, including curiosity‑inspired and outdoor learning training
• Support colleagues, uphold our values and always maintain confidentiality

Entry requirements

Grade 4 (C) GCSE in English and Maths

Resident within the UK for a minimum of 3 years

Essential Criteria

• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain).
• Passion for outdoor learning, nature based play and curiosity inspired environments.
• Warm, nurturing communication skills and a positive team approach.
• A natural ability to lead by example and inspire others.
• A warm, polite, understanding character with creativity and imagination.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with curiosity inspired or forest school style practice.
• Confidence using natural materials, loose parts and outdoor provocations.
• Creativity, imagination and a genuine love for early years.
• Someone who is hard working, dedicated and proud of the role they play in children’s lives.

Skills required

• Customer care skills
• Initiative

Training to be provided

Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (12 months delivery + 3 Months for end point assessment)

Potential progression onto full employment upon completion of the qualification.

At a Glance

Duration: 15 Months

Apprenticeship standard: Early years educator (Level 3)