At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor and support apprentices in early years education, helping them develop skills and confidence.
- Company: Bows and Arrows, a charity dedicated to quality early years education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing professional development, employee discounts, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping the future of early education leaders.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in leadership within early years and strong mentoring skills required.
The predicted salary is between 17 - 17 £ per hour.
Bows and Arrows are seeking an Early Years Workplace Mentor to mentor and support nine colleagues undertaking the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship from September 2026. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your expertise to develop future leaders in early education, helping apprentices translate university learning into outstanding practice across our seven nursery settings in Ipswich, Suffolk.
You will coach, observe and support apprentices throughout the programme, working closely with nursery leaders and university tutors to ensure apprentices build confidence, skills and leadership capability.
Your responsibilities:
- Coach and mentor apprentices to build confidence, skills and leadership capability.
- Observe practice and provide constructive feedback.
- Support progress against apprenticeship requirements and professional standards.
- Work closely with nursery leaders and university tutors.
- Provide wellbeing, pastoral and professional support throughout the programme.
- Help apprentices successfully complete their degree apprenticeship.
What you will need:
- At least three years’ experience in a leadership or management role within early years.
- Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Experience coaching, mentoring or developing others.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for children.
- Desirable: Level 6 qualification or above, teaching or coaching qualification, and experience supporting apprentices or students.
About us:
At Bows and Arrows, we believe great early years education starts with great people. As a charity operating seven nurseries across Ipswich, we are committed to developing talent, supporting professional growth and creating opportunities that make a lasting difference to children and families.
What we will offer you:
- Ongoing professional development.
- Employee discount.
- Health and wellbeing programme.
- Sick pay.
For more information:
Please visit our website or contact Bows and Arrow by calling 01473 599038.
Closing date: 21 August 2026.
Interview date: 20 August and/or Wednesday 26 August 2026.
Early Years Workplace Mentor in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
At Sendsory, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our team of Cognition and Learning Practitioners. Located in Ipswich, Suffolk, we offer competitive salaries, six training days per year, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEND. Our commitment to professional development and a child-focused culture ensures that every employee can grow and thrive while contributing to a nurturing educational setting.
