Early Years Apprentice - Little Bears Childcare

Here at The Isle of Wight College we partner with a wide network of dynamic employers. An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as an Early Years Apprentice with Little Bears Childcare in Arreton. Little Bears Childcare is an Ofsted‑registered childminder setting in Arreton, Isle of Wight. This role offers practical experience while you work towards a recognised Early Years qualification.

Responsibilities

• Provide all aspects of care, including hand washing, nappy changing, feeding and personal hygiene.
• Support daily routines to promote children’s care, wellbeing and learning.
• Assist with meeting the personal and emotional needs of individual children.
• Support learning and development, providing in‑the‑moment support while playing and engaging in activities, and helping plan and carry out activities while tracking progress.
• Undertake training in safeguarding and first aid and participate in further training offered by the setting.
• Know and implement the setting’s policies and procedures.
• Assist with safeguarding duties and seek guidance when required.
• Communicate effectively with parents/carers, maintaining confidentiality and using the setting phone and app for logs and handovers.
• Uphold professional standards outside of working hours, including appropriate behaviour and social media presence.
• Maintain confidentiality of private information related to the setting and families.

Teamwork

• Contribute to a supportive team environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure high standards of care and learning.
• Attend team meetings and contribute ideas for improvement.
• Attend out‑of‑working‑hours activities when reasonably required.
• Communicate effectively to keep everyone informed about children and families.

General

• Contribute to high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
• Respect confidentiality, except where safeguarding requires waivers.
• Help maintain a high‑quality environment that meets the needs of all children, promoting inclusion.
• Respect the setting’s profile and uphold its standards.
• Know emergency and fire evacuation procedures.
• Support safeguarding policies for children and young people.
• Create activities and resources to support children’s developmental needs.

Person Specification

Essential

• Enthusiasm for working with young children.
• Interest in the care, learning and development of young children.
• Positive approach to learning new skills through teamwork and training.
• Driving licence and willingness to use own vehicle for outings; must hold relevant business insurance.

Desirable

• Previous experience caring for or working with children.
• Flexibility to adjust working hours for events or family needs.

Personal Qualities

• Good organisational and planning skills.
• Punctuality and reliability.
• Patience.
• A kind and caring nature.
• Ability to manage behaviour positively, fairly and firmly.
• Trustworthiness.
• Commitment to safeguarding children at all times.

Qualifications

• Positive approach to completing relevant short courses and qualifications.
• Some understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and first aid, and willingness to attend required training.

Qualifications Required

• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent qualification or ability to work towards Functional Skills).
• Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship, depending on the successful candidate’s prior qualification(s).
• Functional Skills in Maths and English if required and not already achieved GCSE grade 4 or above.

In addition to practical daily work, the apprentice will undertake off‑the‑job training hours each week to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Working Week

• 35 to 40 hours during term‑time weeks.
• 27 to 30 hours during school holiday weeks.

Wage

£8.00 per hour.

Additional Information

Once qualified, there may be potential for a permanent position, depending on company needs.

Recruitment Conditions

Successful candidates will need to pass an Enhanced DBS check, Ofsted suitability check, and mandatory first aid and safeguarding training. Two references will be required prior to commencement.