Nursery Apprentice

Join Our Team as an Early Years Apprentice

Start your career helping little humans grow - while growing yourself

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing -little humans and big humans alike. As an Early Years Apprentice at Elvington Lane, you’ll learn alongside experienced colleagues, build practical skills, and help children discover the world around them.

You don’t need to arrive with all the answers. Bring your curiosity, kindness, and willingness to learn, and we’ll support you as you find your feet.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.

• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.

• Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.

• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.

• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.

• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay: from £8.00 per hour

Hours:38 hours. 20% of your working week will be dedicated to off-the-job learning.

Location

Little Green Rascals Children's Day Nursery Elvington, Dunnington Lodge, York Maze
Elvington Lane
Elvington
North Yorkshire
YO19 5LT

Where You'll Be Working

At Little Green Rascals Elvington, we are pioneers of the Organic Day Nursery concept, which is dedicated to nurturing children naturally. Surrounded by roaming animals and Winn Wood at our doorstep, we create a comforting, home-like environment. Outside, our landscaped gardens provide daily access for our Rascals to ride bicycles and scooters, engage in mud kitchen play, explore willow tunnels, experiment with giant musical instruments, climb wooden play structures, and jump into puddles of all sizes! We’re based between the village of Elvington and York, on the grounds of York Maze.

What You'll Be Doing

You’ll learn through a combination of dedicated training and hands-on experience, with colleagues beside you to explain, demonstrate, and help you build confidence.

One moment you might be helping children explore textures or build a tower. The next, you could be learning how familiar routines help children feel safe and settled.

With guidance from your team, you’ll:

• Help create a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels included and encouraged

• Support play and learning inspired by children’s interests and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Learn about children’s development, noticing and celebrating the steps they take

• Build caring relationships with children, families, and colleagues, learning how to share updates about each child’s day

• Help with everyday routines, including mealtimes, personal care, and rest

• Develop your understanding of safeguarding, hygiene, and safe practice

• Complete your apprenticeship training and tasks, putting your learning into practice along the way

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. As an apprentice, that means taking responsibility for your learning, treating others with kindness, and being willing to ask questions and try something new.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone with a genuine interest in working with children and a willingness to learn.

You’ll bring:

• Kindness, patience, and curiosity about how children learn and grow

• A positive approach to teamwork and getting involved

• Reliability and care in the things you do

• Openness to feedback and the confidence to ask for help when you need it

• Commitment to completing your apprenticeship training and developing your skills

Whether you’re taking your first steps into work or exploring a new career direction, we’d love to hear what draws you to Early Years.

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.

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