Apprentice Nursery Practitioner – Maples Day Nursery – 107521AP – Apprentice Grade 3 in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary £20,782 per annum rising to £25,977 after 12 months service.

Apprentice Grade 3

Full Time / Fixed Term for 18 Months

Apprenticeship Standard: Early Years Educator – Level 3

Training Provider: Connect 2 Care

Closing date: 10 June 2026 - please upload a CV with your application.

Eligibility: The training delivered in apprenticeships is funded through the apprenticeship levy which is subject to Department for Education funding rules for apprenticeships. When reviewing applications the University and the training provider will be checking candidates meet this eligibility criteria. Further information is available on our webpage. You have normally been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years. For exemptions please refer to the government funding rules for apprenticeships.

Our offer to you:

• People are at the heart of what we are and do.
• The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university.
• We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
• We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.
• Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements.
• You will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.

Apprenticeship context:

Campus Services plays a unique and significant role in the quality of the student, staff and visitor experience at the University of Birmingham. As one of the largest hospitality organisations in the West Midlands, Campus Services provides round the clock services across diverse areas such as the University’s sporting facilities, catering, cleaning, conferencing, hotel operations, day nurseries, portering, post, retail, student housing, transport, waste disposal and recycling.

The Maples Day Nursery is an accredited Curiosity Approach nursery, in the grounds of Winterbourne House and Garden.

Apprenticeship summary:

You will learn to provide high quality care, learning and development for all children attending the Nursery. You will ensure that children are safe, happy and stimulated with their individual needs met, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS). You will also carry out light domestic duties.

During this apprenticeship you will learn the following duties:

• Provide high quality, positive care for children through social, emotional, educational and practical interaction, nurturing and guidance.
• Follow the policies and procedures and comply with the Children Act (2006), Health and Safety legislation and within the requirements of Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage, including ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
• Ensure the children are kept safe, are well, and that Child Protection Procedures are followed.
• Implement the key worker system to address the individual needs of each child, their family and carers.
• Undertake observation and assessment of children’s learning and development, helping ensure records are kept up-to-date, of a high standard and shared effectively.
• Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child’s day and progress.
• Organise, maintain and ensure a clean, tidy, hygienic, safe, child-friendly environment.
• Plan, prepare and supervise activities such as arts and craft, cooking, reading, music, outdoor and physical activities both indoors and out.
• Clean and maintain toys and equipment in a safe manner.
• Feed babies and young children ensuring their nutritional needs are met, complying with Food Safety Regulations.
• Change nappies and support children with potty training and toileting.
• Help children to learn social, emotional, numeracy, language and practical skills.
• Work with staff within the nursery to provide a high quality nursery service.
• Work with outside professional bodies and agencies as appropriate.
• Implement the daily routine of the nursery.
• Participate in meetings.
• Follow the nursery’s practices, processes and procedures.
• Learn about developments in childcare and undertake training as required.
• Ensure the health and safety of colleagues and children, complying with all Health and Safety requirements.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation.
• Undertake other duties as required.

This apprenticeship would suit someone with a keen interest in childcare and is looking to develop a career in this area.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:

• GCSE English Language and Maths or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
• Some experience of caring and being responsible for children.
• An enthusiastic, flexible and keen learner who is reliable and dedicated to an apprenticeship.
• Strong attention to detail and can do attitude.
• Willingness to learn about legislation, regulations, Child Protection procedures, Ofsted requirements, inspection criteria and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Understanding the importance of health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting.
• Physically and mentally suitable to care for children, including ability to deal with challenging behaviours.
• Ability to promote good practice in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate well and work well with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to write legibly and present information well.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect early years’ childcare.
• Ability and willingness to take on duties as required.

Career Pathway:

On completion of this apprenticeship, you may be able to progress into a Nursery Practitioner role.

For enquiries please email: apprenticeships@contacts.bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life.