VL - Childcare Apprentice-Level 2 in Gillingham

Location: Gillingham, Dorset, United Kingdom

Job type: Part Time Temporary

Salary: £8.01 Hour

Contracted Hours: 30 hours per week

Staff well-being is valued and nurtured. The provider offers staff opportunities to celebrate their achievements and contributions.

About The Role

• Annual Bonus Scheme: Share in our success with annual profit-based bonuses each May, as part of our Employee-Owned Company model.
• Childcare Discount: Up to 60% off childcare at our nurseries to help you balance work and family life.
• Flexible Working Options: Compressed hours can earn you up to 48 extra days off annually, or 24 extra days if you work nine days across two weeks - on top of your regular holiday.
• Certified Worlds Happiest Workplace 2025: Recognised for our focus on employee well-being, positive culture, and career growth.
• 30 Days Paid Holiday: Includes 28 days annual leave plus 2 extra days - one for your birthday (or a special day of your choice), and one for your wellbeing.
• Free Meals: Enjoy free, freshly prepared breakfasts daily to keep you energized.
• Employee Recognition: Blue Light Card access for savings on shopping, dining, and more.
• Reward Platform (Each Person): Discounts on gyms, cinemas, Cycle2Work, GP on-demand, supermarket cashback, and employee of the month rewards.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: Help with NHS prescriptions, optical care, and dental treatment.
• Career Development: Access to training and advancement opportunities to grow your career.
• Travel & Parking Support: Interest-free loan of up to £500 for travel or parking season tickets.

Are you passionate about working with young children and eager to begin a rewarding childcare career? Join us as a Childcare Apprentice, gaining hands-on experience while working towards a Level 2 qualification in early years education. This qualification covers knowledge of children from birth to 7 years, focusing on ages 0-5, and meets the Department for Education's Level 2 criteria. You'll gain practical experience, be assessed onsite, and complete written tasks, with support from your assessor via an online platform. Upon completion, you will qualify as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner.

We are proud to be ranked 9th in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK in 2024! We offer fantastic opportunities to develop in a Nursery Career from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships all the way through to Nursery Manager or even to become an Early Years Teacher!

About The Nursery

Tops Gillingham Nursery is a 96-place day nursery and preschool providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. We offer a safe, caring, and inspiring environment where children feel valued and supported by our long-standing, dedicated team. Our purposefully designed learning spaces encourage imagination and exploration through open-ended play and sensory-rich experiences. Children benefit from a large enclosed garden with a bug hotel, beach area, and rowing boat, as well as regular access to local parks, countryside walks, and community outings.

What does the role involve?

• Assist in providing a safe environment for children.
• Assisting with daily, weekly and monthly checks around the nursery.
• Assist in ensuring the unit is clean and tidy and assist in meal preparation.
• Assist colleagues with developing and maintaining good relationships with local schools, charities and involvement with the community (e.g. parades, visiting care homes).
• Taking children on trips out and assist on picking up from school.
• Able to support children's behaviour and act as a role model.
• Support in ensuring the environment is stimulating and appropriate including layout, display of resources, displays and equal opportunities.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about beginning their career in child care. You do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification but must be aged 17 or over. This is a 100% work based course and there is no need for you to attend college. You will need to take this role seriously, and be able to demonstrate a good work ethic and be able to communicate effectively with the people around you, making sure that you treat both other staff and children with respect and care at all times.

Why Tops Day Nurseries?

We are a leading early education and childcare provider in South England, established in 1990. We promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility by educating today's children to influence future generations. We value respect, open communication, and teamwork, fostering a positive, purpose-driven work environment. As an Employee-Owned Company, our colleagues are co-owners, benefiting from the company's growth through annual profit-sharing bonuses.

Your journey starts here, so take the first step to become part of Tops Team by clicking apply!

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks. This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Children's Barred List.