Early years apprentice

Join Our Outstanding and Award-Winning Team at Treehouse Nursery Schools, Wanstead!

Are you passionate about working with children? Do you have a natural enthusiasm for learning, creativity and making a positive difference in young children's lives?

We are excited to welcome a motivated and enthusiastic Early Years Apprentice to join our outstanding team.

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting Nursery, we are committed to nurturing children's personal, emotional and social development, ensuring every child feels valued, respected, listened to and empowered.

This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in early years education, gain a recognised childcare qualification and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to become an excellent Early Years Educator.

At Treehouse, we invest in our people.

You will receive hands‑on experience, dedicated guidance and support from experienced practitioners, with opportunities to learn, grow and progress within our organisation.

About the Role

You will work alongside our experienced team, learning how to provide high-quality care, education and learning experiences for young children.

• Supporting the planning and delivery of engaging activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Learning to observe, assess and support children's individual learning journeys.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Supporting personal care routines, including mealtimes, toileting, sleep and hygiene.
• Helping to create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where children can explore, play and learn.
• Promoting children's rights, kindness, respect, empathy and positive relationships.
• Encouraging children's independence, communication, creativity and curiosity through play.
• Participating in team meetings, training and reflective practice.
• Working towards your recognised Early Years qualification with support from your training provider and workplace mentor.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be encouraged to ask questions, develop new skills and take an active role in your professional development.

Why Join Treehouse Nursery School?

Starting your career with Treehouse means joining a supportive, ambitious and compassionate organisation that genuinely values its people.

We are passionate about developing future early years professionals and creating opportunities for career progression.

• A supportive and experienced team.
• Hands‑on experience in an outstanding early years setting.
• Dedicated mentoring throughout your apprenticeship.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A positive workplace where your ideas and contributions are valued.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children's lives every day.

Our nursery is conveniently located moments from Wanstead Station (Central Line), with several bus routes stopping directly outside.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone enthusiastic, caring and genuinely passionate about working with young children.

You do not need extensive childcare experience. We will support you in developing the knowledge and practical skills needed for the role.

• A genuine passion for working with children.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A caring, patient and empathetic approach.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for play‑based learning.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• A commitment to children's safety, wellbeing and safeguarding.
• An interest in children's rights, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• A desire to build a rewarding career in early years education.

Most importantly, we are looking for the right attitude, commitment and enthusiasm to learn.

What We Offer

• Salary: Competitive apprenticeship salary in line with the applicable National Minimum Wage.
• Qualification: Opportunity to gain a recognised Early Years qualification.
• Dedicated workplace mentoring and apprenticeship support.
• A collaborative and inspiring working environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities to progress into qualified Early Years Educator and leadership roles.
• Access to our leadership mentoring programme.
• Holiday: 33 days, plus 3 additional paid days when the nursery closes over Christmas and New Year.
• Birthday Leave: An additional day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Employee wellbeing committee and active employee forum.
• 24/7/365 confidential counselling and employee assistance support.
• Medical, legal and financial information and guidance.
• Family coverage for eligible partners and dependants in full‑time education.
• Critical incident support and occupational health guidance.
• Online expert advice covering debt, bereavement, childcare, tax and family matters.
• One‑to‑one financial coaching.
• Virtual GP access.
• Wisdom Wellbeing App with over 1,000 discounts.
• Day 1 Stress Intervention and manager support.
• Eldercare and childcare support.
• Life and leadership coaching.
• Up to 10 counselling sessions per issue, per year, with telephone, video, online chat and face‑to‑face options.
• Networking dinners, charity events and a vibrant social calendar.
• Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Treehouse Nursery Schools is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.

Ready to Start Your Journey with Us?

If you are passionate about working with children, eager to learn and excited about building a rewarding career in early years education, we would love to hear from you!

You don't need to know everything already. What matters is your enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to grow.

The Early Years Apprenticeship includes both Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and is completed over a period of 15 months.