Early Years Educator Apprentice

As an Apprentice Early Years Educator, you will work alongside experienced practitioners to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for every child. Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning and delivering both child-initiated and adult-led play activities that support each child’s individual needs, interests, and stage of development
• Providing engaging experiences that promote children’s numeracy, literacy, and language development
• Acting as a key person, helping children feel safe, secure, and valued through strong relationships and emotional support
• Carrying out observations and using them effectively to understand and respond to the changing needs of your key children, planning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Supporting daily care routines such as nappy changing, toileting, feeding, and handwashing with respect, dignity, and compassion
• Working in partnership with parents, colleagues, children, and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for every child
• Promoting children’s welfare, well-being, and safety, and reporting any safeguarding concerns to the designated person
• Taking an active role in continuous professional development, both during the apprenticeship programme and beyond
• Supporting children through important transitions, such as starting school or welcoming a new sibling
• Engaging fully with your apprenticeship — completing tasks on time, meeting assessment deadlines, and working closely with your dedicated mentor to develop your skills, knowledge, and behaviours
• Working in a non-discriminatory and inclusive way to ensure all children have equal access to learning and opportunities

What We’re Looking For:

• A caring, motivated individual with a genuine interest in early years education
• Someone eager to learn, able to follow guidance, and comfortable working as part of a team
• Good communication skills and a positive, nurturing attitude

What We Offer

• A supportive team environment where you can learn, grow, and gain hands-on experience
• Full guidance from qualified Early Years Educators and a dedicated mentor
• The opportunity to work toward a recognised Early Years Apprenticeship qualification
• A chance to make a real difference in young children’s lives every day

Your full role and responsibilities will be set out by your employer. They will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to up-skill in your role, and your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day.

You will be working towards the Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship standard, which includes:

• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid or Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid
• Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)

This will be delivered by your dedicated training provider, Realise.

At the end of the apprenticeship you will be a highly trained early years educator. Depending on the setting in which you work you could progress onto becoming a room leader or taking on additional specialisms such as special educational needs co-ordinator or the designated safeguarding lead.