Join us as a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice

Are you passionate about making a real difference to young children’s lives? Do you want to train and grow in a welcoming, ambitious setting where we nurture success? Spencer Nursery School, in federation with Hackbridge Primary School, is looking for an enthusiastic Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice to join our small, friendly team.

We offer a two-year apprenticeship where you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience working with children under five, supported by experienced mentors and funded training. This is an excellent opportunity to start a rewarding career in early years education in a busy, diverse community setting.

About Us

• Spencer Nursery School is a local authority maintained nursery school federated with Hackbridge Primary School. We provide affordable, high-quality childcare and early education for children aged 0–5.
• We are part of a larger school community (Hackbridge Primary has 781 pupils across Reception–Year 6) and serve a diverse local area where many families speak additional languages (51 languages across the primary school).
• We are committed to inclusion and supporting all children, including those with SEND and English as an additional language, across our three school sites. 

About The Role

As a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice you will:

• Work 36 hours per week (full time, 52 weeks) on a shift rota covering early or late shifts to provide consistent childcare and education throughout the day.
• Support children’s routines, learning and development through planned and child-initiated activities, while promoting independence, positive behaviour and inclusion.
• Assist with personal care, mealtimes, indoor and outdoor play, and contribute to maintaining a safe, stimulating learning environment.
• Participate in observations, record children’s progress and — in the second year — act as a key person for a designated group, planning next steps in partnership with parents and the leadership team.
• Be supported by a mentor, receive Paediatric First Aid training, and have your apprenticeship training funded by the nursery.

This is a fixed-term apprenticeship placement for 24 months designed to develop confident, professional early years practitioners. The nursery will support your learning, review coursework with the external training provider, and include you in regular supervision and appraisal processes.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is excited to pursue a career in education and childcare, showing enthusiasm, reliability and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Has good communication skills and the ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Can use their initiative, work well within a team, and adapt to different areas and tasks across the nursery.
• Has at least 5 GCSEs (grades 9–4 / A*–C) or equivalent, including English and maths.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to children’s individual needs, inclusion and safeguarding, and is committed to ongoing learning and professional development.