Apprenticeship · Early years
Early Years Apprentice
MERRY POPPETS NURSERY LTD · Bedford
- Wage
- £15,808 a year
- Hours
- 38 a week
- Apply by
- 15 Nov 2026
- Possible start date
- From 23 Nov 2026
- Course
- Early years educator (level 3)
- Duration
- 1 Year 6 Months
- Training provider
- CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
- Reference
- 2000061232
About this apprenticeship
- Support practitioners in providing high-quality care and education
- Observe children and help extend their learning through planned activities that meet their individual needs and interests
- Maintain accurate records and documentation as required
- Work in partnership with parents, carers, family members, and colleagues to continually improve the quality of care and education provided
- Help ensure that children are kept safe and that safeguarding and child protection procedures are followed at all times
- Contribute to creating a positive, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment
Working week: Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm or 9.00am - 6.00pm.
Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness
Qualifications the employer asks for
- GCSE in Maths/English (grade A* to C or 4-9) – essential
About Merry Poppets Nursery Ltd
- Setting
- Nursery (Ofsted registered)
- Local authority
- Central Bedfordshire
- Registered places
- 83
Merry Poppets aim is to deliver outstanding service through forward looking. The nursery was founded in 2006 and comprises of 4 settings delivering childcare and education to children from birth to 5 years of age. The company recognizes that co operative and effective team work is essential to the success of the nursery. The nursery welcomes each new colleague and it is through goodwill that effective relationships grow.
Part of MERRY POPPETS NURSERY LIMITED, a nursery group.
View Merry Poppets Nursery Ltd in the nursery directoryHow to apply
- Choose Apply on GOV.UK and sign in to Find an apprenticeship (or create a free account).
- Complete the application before 15 Nov 2026. The employer may close it early if they get enough applicants.
- The employer and CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL contact you about next steps, such as an interview.
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Questions about apprenticeships
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Anyone aged 16 or over in England who is not in full-time education. There is no upper age limit.
How much are apprentices paid?
From 1 April 2026 the apprentice minimum is £8.00 an hour if you are under 19 or in your first year; after that you get the National Minimum Wage for your age (£10.85 at 18 to 20, £12.71 at 21 and over). Many schools and nurseries pay more, and each advert shows its wage exactly as the employer gave it.
Do I need GCSEs to start?
Not always. Many apprenticeships accept people without GCSE English and maths and help you achieve them during the apprenticeship. Each advert lists what the employer asks for.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
At least 8 months, and most school and nursery apprenticeships take 12 to 24 months. Each advert shows its expected duration.
Can I become a teacher through an apprenticeship?
Yes. A teaching assistant or early years apprenticeship is a common first step, and graduates can train through the postgraduate teacher apprenticeship.
What qualification will I get?
Each advert names its course, for example Early years educator (level 3) or Teaching assistant (level 3), which are recognised qualifications.
How do I apply?
Choose Apply on GOV.UK. Applications go through the government's Find an apprenticeship service, not through SchoolJobs.
Where do these adverts come from?
From Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK), refreshed daily. Adverts that close or are removed there are taken off SchoolJobs.
Apprenticeship adverts from Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK), Department for Education. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.