Apprenticeship · Early years
Early Years Educator Apprentice
NEXT STEP CHILDCARE LTD · Wells
- Wage
- £14,976 a year
- Hours
- 36 a week
- Apply by
- 10 Nov 2026
- Possible start date
- From 27 Nov 2026
- Course
- Early years educator (level 3)
- Duration
- 1 Year 6 Months
- Training provider
- UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOMERSET COLLEGE GROUP
- Reference
- 2000059249
About this apprenticeship
We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring and motivated individual to join our nursery team as a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice.
As an apprentice, you will support the nursery team in providing a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where children can learn, develop and thrive. You will work closely with experienced practitioners to build your knowledge and skills in child development, safeguarding, play-based learning and professional childcare practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Support children’s learning and development through play, activities and positive interactions.
- Assist with daily routines, including meals, personal care, sleep times and transitions throughout the day.
- Encourage children’s independence, confidence and social development.
- Help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment for all children.
- Build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
- Observe and support children’s individual needs and developmental progress.
- Follow nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality.
- Work as part of the nursery team whilst completing all apprenticeship training and coursework.
Working week: Monday to Friday 08.30-17.30 shifts.
Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Number skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness
Qualifications the employer asks for
- GCSE in English (grade 4/C or above or equivalent) – essential
- GCSE in Maths (grade 4/C or above or equivalent) – essential
About Next Steps Childcare Centre
- Setting
- Nursery (Ofsted registered)
- Local authority
- Somerset
- Registered places
- 46
- Advertised by
- NEXT STEP CHILDCARE LTD
Next Steps Childcare is a well-established nursery that has been providing childcare for 23 years. Based at The Royal Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, we are a small, welcoming setting caring for up to 45 children per day, supported by a friendly team of 13 staff. Our nursery has three rooms: Cuddly Koalas for our youngest children, Tumbling Turtles and Clever Kangaroos. Each room provides a nurturing environment where children can learn, play and develop at their own pace. We are fortunate to have beautiful outdoor spaces, including our own Forest School Garden and a large front garden. Our outdoor areas offer exciting opportunities for children to explore nature, develop new skills and learn through hands-on experiences. At Next Steps Childcare, we believe children learn best through play, exploration and meaningful relationships. We aim to create a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued and confident to explore the world around them.
How to apply
- Choose Apply on GOV.UK and sign in to Find an apprenticeship (or create a free account).
- Complete the application before 10 Nov 2026. The employer may close it early if they get enough applicants.
- The employer and UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOMERSET COLLEGE GROUP 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.