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Early Years Educator Apprentice

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Early Years Educator Apprentice
THE TOTS TEAM LTD
Off Station Approach, Kirkstall Ln, Kirkstall (LS5 3LD)
Closes in 31 days (Saturday 31 October 2026)
Posted on 29 September 2026
Summary
The Tots Team are looking for enthusiastic individuals to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship, supporting key children to develop and grow in a multitude of ways. If you are looking for a place of work that appreciates you, respects you and makes every day different and enjoyable, apply today.
Wage
£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course
Early years educator (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday - shifts to be agreed at offer stage.
40 hours a week
Start date
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Duration
1 year 2 months
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who place the child at the heart of everything they do. At our brand-new setting based at Headingley Train Station, we have multiple positions available for those committed to making every day a positive and enriching experience for children under five. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Birth to 5 Matters frameworks, offering a balance of structured adult-led activities and child-initiated play. Our outdoor areas are designed to extend learning across all seven areas of the curriculum.
As part of the role, you will plan and deliver engaging activities tailored to each child’s interests and developmental needs, promote literacy, numeracy, and language skills, and act as a key person to help children feel safe and valued. You will carry out observations, manage care routines with compassion, and work closely with parents, colleagues, and professionals to support each child’s well-being. Supporting children through key transitions and ensuring safeguarding and equality are also essential aspects of the role. We are seeking educators who bring energy, creativity, and initiative to both the room and the lives of the children. Salary is dependent on experience.
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
REALISE LEARNING AND EMPLOYMENT LIMITED
Training course
Early years educator (level 3)
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Recognise when a child or a colleague is in danger or at risk of abuse and act to protect them in line with safeguarding policy and procedure. Apply legislation, policy and procedure to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the setting (for example, food safety, diets, starting solid food, allergies, COSHH, and accidents, injuries, and emergencies). Apply the principles of risk assessment and risk management within documentation and practice. Teach children to develop skills to manage risk and maintain their own and others safety. Use a range of communication methods, including technology, with other professionals to meet the individual needs of the child. Develop and maintain effective professional, collaborative relationships with others involved in the education and care of the child. Undertake the role and responsibilities of key person. Recognise and apply theories of attachment to develop effective relationships with children. Provide sensitive and respectful personal care for children from birth to 5 years. Advocate for all children’s needs, including children which require SEND or EAL support. Promote and facilitate children’s interpersonal communication to develop their social interactions and relationships. Support children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture. Support children to understand and respond to their emotions and make considered choices about their behaviours. Assess the responsiveness of the environment for effective child-centred experiences in line with curriculum requirements. Create inclusive, child-centred, dynamic, innovative, and evolving physical environments both indoors and outdoors. Create inclusive and supportive emotional environment that enables the child to feel safe, secure, respected and experience a sense of wellbeing; maintaining and prioritising the individual child’s voice. Apply strategies that support children’s ability to manage change, transition, and significant events. Analyse observation evidence to assess and plan holistic individual learning based on a comprehensive understanding of the child’s needs and interests. Facilitate and support child-centred opportunities and experiences based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy. Provide adult led opportunities and experience based on the setting's curriculum and pedagogy. Use reflection to develop themselves both professionally and personally.


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Training schedule
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 off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard. 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.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
- GCSE in: English Language (grade 4)
- Mathematics (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Administrative skills
- Attention to detail
- Caring
Other requirements
- Shifts - Monday to Friday
- Salary is based on experience
- Safeguarding is paramount, so a full DBS will be obtained
- On-site parking
About this employer
We are committed to promoting the well-being and inclusion of every child. Our broad and ambitious curriculum is designed to support each child’s progress according to their individual needs. Our family-run nursery in Kirkstall, close to Headingley, provides full-time childcare for children aged three months to five years. We offer a warm, home-from-home environment where children feel safe, valued and confident to explore the world around them.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Career Development and progression and room leader.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
REALISE LEARNING AND EMPLOYMENT LIMITED
Mohammad Ali
Mohammad.Ali@realisetraining.com
0333 444 3973
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000056143.
Apply now
Closes in 31 days (Saturday 31 October 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.
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