Islington Council
Early Years Educator Apprentice
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Early Years Educator Apprentice
About The Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Role
Do you enjoy working with people, families, and children and want to make a difference?
Would you like to be part of a mixed team with the opportunity to learn from a range of professionals?
If so, read on…
Our apprenticeships combine working in a great job, training, development, and a competitive salary. You will be given dedicated time in your working week to focus on your studies. You’ll also have access to a network of colleagues and tutors to support your learning.
About the Position
The Early Years Educator Apprenticeship is a 24-month opportunity to learn and provide support to The Bright Start South team. We’re responsible for offering high-quality stay-and-play sessions for families with children aged 0–5. Your duties will include working with:
- Early childhood practitioners
- Parents/carers, when appropriate
to:
- Plan, deliver, and evaluate stimulating, safe, and friendly play and creative activities during Stay & Play sessions across different venues.
You will:
- Gain an understanding of the team’s work
- Work in a supported learning environment
- Progress towards a nationally recognised Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship qualification
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
- Be aged 16 or above and either a:
- Resident of Islington
- Islington care leaver
- Islington school leaver within the past 12 months
Additionally, you must:
- Not already hold a qualification at a similar or higher level in this subject area
- Have limited to no existing skills/experience in early years education
Course entry requirements
- Successfully pass tests in Maths and English (if applicable in your application process)
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Key Dates
- Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at 23:59
- Expected Interview Date: Monday, 10 August 2026
- Apprenticeship Start Date: September 2026
Duties & Responsibilities
Core Working Tasks:
- Work with your team and parents/carers to develop engaging play and learning activities
- Ensure children’s safety (on-the-job training provided)
- Participate in play activities, especially ‘Stay & Play’ sessions
- Support the planning and evaluation of play activities
- Update session plans and observation notes
- Collaborate with health teams to support child development
Key Development Programme: You will complete:
- A Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship qualification
- GCSE vocational equivalents (Mathematics and English, if you haven’t already achieved these)
- Engage in the Council’s apprenticeship network and related activities
- Have a designated mentor
Opportunities Post-Completion
After successfully finishing the apprenticeship, you will:
- Gain valuable workplace experience
- Earn a nationally recognised qualification
- Enhance your prospects for future roles within the Council or other employers
- Progress to more advanced apprenticeships
Contact & Support
For discussions about apprenticeships, email: [Early Careers and Talent Team](mailto:[email protected])
For Islington residents who need assistance: 📞 iWork Team Helpline: 020 7527 3559 ✉️ Email: work@islington.gov.uk
Key Contact: Eva Stokes
- Title: Early Childhood Practitioner
- Email: [eva.stokes@islington.gov.uk](mailto:[email protected])
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About Islington Council
Our Purpose
We aspire to challenge inequality in our borough through CARE: Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, Empowering.
Workforce Values & Inclusivity
We aim for a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone has an equal chance to thrive, committed to:
- Zero-tolerance for discrimination under the 2010 Equality Act
- Intersectional perspectives in addressing inequality
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at its core
Benefits
- Paid leave: Up to 31 days annually (increasing to 36 after five years)
- Flexible working and a 35-hour workweek
- Free learning and development opportunities
- Competitive salary (minimum: London Living Wage)
- Excellent pension scheme
- Cycle-to-Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts available
⚠️ Priority Information
Islington Council’s workforce redeployment pool members will be prioritised in shortlisting if they meet essential criteria.
Additional Requirements
Pre-Employment Checks
Applies subject to passing:
- Proof of address
- Criminal record check (overses, if applicable)
- Occupational health clearance
- Right-to-work status in the UK
- Name change verification (where applicable)
- Satisfactory references
Commitment to Safeguarding
Essential in relation to:
- Children (0–18 years)
- Vulnerable adults Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS check) required at Enhanced Level with Children’s Barred List.
For equality support, formal adjustments, or disabilities, Islington Council provides a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet minimum criteria.
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