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Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship - January 2027 start
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Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship - January 2027 start
Location: Maidstone (ME15 8UG)
Closing date: Friday 1 January 2027
Posted on: 7 September 2026
Summary
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our nursery team. This role is perfect for someone looking to start a rewarding career in childcare while gaining a recognised Early Years Educator qualification. Working alongside experienced practitioners, supporting children's learning and development through play.
Wage: £9,984 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
Training course: Early years educator (level 3)
Hours: Monday - Friday. Shifts of 6-hours per day between nursery opening hours. Exact working hours TBC. 24 hours a week
Start date: Wednesday 5 January 2028
Duration: 1 year 9 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
As an Early Years Educator Apprentice, you will support the daily running of the nursery and help provide high-quality care and education for children. Duties will include:
- Supporting children's learning and development through play-based activities
- Assisting with planning and delivering engaging learning experiences
- Building positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
- Supporting children's personal, social, and emotional development
- Encouraging independence and confidence
- Helping to maintain a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment
- Assisting with mealtimes, routines, and personal care as appropriate
- Following safeguarding, health, and safety and nursery policies at all times
- Observing and recording children's progress
- Working effectively as part of the nursery team
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The purpose of this role is to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to become a qualified Early Years Educator.
Where you'll work
26 Pennine Way Downswoods
Maidstone ME15 8UG
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED
Training course: Early years educator (level 3)
What you'll learn
Course contents include:
- Safeguarding and protecting children
- Legislation, policy, and procedure for health, safety, and wellbeing
- Risk assessment and management
- Communication methods and technology
- Professional relationships with other professionals
- Key person role and responsibilities
- Attachment theories
- Personal care for children
- Advocacy for children's needs
- Social interactions and relationships
- Identity and culture
- Emotional responses and behaviour
- Curriculum and pedagogy
- Physical environments
- Emotional environments
- Change, transition, and significant events
- Observation evidence and planning
- Reflection for personal and professional development
Training schedule
The programme offers a blended learning approach including:
- Paediatric first aid qualification
- Online learning modules
- Virtual classroom sessions
- Workplace observations
- Portfolio building and assignments
- Regular progress reviews
Candidates are not required to attend college. Off-the-job training will be completed during paid working hours in line with apprenticeship requirements.
You will receive regular support from your apprenticeship tutor through scheduled reviews and workplace visits.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
- GCSE in: English (grade 4)
- GCSE in: Maths (grade 4)
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Skills
- Communication skills
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Patience
Other requirements
Appointment to this role will be subject to:
- Satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance
- 2 suitable references
- Verification of identity and right to work in the UK
- Successful completion of all pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment guidelines for childcare settings
About this employer
Jennie’s Little Leaps is a warm, home-based childcare setting in Maidstone, Kent, providing a safe, nurturing environment for young children to learn, play, and grow. Jennie offers personalised care with a strong focus on early learning, development, and fun activities, supporting children to build confidence and reach their full potential in their early years.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay.
Once you have finished the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to continue working for the same company and progress on to Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner, EYITT, ECT or Level 3 Early Years SENCO.
Early Years Educators are found in a range of settings including day nurseries, playgroups, nursery schools, pre-schools, kindergartens, primary schools, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments, and local authority provision, giving you a broad range of employment opportunities.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000041016.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 1 January 2027
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