Job Title: Preschool Apprentice Location: North Bushey Preschool Job Type: Apprenticeship (Full-time) Reports to: Preschool Manager / Lead Educator Working hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm Nursery Overview: North Bushey Preschool, we provide a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. Our team of passionate educators is committed to supporting children in their early year’s development, fostering their curiosity, creativity, and social skills. We are currently looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Preschool Apprentice to join our team and begin their career in early childhood education. Job Description: As a Preschool Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to learn and develop essential skills in early childhood education while working alongside experienced staff. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young children and eager to gain hands-on experience in a preschool setting. The apprenticeship provides both practical training and the chance to work towards a recognized qualification in early years education. Key Responsibilities: Support the preschool team in delivering high-quality care and education to children aged 2-5 years. Assist in planning and implementing age-appropriate learning activities and play-based learning experiences. Help to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for children, ensuring their well-being and individual needs are met. Observe and monitor children's progress and development, providing support where necessary. Foster positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues. Work closely with the Lead Educators to follow the curriculum and ensure that learning objectives are met. Attend and participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required. Follow health and safety procedures and ensure a clean and hygienic environment. Requirements: A genuine passion for working with young children. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work as part of a team and independently. A commitment to personal and professional development. Willingness to undertake a formal qualification in early childhood education (Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship). Previous experience working with children (e.g., through voluntary work or work experience) is desirable but not essential. What We Offer: Full training and support throughout the apprenticeship. The opportunity to gain a nationally recognized qualification in early childhood education. A friendly and supportive working environment. The chance to develop your career in early years education Training Information Over the course of 15 – 18 months (dependent upon the level of course an apprentice is being enrolled onto), you will study units such as health & safety in a childcare setting, holistic child development, safeguarding in a childcare setting, child development, communication with children, purposeful play and educational programmes, supporting children with special educational needs, collaborative working in early years childcare, wellbeing principles for children and at higher levels, child protection, data, supporting key life transitions and behaviour management (these modules may differ). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will achieve a Level 5 qualification and a TQUK Diploma in Early Years. We and our employer partners are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, so a DBS check will be required for this role. To make you aware, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’ must be declared, and you will be asked about these during the recruitment process. If you do not hold GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent), these will be delivered alongside the apprenticeship programme. Our delivery of training is through blended learning. Supported by one of our sector specialist tutors, they will deliver teaching sessions using various methods including face to face teaching, Skype, Facetime, telephone and peer virtual classroom whilst using our interactive multi-sensory teaching resources. Teaching sessions are normally bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the learner’s preferred learning style. Additionally, the tutor will provide the support required to ensure the learner enjoys and ultimately successfully achieves their goals and completes their training. We want learners to feel that our team are approachable at any stage of their learning journey. You will initially take an online assessment that will help us to understand your learning style and needs, then we will tailor your learning experience accordingly. We ensure that you stay on track to complete your programme on time by managing your expectations through our state-of-the-art e-portfolio system. At the end of your programme, your learnt knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed by an independent assessor in your end point assessment (EPA). As part of the apprenticeship, alongside your job role, 20% of your time in work must be dedicated to developing new skills. This can be any time devoted to learning and improving new skills without interruption.