Summary
Grace Cook Primary School is a growing, inclusive, and forward-thinking school located in the heart of the Chilton Leys development. As part of the Orwell Multi Academy Trust (OMAT), we are committed to providing high-quality education and a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to achieve their full potential.
Wage
£12,955.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Early years educator (level 3)
Hours
Monday- Friday 7:45am- 18:00pm
32 hours 30 minutes a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
1 year 6 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 a motivated and caring individual to join our Early Years team at Grace Cook Primary School as a Nursery Apprentice. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive school environment while working towards a nationally recognised qualification in childcare.
Day-to-Day Duties:
* Assist in the planning and delivery of engaging and age-appropriate activities that promote children’s development across all areas of learning
* Support children with daily routines, including mealtimes, toileting, dressing, and hygiene practices
* Observe and record children’s progress to support assessment and individual development plans
* Encourage positive behaviour and support the social and emotional development of all children
* Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating nursery environment.
* Set up and tidy away resources and equipment as needed throughout the day
* Work collaboratively with the Early Years team to ensure the needs of every child are met
* Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and contribute to the wider school community when appropriate
Day-to-Day Contact:
Your main day-to-day contact will be the Nursery Class Teacher and the Early Years Leader, who will provide guidance, support, and supervision throughout your apprenticeship. You may also work closely with teaching assistants and other members of the Early Years team.
How the Role Fits within the Organisation:
* As a Nursery Apprentice, you will be a valued member of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) team at Grace Cook Primary School
* This role is essential in supporting the smooth operation of our nursery provision and contributes to the school’s commitment to providing high-quality early education
* You will help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive, and you will play an active part in laying the foundation for lifelong learning and school readiness
Where you'll work
Grace Cook Primary School, Fuller Way
Stowmarket
IP14 1GG
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
Training course
Early years educator (level 3)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* 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.
* 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.
Training schedule
* The learner will be studying the Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard qualification
* Functional skills will be studied if equivalent qualifications are not held
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
Maths and English (grade 4-9)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* IT skills
* Communication skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
Other requirements
This role is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about working with young children and beginning a career in early years education. As a Nursery Apprentice at Grace Cook Primary School, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a supportive and professional environment while working towards a recognised childcare qualification.