Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary Role: Early Years Apprentice Location: Brinds Well Day Nursery | Orpington | BR6 7PH Contract: 37.5 hours per week | 52 weeks per year Working pattern: MondayFriday, varied shifts between 7:30am6:30pm Start date window: 12 March 17 April 2026 Salary: £7.57 per hour to start, rising to £12.24 per hour after six months in post At Childbase Partnership, weve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989 but its our people who make the real difference. Across our day nurseries, Head Office and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in careers, not jobs, and were committed to supporting one another to learn, grow and succeed together. Why join us? We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about your future. Thats why we offer: Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per year (pro rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays Childcare discount: 75% discount on childcare fees (or 40% grandparent discount) at any Childbase nursery from day one Exclusive partner benefits: Long-service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will-writing service Career development: Team inset days, access to online learning alongside your course, and the opportunity to move into a permanent Qualified Nursery Practitioner role once you successfully complete your apprenticeship About us Employee-owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, helping to shape our success and when we do well, we all share in an annual tax-free dividend Proudly number one: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes Community driven: We support causes close to our hearts and have raised over £3.5 million for charity Environmentally responsible: All our nurseries hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy Invested in your development: Our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning has established our Training Academy, EduBase, as a trusted provider in the sector About you You dont need previous experience what matters most is your enthusiasm and desire to learn. You might be someone who: Is passionate about building a career working with babies and young children under the age of five Has an interest in child development and enjoys learning how children grow through play Thrives in hands-on learning and is excited to plan and deliver engaging activities linked to the early years curriculum Is nurturing, empathetic and always puts childrens safety and wellbeing first Can manage your time effectively, balancing work, study and coursework deadlines Enjoys working collaboratively and building strong, positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues What does our apprenticeship offer you? A supportive blend of learning and experience: Youll be based in the nursery, with regular visits from a dedicated Trainer/Assessor from our Training Academy to guide your development Group training sessions: Usually every 68 weeks at our academy in Newport Pagnell, alongside other apprentices from across our partnership Recognised qualifications: Level 2 Early Years Practitioner or Level 3 Early Years Educator (the most suitable level will be identified through an online assessment during screening) Functional Skills support: If required, youll complete English and/or maths Functional Skills qualifications in line with government apprenticeship rules and EYFS requirements Paediatric First Aid qualification: Delivered at our academy and valid for three years Eligibility criteria To be considered for this role, at the time you apply you must: Have the right to work in the UK and a National Insurance number Ideally hold photographic ID (passport or full/provisional driving licence) Have access to a laptop or PC to complete online assessments and coursework Have lived in the UK for at least the last three years Be comfortable travelling to group training sessions at our Training Academy in Newport Pagnell (MK16 8NJ) travel costs will be covered Live within a commutable distance of the nursery Were an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people aged 16 (in line with government apprenticeship rules) and from all backgrounds. Were committed to FREDIE fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement and will consider any reasonable adjustments required. If you meet the essential criteria, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team, who will decide whether an interview is the next step.