About us
Are you passionate about helping young children thrive? As a Childcare Apprentice with the Vale of Glamorgan’s Flying Start Programme, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work towards nationally recognised qualifications, and receive structured training and support from experienced mentors. This is your chance to build a rewarding career in childcare while making a real impact on families and communities. Enjoy professional development opportunities, a friendly team environment, and the stability of a Welsh Government-funded initiative running until March 2028.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is inviting applications to join its Flying Start Programme—a Welsh Government initiative supporting families with children aged 0–3 years in targeted areas. Our aim is to give every child the best possible start in life through high-quality early years services.
Flying Start focuses on promoting language, cognitive, social and emotional development, physical skills, and early identification of additional needs. We achieve this through Health Visiting and support, Speech, Language and Communication, Parenting programmes, and funded part-time childcare.
Ambitious - Forward thinking, embracing new ways of working and investing in our future.
Open - Open to different ideas and being accountable for the decisions we take.
Together - Working together as a team that engages with our customers and partners, respects diversity and is committed to quality services.
Proud - Proud of the Vale of Glamorgan; proud to serve our communities and to be part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Benefits of Joining the Vale of Glamorgan’s Flying Start Team:
1. Structured Training and Support: Work towards QCF Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications with guidance from experienced mentors.
2. Professional Development: Access to ongoing training and reflective practice sessions to help you grow in your career.
3. Positive Impact: Be part of a Welsh Government initiative that makes a real difference to families and children in the community.
4. Team Environment: Join a supportive, friendly team committed to high-quality early years provision.
5. Job Security: The Flying Start programme is funded until March 2028, offering stability during your apprenticeship
About the role
Pay Details: Apprentice rates based on National Minimum Wage
6. Apprentice - £7.55 per hour
7. Age 18–20: £10 per hour
8. Age 21+: £12.21 per hour
Hours of Work / Working Pattern: 35 hours per week, term time only
Main Place of Work: Barry
Temporary Reason: Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded project, currently until 31.3.2028
Description:
You will play an active role in creating a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for children aged 2–3 years. Your responsibilities will include:
9. Assisting qualified practitioners in planning and delivering age-appropriate activities that promote language, social, emotional, and physical development.
10. Supporting daily routines such as snack times, outdoor play, and personal care, ensuring children’s well-being and safety at all times.
11. Observing and recording children’s progress to contribute to individual development plans.
12. Engaging positively with parents and carers, providing updates and supporting family involvement in their child’s learning journey.
13. Maintaining a clean, organised, and welcoming setting in line with health and safety standards.
14. Participating in team meetings, training sessions, and reflective practice to develop your skills and knowledge.
About you
You will need:
15. Experience/ Interest of working with Babies/Young children and their families
16. Basic knowledge of child development
17. A good general education.
18. Willingness to work toward QCF level 2 and level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning Play and Development, within an agreed timescale.
19. Motivation and enthusiasm for the post and an understanding of the tasks required.
20. Friendly and approachable manner and be able to communicate with a range of professionals and parents
21. Ability to drive/travel throughout the Vale or between locations as appropriate