Job Title: Early Years Educator Apprentice (Level 3)
Location: Sunshine Nurseries, 36 Thornbury Avenue, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 5BR, United Kingdom
Salary: £15,704 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week (shift-based)
Contract Type: Apprenticeship, with potential for a full-time position upon completion
Setting: Nursery / Pre-School
About Us
Sunshine Nurseries is a family-run group of nurseries with locations across the UK, including Shirley (Southampton, SO15) and Mortlake (SW14). We offer high-quality early years education and care for children aged 0–5 years in nurturing, safe, and structured environments. Our nurseries are known for their strong routines, child-centred approaches, and warm, professional teams.
At Sunshine Nurseries, we are passionate about supporting children\'s early development through play, routine, and a curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Position Overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice to join our Southampton (SO15) team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience and professional development while working toward a nationally recognised qualification.
You will work closely with experienced early years practitioners to support children\'s learning, care routines, and development in a safe and welcoming nursery environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Support children’s learning and development through structured play, daily routines, and planned early years activities.
* Assist with personal care routines including feeding, toileting, hygiene, and sleep times.
* Help prepare and maintain stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments.
* Observe and record children’s progress, contributing to assessments and learning journals in line with the EYFS.
* Promote emotional well-being and positive relationships through warm, responsive interactions.
* Work as part of a team to ensure high standards of care, safety, and hygiene are maintained throughout the nursery.
* Follow safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the welfare of all children.
* Communicate professionally with children, families, and colleagues.
* Participate in all required training, including coursework toward the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
Requirements
* Must hold or be working towards a Level 2 qualification in Early Years or Childcare.
* A genuine passion for early years education and child development.
* Good communication and teamwork skills.
* A caring, responsible, and proactive approach to supporting young children.
* Understanding of safeguarding principles (training provided).
* Availability to work full-time (40 hours/week) on a shift basis.
Desirable
* Previous experience in a childcare setting is advantageous but not essential.
* A desire to progress to a permanent full-time role following the completion of the apprenticeship.
What We Offer
* Salary of £15,704 per annum.
* Full-time apprenticeship: 40 hours per week, with shift-based scheduling.
* Support and mentoring to complete your Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
* Hands-on experience in a supportive, family-run nursery environment.
* Opportunity to gain experience across multiple nursery rooms and age groups.
* Pathway to a permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Join Sunshine Nurseries and help provide a warm, engaging start to life for children in a setting where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential.
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