Apprentice Early Years Educator

Cheshire College - South & West; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 15,000 - GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare provider in Knutsford is offering an apprenticeship to become an Early Years Educator. You will gain hands-on experience working with children and receive in-house training plus a Level 3 qualification. The ideal candidate should possess a friendly attitude, be eager to learn, and meet GCSE requirements in English and Maths. The role involves daily care routines, supporting children's development, and preparing educational resources. This 1 year 6 months apprenticeship starts on 26 February 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Scheme to purchase additional annual leave

Bonus for reliable attendance and long service

Qualifications

• Must hold GCSE in English and Maths or equivalent Functional Skills.
• Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Build positive relationships with children, staff, families, and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Help with the daily routine and care of the children.
• Interact with children to support their learning and development.
• Prepare resources under the guidance of colleagues.

Skills

Friendly attitude

Eager to learn

Education

GCSE in English and Maths at Grade 4 or above

Job description

Closes in 19 days (Thursday 12 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Overview

Elmscot Group is offering the opportunity to complete a national apprenticeship. We provide training to our staff and an in‑house mentor to support you through your education. Our highly trained professionals play a key role in ensuring young children learn, develop, stay healthy and safe.

Salary and Hours

Wage: £15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age. National Minimum Wage applies. Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab).

Hours: between 7:30 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Apprentices under 18 may work up to 8 hours per day. Unpaid 1‑hour lunch break. 40 hours per week.

Date

Start date: Thursday 26 February 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

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

• Help with the daily routine and care of the children in your assigned department and across the setting as a whole
• Interact with the children to support their learning and development in an age‑stage‑appropriate way
• Prepare resources under the guidance of colleagues
• Set‑up activities both inside and outside under the direction of colleagues
• Undertake daily housekeeping jobs as required
• Maintain electronic records and support child development observations

Where you’ll work

Elmscot Group Day Nurseries are located across Cheshire in Hale, Altrincham, Timperley, Sale, Knutsford and Chester. One of our sites, Poppies Day Nursery, is on Sugar Pit Lane in Knutsford.

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills, specifically:

• Recognise when a child or a colleague is at risk of abuse or danger 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 (e.g. food safety, diets, allergies, COSHH, emergencies)
• Apply risk assessment and risk management principles within documentation and practice
• Teach children 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
• Apply attachment theory 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 those requiring SEND or EAL support
• Promote and facilitate children’s social interactions and relationships
• Support children to develop a positive sense of identity and culture, 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 an inclusive and supportive emotional environment that enables the child to feel safe, secure, respected and experience wellbeing; prioritising the 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 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 experiences based on the setting’s curriculum and pedagogy
• Use reflection to develop yourself both professionally and personally
• In‑house training plus a Level 3 Apprenticeship programme and study towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification delivered by Cheshire College – South & West

If you do not hold GCSE grades A‑C (9‑4) or equivalent, you will be required to complete a Level 2 Functional Skill in the relevant subject.

Requirements

• GCSE in English and Maths at Grade 4 or above, or equivalent Functional Skills
• Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Positive, friendly attitude and eagerness to learn (see Skills)

Skills

• Friendly attitude
• Eager to learn

Other requirements

An apprentice must build positive relationships with the children, staff, families and external agencies, and pass DBS. Candidates must also meet the GCSE English and Maths requirement or obtain the required Functional Skills.

About this employer

Elmscot Group Day Nurseries cares for children aged from six weeks to five years in safe, homely environments. We have nurseries across Cheshire in Hale, Altrincham, Timperley, Sale, Knutsford and Chester. Poppies Day Nursery, on Sugar Pit Lane in Knutsford, is situated in a beautiful converted building with original features and bright open rooms.

We offer competitive salaries and regularly review them to ensure they are fair. Scheme to purchase additional annual leave. Bonus annual leave for reliable attendance, long service and Christmas shopping.

After this apprenticeship

• Permanent employment or progression to a higher apprenticeship if successfully completed

Contact

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000010104.

Apply now

Closes in 19 days (Thursday 12 February 2026 at 11:59pm)