Nursery Apprentice

Kindred Nurseries; St. Ives; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in St. Ives is seeking a Nursery Apprentice to work towards a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification. You will support children's development while learning the Key Person role with a mentor. Ideal candidates should have a genuine interest in early years childcare, be friendly and approachable, and be flexible in their work approach. This role offers a supportive team culture, competitive pay, and excellent benefits for your growth.

Benefits

Birthday Off

Fully Paid Sick Days

Cashback Healthcare Plan

Retail Discounts

Recognition & Reward Scheme

50% Childcare Discount

24/7 Virtual GP Access

24/7 Counselling Support

Discounted Gym Membership

Personal Financial Advisor Access

Pension Discovery

Learning Platform Access

Qualifications

• A genuine interest in working within Early Years childcare.
• Commitment to completing an apprenticeship qualification.
• Friendly, approachable, and eager to learn.
• Flexible approach to working hours and routines.

Responsibilities

• Complete a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Learn aspects of the Key Person role with mentorship.
• Support children's learning through play.
• Work collaboratively as part of a nursery team.

Skills

Genuine interest in Early Years childcare

Friendly and approachable

Flexible working approach

Education

Commitment to completing an apprenticeship qualification

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Nursery Apprentice

Location: St Ives, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5JL

Contract Type: Apprenticeship

Contract Length: 18 months

Hours: Up to 40 hours per week

Salary: £7.55 per hour (£15,824.80 fulltime 40 hour per week equivalent)

Benefits: Birthday Off, 6 Fully Paid Sick Days, Cashback Healthcare Plan, Retail Discounts, Recognition & Reward Scheme, 50% Childcare Discount, 24/7 Virtual GP Access, 24/7 Counselling Support, Discounted Gym Membership, Personal Financial Advisor Access, Pension Discovery, Learning Platform Access

Join the Kindred Family – Start Your Career in Early Years

About Kindred

Kindred is a family of inspiring nurseries and preschools with a distinct home-from-home environment. Through creating days filled with unique moments and opportunities, we enrich children’s development during their early years.

Our mission is creating inspiring worlds full of awe and wonder for little ones to grow and thrive in.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do:

• Always Learning – Seeking opportunities to develop ourselves and others
• Inspirational – Creating magic in every action
• Family Feel – Making everyone feel part of our incredible family

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Nursery Apprentice, you will:

• Work towards completing a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification within an agreed timeframe
• Learn all aspects of the Key Person role with the support of a dedicated mentor
• Observe children’s development and support their learning through play
• Carry out practitioner tasks under guidance and supervision
• Work collaboratively as part of a supportive nursery team
• Share responsibility for safeguarding children, parents, and colleagues

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and is central to everything we do at Kindred.

About You

Essential

• A genuine interest in working within Early Years childcare
• Commitment to completing an apprenticeship qualification
• Friendly, approachable, and eager to learn
• Flexible approach to working hours and routines

Desirable

• Previous experience with children (not essential – full training provided)

How Kindred Will Support You

We are committed to helping you succeed and grow:

• A dedicated mentor to guide and support you throughout your qualification
• Enrolment onto a Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare qualification
• Protected time for on-the-job training and study
• Ongoing support to understand and follow company policies and procedures
• A welcoming nursery team that will help you feel part of the Kindred family from day one

Why Join Kindred?

At Kindred, we’re more than a nursery group – we’re a family.

• Supportive & Inclusive Culture – Strong teamwork and genuine care
• Career Development – Clear progression opportunities beyond your apprenticeship
• Work-Life Balance – Structured hours in a supportive environment
• Competitive Pay & Benefits – Generous benefits alongside your apprenticeship
• Award-Winning Employer – A workplace our team is proud to recommend

Our Recruitment Process

• Interviews: Rolling interviews
• Expected Start Date: ASAP

Our process includes:

• A video interview followed by a face-to-face interview at the nursery
• A fully supervised ‘Stay and Play’ session
• Background checks including References and Enhanced DBS in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy

Ready to Start Your Kindred Journey?

To apply for the Nursery Apprentice position, please click the “Apply” button, complete the application form, and upload your CV along with a short cover letter explaining why you’d like to start your early years career with Kindred.

We aim to respond to all applicants within 2–5 working days.

Thank you for considering a career with Kindred.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.