Early Years Educator Apprentice

Northern Skills Group; Thirsk; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local nursery in Thirsk is looking for a Level 3 Early Years Educator. This role supports teaching and learning for children, operating under the guidance of a teacher. Applicants need GCSEs in Maths and English, and relevant experience is beneficial. The position offers a competitive wage and full training with a chance for future employment upon completion of the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4) required.
• Relevant qualifications and industry experience can be shared for adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Operate a programme of activities that meet children's needs in conjunction with team members.
• Keep records of children's development and share with parents and key adults.
• Follow nursery safeguarding procedures to ensure children are safe.
• Support all staff and engage in a good staff team.

Skills

Customer care skills

Creative

Education

GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4)

Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid

Job description

Northern Skills is recruiting on behalf of Learning Tree Nursery for a Level 3 Early Years Educator to support the teaching and learning of individuals and/or groups of pupils in the learning environment. The role is carried out under clear guidelines, instructions and direct supervision of a teacher.

Wage: £13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age. National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices applies.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:45 – 17:30. 35 hours a week with a 4‑day working week and one day release at college. Start date: Monday 26 January 2026. Duration: 1 year 9 months.

Work

Most of the apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

What you’ll do at work

• Operate a programme of activities that meet the individual needs and interests of children in your area in conjunction with other team members
• Keep records of your key children’s development and learning journeys and share this with parents, carers and other key adults
• Follow the nursery safeguarding procedure to ensure all children are kept safe, well and secure
• Support all staff and engage in a good staff team
• Liaise with and support parents and other family members
• Participate in out‑of‑work hours activities, e.g. training, monthly staff meetings, parent evenings, fundraising events, etc.
• Be flexible within the working practices of the nursery
• Help where needed, including certain domestic jobs within the nursery (preparation of snack meals, cleansing of equipment, etc.)

Where you’ll work

BEHIND CARLTON MINIOTT, C P SCHOOL, CARLTON MINIOTT, THIRSK, YO7 4NJ

Training

• Recognise when a child or colleague is in danger or at risk of abuse 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 (e.g. food safety, diets, allergies, COSHH, accidents, injuries, emergencies)
• Apply the principles of risk assessment and risk management within documentation and practice
• Teach children to develop 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
• Recognise and apply theories of attachment 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 who require SEND or EAL support
• Promote and facilitate children’s interpersonal communication to develop social interactions and relationships
• Support children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture
• Support children 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 inclusive and supportive emotional environment that enables the child to feel safe, secure, respected and experience a sense of wellbeing; prioritising the individual 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 the 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 experience based on the setting’s curriculum and pedagogy
• Use reflection to develop professionally and personally
• Day release one day per week at Middlesbrough College

For the Early Years Educator, the qualification required is Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid.

Requirements

• GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4)
• Share any other relevant qualifications and industry experience – the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know

Skills

• Customer care skills
• Creative

About this employer

The Learning Tree Nursery was established over thirty years ago (with Kid’s Club introduced in 1995) by volunteers living in the Carlton Miniott community. Its aim is to provide low‑cost quality day care for nursery‑age children in the Thirsk and surrounding area. A modular purpose‑built classroom constructed by North Yorkshire Timber offers children aged 2‑11 a fantastic learning environment.

After this apprenticeship

• Depending on the circumstances of the business upon completion of the apprenticeship programme, there could be a potential position of employment available

Contact for this apprenticeship: MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE

Reference code: VAC2000002996

Apply now

Closes on Monday 19 January 2026. Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.