Apprentice Early Years Assistant

YMCA Trinity Group; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 15,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity is seeking an Early Years Apprentice to support the nursery environment. This role involves helping with daily routines, engaging with children and families, and learning through guided experience. Ideal candidates are passionate about childcare, eager to learn, and willing to work as part of a supportive team. The position offers a competitive salary, development opportunities, and a commitment to safeguarding practices.

Benefits

Reduced childcare costs

Paid day off for your birthday

Development and progression opportunities

DBS check paid for by employer

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• No previous childcare experience is required.
• Eager to learn about Early Years practice.
• Reliable, organised, and ready to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of the nursery room.
• Assist with daily routines including play sessions and hygiene.
• Build relationships with children and families.

Skills

Caring

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Job description

YMCA Trinity Group – Childcare ‘Inspiring communities, transforming young lives’

Vacancy Apprentice Early Years Assistant

36 hours per week, all year round, starting April 2026

Job Reference APP-EYE-SM

Location YMCA Childcare, St Margaret’s Road, Lowestoft, NR32 4HW

Are you passionate about working with young children and excited to start a rewarding career in Early Years? Do you want to learn, grow, and make a real difference every single day? If so, we’d love to welcome you to our team as an Years Apprentice.

This is the perfect opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic, caring, and eager to gain hands‑on experience while working toward a recognised Early Years qualification.

What You’ll Do

As an Early Years Apprentice, you will support in the day‑to‑day running of our nursery room, helping to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where children can thrive.

You’ll learn to

• Support high‑quality childcare by helping deliver engaging activities and learning experiences following the EYFS framework.
• Build brilliant relationships with children and their families as you act as a keyworker for a small group.
• Assist with daily routines, including play sessions, meals, hygiene, and outdoor play.
• Communicate effectively with parents, carers, and colleagues to ensure every child receives outstanding care.
• Understand safeguarding, health & safety, equality, and inclusion, and how these shape our daily practice.
• Complete important nursery documentation, observations, and records required by OFSTED and regulatory bodies.
• Support other learners, such as students or fellow apprentices, helping build a cooperative team environment.
• Take part in team meetings, training sessions, and wider YMCA Trinity Group initiatives designed to help you grow.

Throughout, you’ll be guided by experienced Early Years professionals committed to helping you develop confidence, skills, and knowledge.

Are You the One We’re Looking For?

• Caring, patient, and passionate about supporting young children.
• Eager to learn about Early Years practice, child development, and the EYFS.
• A great communicator with a positive, proactive attitude.
• Reliable, organised, and ready to work as part of a supportive team.
• Committed to safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional standards.

No previous childcare experience is required — just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!

Please refer to the Job description in full for further details about the role.

Safer Recruitment

In line with safer recruitment processes, successful candidates will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, facilitated and paid for by YMCA Trinity Group.

Days and Hours

You will be contracted for 36 hours per week, all year round, working Tues‑Fri 8am‑6pm (Mon day off), from April 2026.

Salary and Benefits

£14,208.48

Additional benefits we offer include

• Reduced childcare costs for employees' own children
• Paid day off for your birthday (dependent on staff rota)
• Development and internal progression opportunities
• DBS check facilitated and paid as part of onboarding
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their immediate families

Closing date

28/02/2026. Applications may be assessed as received; therefore, should we fill the role sooner than expected we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before the advertised closing date. Early application is strongly advised.

Contact Us

If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact 01502 585882 and ask for our Childcare Manager Kim Streater ([e-mail]) or Deputy Childcare Manager Claire ([e-mail])

Ensuring the safety and well‑being of vulnerable individuals is paramount to our mission. As such, we are committed to upholding rigorous safeguarding practices in all aspects of our work. Join us in making a meaningful difference while adhering to the highest standards of care and protection for those we serve.

Additional Information

Please note YMCA Trinity Group does not have a sponsored Licence to recruit non-UK workers and therefore all candidates are expected to be able to work in the UK. Unless stated otherwise, we do require an application form, completed in full, should you wish to be considered for a role with YMCA Trinity Group. Applications are scored against the relevant job description. CV’s will not be considered as an application, merely an expression of interest.

Occasionally we fill a role sooner than expected, we reserve the right to withdraw vacancies before an advertised closing date. Early application is advised. An email will be sent to confirm receipt of applications, please contact us if you have a problem submitting your application.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Visit ymcatrinitygroup.org.uk to view our current work and volunteering opportunities