Apprentice early years practitioner

Linton, CB21 4NW

Ref: VAC-01562

Type: Apprenticeship

Salary: Apprenticeship Minimum Wage

Sector: Early Years

Deadline: 21/11/2025

Start Date: 01/01/2026

Working Week: 5 days a week 8 hours a day

Company: Cambridge Montessori, Smiths Children Montessori and Montessori Cottage Linton

Positions Available: 6

Vacancy Detail

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Early Years Practitioner to join our nurturing team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about working with children and eager to develop a professional career in early years education. You will receive hands-on experience within our Montessori-inspired nursery while completing your apprenticeship training with our trusted learning providers.
As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced practitioners to deliver a warm, engaging, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. You will be supported to understand and apply the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles and the Montessori approach, gaining practical skills and knowledge in child development, safeguarding, and inclusive practice.

Key Responsibilities
• Support the planning and delivery of age-appropriate activities that promote learning through play and exploration.
• Assist with daily routines such as meal times, toileting, dressing, and rest periods, ensuring children’s individual needs are met.
• Help to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment following health, safety, and hygiene procedures.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Observe and record children’s progress, contributing to assessments and learning journals under the guidance of qualified staff.
• Follow nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and equal opportunities.
• Participate fully in training, team meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Reflect on your practice and take initiative in your learning journey throughout the apprenticeship.

What We Offer
• Ongoing mentoring and professional development within a high-quality early years setting.
• Supportive, friendly team and positive working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression upon completion of the apprenticeship.
• Additional staff benefits such as home-cooked meals, wellbeing support, and extra holiday days.

Qualifications required

Personal qualities

1. Caring and Nurturing –
Genuinely enjoys being around young children and shows warmth, kindness, and empathy in all interactions.
2. Patient and Calm –
Responds calmly to challenging situations or children’s emotions, helping to create a reassuring and supportive atmosphere.
3. Positive and Enthusiastic –
Brings energy, joy, and motivation to the role, inspiring children to explore and learn.
4. Responsible and Reliable –
Demonstrates commitment, punctuality, and dependability in daily routines and tasks.
5. Respectful and Professional –
Treats every child, family, and colleague with respect and follows nursery policies and confidentiality guidelines.
6. Curious and Willing to Learn –
Open-minded and eager to develop new skills, take feedback, and grow throughout the apprenticeship.
7. Observant and Reflective –
Takes notice of children’s interests and needs, reflecting on how to support their development more effectively.
8. Creative and Imaginative –
Thinks of fun, engaging, and age-appropriate ways to help children learn through play and exploration.
9. Team Player –
Works cooperatively with others, values teamwork, and contributes to a positive, supportive environment.
10. Empathetic and Inclusive –
Understands and celebrates differences, ensuring every child feels valued, safe, and included.
11. Self-Motivated –
Takes initiative, shows curiosity, and stays committed to completing training and apprenticeship tasks.
12. Professional Attitude –
Maintains high standards of conduct, presentation, and communication within the setting.

Skills required

Essential Skills
1. Communication Skills –
o Able to communicate clearly and positively with children, parents, and colleagues.
o Listens attentively and responds appropriately to children’s needs and questions.
2. Teamwork –
o Works well as part of a team, supporting others and contributing to a positive, collaborative atmosphere.
3. Empathy and Patience –
o Demonstrates understanding, kindness, and patience when working with young children.
4. Observation Skills –
o Notices children’s interests, behaviour, and development to support planning and record progress accurately.
5. Creativity and Imagination –
o Uses creative ideas to engage children in play and learning activities.
6. Organisational Skills –
o Able to manage tasks efficiently, such as setting up activities, maintaining records, and keeping the environment tidy.
7. Time Management –
o Punctual and reliable, able to follow routines and meet apprenticeship deadlines.
8. Adaptability and Flexibility –
o Responds positively to change, adapts to children’s individual needs, and supports the nursery in different areas as needed.
9. Understanding of Safeguarding and Confidentiality –
o Recognises the importance of keeping children safe and protecting their wellbeing at all times.
10. Positive Attitude and Willingness to Learn –
o Eager to develop new skills, accept feedback, and complete training and coursework.
Desirable Skills
1. Basic Knowledge of the EYFS Framework – Understanding how children learn and develop through play.
2. Basic IT Skills – For completing apprenticeship work and contributing to digital learning journals.
3. Problem-Solving Skills – Able to think calmly and find solutions in challenging situations.
4. Initiative – Willing to take small responsibilities under supervision and show enthusiasm for contributing ideas.

Future Prospects

career progression
further training in Montessori

Training to be Provided

Your full role and responsibilities will be set out by your employer. They will provide you with all of the on-the-job training you need to up-skill in your role, and your 20% off-the-job learning will be incorporated as part of your working day.
You will be working towards the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship standard, which includes:
• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours
• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Qualification
• Functional skills in Maths and English if required
This will be delivered by your dedicated training provider, Realise.

Apply for apprenticeship

Apprentice early years practitioner