Childcare Apprenticeship – Eastleigh

As an Early Years Practitioner Apprentice, you’ll become part of a nurturing, collaborative nursery team, working closely with experienced practitioners, a Lead Practitioner, and the Nursery Manager. Together, you’ll create a safe, stimulating environment where children feel valued, supported, and inspired to learn through play.

In your day-to-day role, you’ll be actively involved in supporting children’s routines, encouraging their curiosity, and helping to deliver engaging learning experiences both indoors and outdoors. You’ll observe how children develop, begin to understand their individual needs, and contribute to activities that promote their confidence, communication, and independence.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience across all aspects of early years practice. This includes learning how to observe and assess children’s progress, support safeguarding and wellbeing, build positive relationships with families, and understand how high-quality early education is delivered in line with best practice. You’ll also develop key transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, organisation, and professionalism, setting strong foundations for a rewarding career in childcare.

Day-Day Responsibilities:

• Provide indoor and outdoor play-based experiences to children in line with YMCA’s pedagogy and curriculum, and in adherence to nursery policies and procedures.
• Plan, implement and monitor activities suitable for children under 5, under the supervision and direction of the Lead Practitioner.
• Help maintain the safety, security, physical and emotional welfare of the children in the nursery and garden environments.
• Follow YMCA’s policies and procedures at all times, including but not restricted to: staff ratios, safeguarding and child protection, and health & safety, escalating concerns immediately to the Lead Practitioner or Nursery Manager.
• Bring to the immediate attention of the Lead Practitioner and/or Manager, any incidents or accidents, any child’s failure to thrive, and any equipment that may be of danger. Also to arrange for any individual to receive immediate first aid.
• Positively engage with the nursery team, parents and carers, and wider YMCA teams.