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Education

Senior Early Years Educator apprenticeship

The Cottage Nursery · 3 SPIRIT ENTERPRISE UK LIMITED
Location
CRAYFORD, DARTFORD
Postcode
DA1 3PY
Salary
£28,080 a year
Duration
1 Year 9 Months
Hours per week
40h
Positions available
1
Degree awarded
Early years lead practitioner (level 5)
Start date
5 October 2026
Application deadline
30 September 2026
Posted
5 June 2026
Vacancy reference
2000035528

About the role

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will also
be required to carry out any other duties which may reasonably be
required of you in accordance with the needs of the employer. You are
also required to be flexible and adaptable with respect to your role

Purpose of Role

The Senior Early Years Nursery Practitioner is a key member of the early years team and is responsible for delivering high-quality care and learning opportunities for children based on their needs and
interests.

  • Promote positive relationships in the early years setting.
  • Promote the health, safety and well-being of the children.
  • Support the children’s development, learning and play.
  • Be a Key Person carrying out all related responsibilities in
    building relationships with a small group of children and their
    families.
  • Contribute to the effectiveness of teamwork.
  • To be a role model and be able to showcase high-quality
    practice with regard to individual and group work with
    children.
  • To take responsibility alongside the Nursery Management Team
    for the safety, security and well-being of all children, staff and
    visitors always.
  • To ensure that safeguarding procedures are followed in line
    with Local Authority and Company procedures.
  • To support the management team in supporting the nursery to
    reach an ‘Outstanding’ grade with Ofsted.
  • To embrace, understand and promote Super Start Limited
    Childcare, and to understand the role you play as part of the
    team to provide high-levels of care and education

 

Working week

Monday to Friday 7.30am - 6.30pm. CAN OFFER FT OR PT.

Skills

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsNumber skillsLogicalTeam workingCreativeInitiativePatiencePhysical fitness

Required qualifications

Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 4 - 9
Desired
GCSE · Maths · Grade 4 - 9
Essential
Level 3 Diploma · Early Years Educator · Grade Pass

Training & development

Training will take place within the nursery setting, allowing you to learn in a real working environment. You will also receive structured support from a Development Coach, with training sessions delivered on-site once a month to support your progress.

Future prospects

Once the apprenticeship has been completed there are opportunties to apply for roles as Room Leader and Deputy across 3 sites.

Company benefits

  • Upto 30% Childcare Costs for staff children.
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • WPA health insurance with up to £200 cash benefits.
  • Pension


Things to consider

  • Passing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
  • Clear references

About The Cottage Nursery

Our Crayford nursery is set in a converted and extended house called The Cottage, in Crayford, Borough of Bexley. There is plenty of outdoor space within calm serene setup next to woodland and nature reserve.

The nursery benefits from excellent outdoor facilities and large open plan rooms. All rooms are monitored by CCTV. We invite parents to watch this from the reception area to ensure their little one has settled.

Website
www.thecottagenursery.com/index.php