Childcare Apprenticeship - Gloucester

Ridgemount Cottage Nursery School is a long established, family run nursery in the heart of Brockworth. It offers a warm, nurturing environment for children from babies up to preschool age, with a strong focus on outdoor learning and exploration. The setting includes woodland areas, gardens, and adventure spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence. Indoors, children benefit from cosy, natural play spaces designed to support a wide range of interests and developmental stages. The nursery embraces community involvement, with regular local visits and family events to help children feel connected to the world around them. 

An Early Years Apprentice plays a hands-on role in supporting the care, learning, and development of young children while working toward their Level 3 Early Years qualification. They help create a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn through play. Apprentices assist with daily routines such as mealtimes, personal care, activity setup, and tidying, while gradually taking on more responsibility as their confidence and skills grow.

As they progress, they begin to observe children’s development, contribute ideas for activities, and support planned learning experiences in line with the EYFS framework. Throughout the apprenticeship, they learn from experienced practitioners, developing strong communication skills, safeguarding awareness, and the ability to build positive relationships with children and families.

If you are someone who is enthusiastic, caring, and eager to grow - supporting children’s early development while simultaneously building a rewarding professional pathway of their own. 

Your role will include:

Support daily routines such as meal preparation, personal care, tidying, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for children Assist in delivering play-based activities, helping children learn through exploration, creativity, and social interaction Observe and record children’s development, sharing insights with senior practitioners to support planning and next steps Build positive relationships with children, families, and the team, demonstrating warm, caring, professional behaviour Follow safeguarding, health & safety, and EYFS guidance, ensuring children’s wellbeing is always the top priority

Training:

At Shaping Lives, we are dedicated to one mission: helping nurseries like yours nurture future generations through high-quality early childhood education. As a trusted training provider, we specialise in developing skilled, passionate educators who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children aged 0-5. Whether you're looking to enhance your current team's skills or recruit new talent, we’re with you every step of the way. Upon completion of this 18-month apprenticeship, you will have obtained your Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3.

Training will include paediatric first aid qualification.

Training Outcome:

There is a possibility of being offered a full-time role after successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Employer Description:
Ridgemount Cottage Nursery began its story in 1994, when the doors of a lovingly converted dairy opened to welcome just one child. From those humble beginnings, we’ve blossomed into a vibrant, joyful community—full of laughter, discovery, and a touch of delightful messiness! While much has changed over the years, our core values remain the same: to create a warm, nurturing, and playful environment where every child feels safe, encouraged, and free to be their brilliant, unique self.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday, (08:00 - 17:30)

Skills:
Creative,Initative,Patience,