Childcare Apprenticeship - St Albans

Start your career in early years education with a hands-on apprenticeship where you will learn, grow, and make a real difference in children’s development within a supportive nursery environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Gain hands-on experience across all areas of an early years setting, developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to become a competent childcare practitioner Work as part of a supportive and experienced nursery team, receiving guidance from colleagues and a dedicated mentor throughout your apprenticeship Support the delivery of high-quality care and engaging learning experiences within a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment Assist in planning and delivering a range of age-appropriate activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supporting children’s learning through play Develop an understanding of child development, learning intentions, and inclusive practices that meet the needs of all children Build positive relationships and communicate effectively with team members, parents, and carers to support children’s wellbeing and development Help maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised environment, ensuring all areas meet health & safety standards Follow and develop knowledge of key policies and procedures, including safeguarding, SEND, equality and diversity, and British Values, reporting any concerns appropriately Demonstrate a positive attitude, reliability, and a strong commitment to learning, teamwork, and ongoing professional development

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 Level 3 Apprenticeship.

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:
Little Steps is a small family orientated independent day nursery located in a residential area of St Albans a short distance from local shops and 15 minutes’ walk from the train station and excellent transport links. Our dedicated team who process a wide range of experience in child care all have a strong commitment to providing a high quality of care and education for up to 50 children aged from 9 months to rising 5 years old. Our ethos reflects on the importance we place in creating a home for home for the children in our care. Our environment is one where children have a voice, and learn to be confident and resilient learners, with an awareness of the word around them and the important role they play within it. Since opening in 1999 we are fortunate to have become a well established setting, working in close partnership with the parents/carers and the local community, and we have been to able recruit practitioners via word of mouth rather than advertising. Our aim has always been to provide a secure and fun environment for all the children in our care where parents/carers/students feel welcome and can contribute to the well-being and education of the children. We have a firm belief in the benefits of apprenticeships and the importance of providing a positive learning environment in which they can reach their goals. We have already successfully supported many apprentices who have gone on to gain qualifications and careers within the early years sector.

Working Hours :
Monday - Thursday, 9-hour shift. Friday 4-hour shift, shifts range between (7:45am - 6pm)

Skills:
Creative,Non judgemental,Patience,Teamworking,Communication Skills