Overview
This Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship provides the opportunity to gain practical experience working with babies and young children while supporting their learning, development, health and wellbeing. The role focuses on helping provide a safe, stimulating and inclusive Early Years Foundation Stage environment where children can learn through play and everyday activities.
Apprentices will work alongside experienced nursery staff and develop skills in child development, communication, safeguarding, health and safety, supporting children with additional needs, and planning activities that encourage learning and creativity. The role also involves observing children’s development, contributing to records and reports, supporting families, maintaining confidentiality, and working with colleagues and other professionals.
The apprenticeship is suited to someone who is patient, caring, creative, non-judgemental and interested in helping young children develop. Alongside practical workplace experience, apprentices will complete the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification, attending college one day each month and receiving support from a workplace mentor and Leeds City College assessor. Successful completion can lead to progression towards a Level 3 apprenticeship or an Early Years Assistant role.
About the Employer
Leeds City Council Children’s Services Directorate operates 19 Little Owls nurseries across Leeds, offering both full-day care and term-time-only provision. The Council has been providing high-quality early years education and childcare for more than 20 years and is committed to apprenticeships as a key route into employment and career development.
The entry-level role of Apprentice Childcare Assistant has been designed to provide applicants with the opportunity to gain practical experience of working in an early years setting while studying towards a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification. Throughout the apprenticeship, apprentices will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support children’s learning and development in a high-quality childcare environment.
On successful completion of the 13-month apprenticeship, apprentices will be guaranteed an interview for the post of Nursery Assistant. Successful candidates are expected to progress into permanent roles within Little Owls nurseries across Leeds, with opportunities for further training and career progression.
Little Owls nurseries serve local communities and are closely linked to Children’s Centres. This makes them distinct from many private and voluntary sector childcare providers, as they support a diverse range of families, including working parents, children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and some of the city’s most vulnerable children and families. Many of the Council’s nurseries are located within inner-city communities, enabling them to provide accessible, inclusive and community-focused early years services.
Training to be Delivered
- Develop practical early years skills by supporting babies and young children with their learning, development, play and everyday care.
- Learn about safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, infection control, risk assessment and creating a safe environment for children.
- Develop effective communication skills and learn how to support children with additional needs, including children with SEND and those for whom English is an additional language.
- Learn how to observe, assess and record children’s development while maintaining confidentiality and following professional procedures.
- Plan and support activities that encourage children’s language, reading, writing, mathematical development, creativity, social skills and physical development.
- Develop skills in working with parents, carers, colleagues and other professionals to support children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
- Learn how to promote healthy lifestyles, including balanced nutrition, personal hygiene, oral health and physical activity.
- Complete a nationally recognised Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification alongside practical workplace experience.
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