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Apprentice Early Years Practitioner

St Thomas Day Nursery LTD · Oxford · posted 14 July 2026

Wage
£22,323 a year
Hours
36 hours a week
Duration
2 Years
Level
Intermediate (Level 2)
Standard
Early years practitioner (level 2)
Starts
10 August 2026
Closing date
31 July 2026
Positions
1

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

  • Plan and deliver a varied, engaging EYFS programme tailored to each child’s needs
  • Support children’s personal care, including nappy changing and toileting
  • Prepare rooms for mealtimes (clear toys, set up tables and chairs)
  • Assist with serving meals and clearing away
  • Set up stimulating activities during lunchtime periods
  • Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
  • Work as part of a team to keep the nursery clean, safe, and hygienic
  • Work towards a recognised childcare qualification through training and coursework
  • Set out exciting resources and play opportunities for children both inside and outside
  • Help with personal care, including nappies, toileting and feeding
  • Develop quality relationships with the families and children
  • Form respectful and collaborative relationships with staff and other professionals
  • Have fun

Your training

Duration:

  • 21 months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment

Delivery model:

  • Work-based training with your employer
  • Attendance for a study workshop at either Abingdon/Witney campus (1 day or 2 half days a month)
  • Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year
  • Regular meetings with your training coordinator to monitor progress and well-being
  • Level 1 Functional Skills in Maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required)
  • Apprentices will need to complete a minimum of 300 hours of off-the-job training during their apprenticeship

Qualifications included:

  • Level 1 Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required)
  • Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
  • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

End Point Assessment:

  • Knowledge test
  • Professional discussion

Where it leads

We are committed to supporting the professional development of our apprentices from day one. This is a permanent position, with ongoing training and development opportunities, including the option to progress onto higher-level apprenticeships as you grow within the role.

About St Thomas Day Nursery LTD

St Thomas Day Nursery is open throughout the year, except for bank holidays and the period between Christmas and New Year, offering full and part-time care for children.

We are currently located in the town centre, within walking distance of the city centre, with regular bus services and close proximity to the railway station. As such, the nursery is best accessed by public transport, cycling or walking.

Please note, we are due to relocate to a new building at St Barnabas School in September 2027.

Things to consider

This role involves spending a significant amount of time outdoors, so you’ll need to be comfortable working in all weather conditions and come prepared with appropriate clothing. 
A good level of spoken and written English is a must for this role. 
Any new person applying for apprenticeship roles where Abingdon and Witney College deliver the training will be required to complete a series of initial assessments, essential paperwork, and a phone interview to find out more about the apprenticeship process and training. If you would like to talk to us about the assessments or if you would need any extra support to attend the Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session please call us on 01235 216216.  By applying for this vacancy you are giving Abingdon and Witney College permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. We make every effort to ensure that applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds or those who may not have the formal GCSE entry requirements can access apprenticeships where possible.   
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for Apprentices is £8 per hour from April 2026. This applies to 16 - 18 year old apprentices and those aged 19 and over during the first year of their apprenticeship. After this, the National Minimum wage appropriate to their age applies. The Wage for apprentices applies to both time spent on the job plus time spent training. 

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsCreativeNon judgementalPatiencePositive attitudeCaringStrong written communicationExcellent spoken communication

Entry requirements

  • GCSE English (grade 4 (C) or above) — desired
  • GCSE Maths (grade 4(C) or above) — desired

Where you'll work

  • ST THOMAS DAY NURSERY, 40 ST THOMAS STREET, OXFORD, OX1 1JL

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