Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
Copthill Independent Day School and Nursery · Uffington Stamford · posted 28 October 2026
Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.
- Work as part of the Early Years team and contribute positively to the ethos, aims and values of Copthill School
- Follow all school policies, procedures and professional expectations, including safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and the Staff Code of Conduct
- Maintain professional standards of behaviour, appearance, communication and conduct
- Attend and actively participate in apprenticeship training, study sessions, assessments and reviews
- Complete all required apprenticeship work and maintain appropriate records of learning and progress
- Attend staff meetings, training and INSET as required
- Be willing to work flexibly across the Early Years department as required by the Early Years Leader
- Seek guidance and support when unsure and respond positively to feedback and professional development opportunities
- Maintain confidentiality in relation to children, families and colleagues.
*Safeguarding and Child Protection*
- Understand that safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility
- Follow the school's safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times
- Report any concerns about a child's welfare, development or safety immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or appropriate member of staff
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children and families
- Understand and follow procedures relating to intimate care, online safety, photography and children's personal information.
*Care and Well-being*
- Help provide a warm, caring and nurturing environment
- Support children's personal care routines, including toileting, handwashing, dressing and other age-appropriate self-care
- Support children during mealtimes and encourage healthy and independent eating habits
- Follow the school's procedures for allergies, dietary requirements and medical needs
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the Early Years environment
- Support children to understand and manage their emotions and develop positive relationships
- Recognise when a child may require additional support and report concerns to the appropriate member of the Early Years team.
*Learning Environment and Resources*
- Help prepare and maintain stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments
- Support the setting up and clearing away of activities and resources
- Ensure resources are used safely and appropriately
- Help maintain clean, tidy and well-organised learning areas
- Contribute ideas for activities and experiences based on children's interests
- Support children's access to the school's outdoor learning and Forest School opportunities where appropriate
- Take part in practical activities including creative work, messy play, physical activities, music, stories and outdoor learning
Your training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with Peterborough College. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the occupational standard.
Where it leads
An apprenticeship at Copthill is more than just gaining a qualification, it is the opportunity to develop your skills and begin building a rewarding career in Early Years.
You will be supported by an experienced team while gaining practical experience working with young children. As your confidence, knowledge and qualifications develop, so will your opportunities within the team.
Once qualified, opportunities may include becoming a Key Person, taking on additional responsibilities and undertaking further training. Future opportunities will reflect pupil numbers, staffing needs and the development of the Early Years provision at the time.
We are keen to invest in enthusiastic individuals who want to learn, develop and build a long-term career working with children.
About Copthill Independent Day School and Nursery
Copthill is a truly unique school.
Founded in 1969 by Mr & Mrs Teesdale, the school began as a Nursery around the kitchen table at Copthill Farm. That Nursery grew and grew and our Nursery/Pre school Department is now a strong foundation of an independent primary school for around 300 children age 2-11. Copthill’s Nursery and Pre school is one of the longest outstanding Early Years providers in the area
Things to consider
The school is located outside of Stamford and is not serviced by regular public transportation, so please bear transport arrangements in mind for completing this application (both during school hours and evening/weekends as required).
The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and 2 references, prior to employment commencing (this could be before the apprenticeship starts).
Applicants MUST have achieved GCSE's in English and maths at grade 4/C or above OR the Functional Skills equivalent at Level 2 prior to the start of the apprenticeship.
All applicants will be required to complete mandatory onboarding assessments, which will consist of some online English and maths assessments and an interview, which may take place in person or over the phone.
Please ensure that you complete the application in full, including the supplementary questions and proofread before submission, as applications with spelling, punctuation and grammar errors will be automatically rejected for short-listing.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English Literature and/or Language (grade C/4 or above) — essential
- GCSE Mathematics (grade C/4 or above) — essential
Where you'll work
- Copthill Independent Day School, Barnack Road,, Uffington Stamford, PE9 3AD