Job Title: Early Years Educator Apprentice (Level 3)
Location: Sunshine Nurseries, 36 Thornbury Avenue, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 5BR, United Kingdom
Salary: £15,704 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week (shift-based)
Contract Type: Apprenticeship, with potential for a full-time position upon completion
Setting: Nursery / Pre-School

About Us

Sunshine Nurseries is a family-run group of nurseries with locations across the UK, including Shirley (Southampton, SO15) and Mortlake (SW14). We offer high-quality early years education and care for children aged 0–5 years in nurturing, safe, and structured environments. Our nurseries are known for their strong routines, child-centred approaches, and warm, professional teams.

At Sunshine Nurseries, we are passionate about supporting children's early development through play, routine, and a curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

Position Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice to join our Southampton (SO15) team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience and professional development while working toward a nationally recognised qualification.

You will work closely with experienced early years practitioners to support children's learning, care routines, and development in a safe and welcoming nursery environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support children’s learning and development through structured play, daily routines, and planned early years activities.

• Assist with personal care routines including feeding, toileting, hygiene, and sleep times.

• Help prepare and maintain stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments.

• Observe and record children’s progress, contributing to assessments and learning journals in line with the EYFS.

• Promote emotional well-being and positive relationships through warm, responsive interactions.

• Work as part of a team to ensure high standards of care, safety, and hygiene are maintained throughout the nursery.

• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the welfare of all children.

• Communicate professionally with children, families, and colleagues.

• Participate in all required training, including coursework toward the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.

Requirements

• Must hold or be working towards a Level 2 qualification in Early Years or Childcare.

• A genuine passion for early years education and child development.

• Good communication and teamwork skills.

• A caring, responsible, and proactive approach to supporting young children.

• Understanding of safeguarding principles (training provided).

• Availability to work full-time (40 hours/week) on a shift basis.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a childcare setting is advantageous but not essential.

• A desire to progress to a permanent full-time role following the completion of the apprenticeship.

What We Offer

• Salary of £15,704 per annum.

• Full-time apprenticeship: 40 hours per week, with shift-based scheduling.

• Support and mentoring to complete your Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.

• Hands-on experience in a supportive, family-run nursery environment.

• Opportunity to gain experience across multiple nursery rooms and age groups.

• Pathway to a permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Join Sunshine Nurseries and help provide a warm, engaging start to life for children in a setting where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential.