Job title : Apprentice Nursery Practitioner
Vacancy ID : 14026
Postcode : BN10 8HN
Recruitment Advisor : Karen Rotheram
Recruiter email :
address : 50 Steyning Avenue
Hourly rate : £10.90 under 21 - Over 21 £12 (for first 12 mths) then £12.76 until qualified
Programme Name : Level 3 - Early Years Educator
Anticipated Interview Date : 2026-12-10 00:00:00
Anticipated start date : 2026-12-15 00:00:00
Employer description : Established by local teacher Barbara Watson in 1988, Hopscotch has over 30 years of childcare experience. We are an independent family run business with six locations across East Sussex and our aim is to provide first-class childcare at affordable prices. Hopscotch values a learning environment which is calm, structured and family-orientated and with the aim of delivering excellence in childcare.
Job description :

We are looking for an Apprentice Nursery Practitioner at our Peacehaven nursery.

Looking to start your career in Early Years? We are looking for people who want to work towards a Level 2 or Level 3 in Childcare. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career with the prospect to gain further responsibility and promotion once qualified.

Why work with us? Because we know our staff are our most valuable asset.

Benefits include

• Highly Competitive Salary - Higher than the apprentice wage
• 20% Childcare Discount
• Generous Sickness Entitlement
• Employee Assistance Programme for Staff Mental Health Wellbeing and Support
• Regular Socials for all Nursery Teams
• Weekly Fitness Classes
• Interest-free Season Ticket Loans
• Free Enhanced DBS Checks
• Well-Established Career Path and Training Opportunities
• Fresh Fruit, Tea & Coffee available for all staff

Requirements:

• Hopscotch staff need to demonstrate above all else a genuine love for children.
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check

 Main Duties

To create an interesting and stimulating environment for the child to develop all their skills.

 To provide at all times a warm and caring environment for babies and to be as consistent as possible regarding that environment.

 To provide support for any children with special needs and to liaise with senior members of staff to promote their welfare and development.

 To ensure positive management of children’s behaviour.

 To carry out housekeeping duties as appropriate.

 To ensure the ethos, implementation and legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

 To support senior members of staff to ensure put appropriate Child Protection procedures into practice.

 To attend regular out of hours training sessions as directed by course tutors in order to complete Level 2 Childcare Qualification.

 To go about your duties with a positive and enthusiastic attitude - to be organised, efficient, confident, hardworking and conscientious.

 To promote at all times good relations between staff members, parents and children, and at all times promote the good name and ethos of Hopscotch.

 To cover any other staff responsibilities as appropriate at the request of the Manager, particularly taking into account that unforeseen situations can occur when looking after children, and that the child's care and welfare is paramount at all times.

o become an apprentice, you must:

• be 16 or over
• not already be in full-time education

As an apprentice you’ll:

• complete a L2 or L3 Early Years apprenticeship standard
• have regular one to one sessions with a dedicated trainer either remotely or through visits to your workplace
• learn and train for a specific job
• get paid and receive holiday leave
• get hands-on experience in a real job
• study for at least 20% of your working hours
• complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
• be on a career path with lots of future potential
• be entitled to a TOTUM membership, find out more here About TOTUM | TOTUM UK

For more information about Inspiro Learning’s apprenticeship delivery and what it entails please click here to watch a short video

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

Levels of an apprenticeship

Each apprenticeship has a level and an equivalent education level. You can start an apprenticeship at any level.

At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll achieve the equivalent education level. For example, if you complete a level 3 apprenticeship, you’ll achieve the equivalent of an A level.

Brief Overview of the Vacancy : Looking to start your career in Early Years? We are looking for people who want to work towards a Level 2/Level 3 qualification in childcare. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career within a group of outstanding nurseries with the prospect to gain further responsibility and promotion once qualified.
Qualifications required : Childcare qualifications are not essential, above all else you must be able to demonstrate a genuine desire to work with children 0-5 years old and be willing to undertake relevant training towards a Hopscotch and Ofsted approved childcare qualification.
Personal Qualities : • An ability to work on own initiative.
• An ability to communicate effectively with parents and build a relationship of trust with them.
• A willingness to learn the policies and procedures of Hopscotch and to abide by the staff rules.
• A willingness to adhere to the Hopscotch dress code.
• A willingness to work as part of and contribute positively to the staff team.
• A willingness to attend staff meetings, training courses and nursery parent's evenings as
• appropriate.
• A commitment to attend regular out of hours training sessions as directed by course tutors in order to complete Level 2 Childcare Qualification.
• To possess a level of fitness to enable the lifting and handling of children and some equipment, the execution of light housekeeping duties and the ability to use a variety of cleaning products and personal protective equipment.
Things to consider : <