Nursery - Early Years Level 3 Apprenticeship

Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship (Full-Time 40 hours per week, all year round)

We Are Recruiting:

Do you aspire to be a dedicated and passionate early years educator?  Join our well-established team in High Wycombe (Handy Cross) and be part of a nurturing environment where you can truly make a difference in children’s lives and develop your career in early years. 

Position: Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship

Hours: 40 hours per week

Contract: 18-month apprenticeship contract with potentially a permanent contract once qualified.   

Unqualified Apprentice Salary working towards a Level 3: £16,640

Salary Increase after 12 months: National Minimum Wage until qualification is achieved, at which point you will move on to our pay scales for qualification level

Qualified Level 2 Apprentice Salary working towards a Level 3: £26,104

Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 6.30 pm

Why Choose Our Apprenticeship Programme?

As an Apprentice Early Years Educator, you’ll be part of a close-knit, passionate team that’s committed to making a difference in children’s lives. This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining valuable experience working hands-on in a vibrant nursery environment while gaining a nationally recognised Early Years Level 3 qualification.

About Our Nursery:

We are a family-run business with 25 years of experience and nine beautiful nurseries across Buckinghamshire and West London. Our High Wycombe setting is especially close to our hearts – a truly unique nursery nestled in the heart of the community.  Celebrating its 6th birthday in 2025, the nursery was lovingly transformed into a vibrant early year setting by our founders, Olivia and Tim. Thoughtfully designed with stunning rooms, exceptional resources, and exciting outdoor gardens, the nursery is a place where curiosity, creativity, and joy come to life.

The ongoing development of the nursery is a priority, with generous budgets for resources, enrichment activities, and creative projects which our dedicated maintenance team work closely with the nursery staff to bring inspiring ideas to life for the children.

What can we offer you?

• A competitive salary
• Workplace pension
• Employee Assistance Programme – available from your first day of employment
• Birthday/Wellbeing Day as an annual gift *
• Bupa health care package *
• Mental health first aiders at nursery to offer support when needed
• 50% discounted childcare fees *
• Retail discounts
• FREE Monthly Staff Prize Draw
• FREE welcome goodie bag, uniform, snacks, drinks and personal care items whilst at work
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth including 5 paid training days per year, access to extensive online and face to face CPD
• Referral bonus when you recommend a staff member or a family to the nursery *
• Team wellbeing and celebration budget to enable regular events, celebrations, annual awards day, summer and Christmas party and treats at nursery. 

*terms and conditions apply & details are shared in employee welcome pack

What we are looking for:

We’re looking for a special individual who has a genuine passion for working with children and is committed to building a rewarding career in early years education. A great sense of humour is essential, along with a team player mindset, flexibility, and resilience. If you can bring fun, laughter, warmth, and a heartfelt enthusiasm for early childhood development to our children, families, and team — we’d love to hear from you.  You will also need:

• GCSE Grade C / 4 (or Functional Skills Level 2) in English
• GCSE Grade C / 4 (or Functional Skills Level 2) Maths (if under 19 years)
• Have lived in the UK for the past three years / right to work

Your Role as an Apprentice Educator:

With full support from your assessor, mentor, and the wider nursery team, you’ll:

• Work alongside qualified educators to deliver high-quality, child-focused care and education
• Support individual development needs through play-based learning
• Help create a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment
• Build strong relationships with children, parents, and your team

Apply Now!

Join our award-winning, family-run nursery group at our beautiful High Wycombe setting. Be part of a passionate team that’s making a real difference in children’s lives every day. We can’t wait to hear from you!

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce.

Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  This is in line with updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 Guidance. Safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfill their responsibilities.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a Disclosure Barring Scheme check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

• A competitive salary
• Workplace pension
• Employee Assistance Programme – available from your first day of employment
• Birthday/Wellbeing Day as an annual gift *
• Bupa health care package *
• Mental health first aiders at nursery to offer support when needed
• 50% discounted childcare fees *
• Retail discounts
• FREE Monthly Staff Prize Draw
• FREE welcome goodie bag, uniform, snacks, drinks and personal care items whilst at work
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth including 5 paid training days per year, access to extensive online and face to face CPD
• Referral bonus when you recommend a staff member or a family to the nursery *
• Team wellbeing and celebration budget to enable regular events, celebrations, annual awards day, summer and Christmas party and treats at nursery. 

*terms and conditions apply & details are shared in employee welcome pack