Apprentice Nursery Practitioner

Job Summary

The Apprentice will work as part of the Nursery Team under supervision to provide high-quality childcare whilst meeting the personal and emotional needs of individual children.

The successful applicant will receive induction and training appropriate to the activities they will undertake, and during this induction period will be enrolled to the Advanced Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship with the Training Provider.

The Apprentice will be expected to complete the elements of the apprenticeship within the 18‑month timeframe. The apprenticeship includes:

• Apprenticeship Standard (demonstration of practical skills; techniques and/or knowledge required to perform in the job role)
• Technical Certificate
• Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2
• Health and Safety and Employee rights and responsibilities
• End Point Assessment

Additional working pattern details:
Working 7.5 hour shifts between hours of 07:00‑18:00.

To work alongside Nursery Practitioners and Nursery Assistants supporting children aged 0‑5 years in their care and learning to meet the Early Years Statutory Framework while completing a Level 3 qualification in Childcare.

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities but also support one another. With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are the largest employer in Gloucestershire and one of the top 10 largest trusts in the South West region.

As part of our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, an NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on‑site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition, and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

Date posted: 18 February 2026

Pay scheme:
Salary Salary: £14,762.99 a year (pro‑rata if part‑time)

Contract type:
Fixed term
Duration: 18 months
Working pattern:
Full‑time

Reference number: 318‑26‑T0115

Little Apples Nursery, Cunningham House
Christowe Lane
Cheltenham
GL53 7BY

To attend all mandatory components of the Apprenticeship Standard including:

• Corporate induction
• GHNHSFT mandatory training
• Department‑based vocational assessments
• Progress review meetings

To undertake training as required and agreed with the mentor, supervisor and external assessor and complete competencies relevant to your work area/department.

Contribute to good standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the nursery setting.

Understand and apply confidentiality within the workplace and be flexible in meeting the needs of the Nursery, working within different units of the Nursery and hours of work.

To undertake any other duties to support the Nursery Nurses and other Nursery staff to provide an efficient service.

• Parents/Guardians/Carers
• Children
• Local Education Authority (LEA)
• Early Years and Childcare Services, Ofsted, Training Provider and People Development Team

• Meeting the diverse needs of children aged 3 months to 4.11 years
• Managing time effectively
• Supporting Nursery Nurses/staff to meet the needs of parents/guardians/carers acting professionally, compassionately and consistently in day‑to‑day sensitive situations

• Dealing with children in an environment with noise, smell, bodily fluids and head lice
• Manual handling
• Bending, kneeling and crawling

• GCSE Grade D/3 in English and Maths, or equivalent (e.g., Functional Skills Level 1 Literacy & Numeracy)
• Strong motivation and good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of what a safe environment entails and contributes to it
• Treats people with dignity and respect

• Previous experience of working within a childcare setting
• Knowledge and understanding of Ofsted's Full Day Care National Standards

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employers name:
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address:
Little Apples Nursery, Cunningham House – Christowe Lane, Cheltenham, GL53 7BY

Employer's website: