Employer description

Grace Cook Primary school and Nursery pupils including a  nursery (part of Orwell Multi Academy Trust). The school is being built to serve the growing housing development in the Chilton Leys area of Stowmarket.

Main description

Grace Cook Primary School is a growing, inclusive, and forward-thinking school located in the heart of the Chilton Leys development. As part of the Orwell Multi Academy Trust (OMAT), we are committed to providing high-quality education and a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for a motivated and caring individual to join our Early Years team at Grace Cook Primary School as a Nursery Apprentice. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive school environment while working towards a nationally recognised qualification in childcare.

Day-to-Day Duties:

• Assist in the planning and delivery of engaging and age-appropriate activities that promote children’s development across all areas of learning
• Support children with daily routines, including mealtimes, toileting, dressing, and hygiene practices.
• Observe and record children’s progress to support assessment and individual development plans.
• Encourage positive behaviour and support the social and emotional development of all children.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating nursery environment.
• Set up and tidy away resources and equipment as needed throughout the day
• Work collaboratively with the Early Years team to ensure the needs of every child are met.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and contribute to the wider school community when appropriate.

Day-to-Day Contact:

Your main day-to-day contact will be the Nursery Class Teacher and the Early Years Leader, who will provide guidance, support, and supervision throughout your apprenticeship. You may also work closely with teaching assistants and other members of the Early Years team.

How the Role Fits within the Organisation:

As a Nursery Apprentice, you will be a valued member of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) team at Grace Cook Primary School. This role is essential in supporting the smooth operation of our nursery provision and contributes to the school’s commitment to providing high-quality early education. You will help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive, and you will play an active part in laying the foundation for lifelong learning and school readiness.

Entry requirements

Essential: 

GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics (or a willingness to work towards these if not already achieved).

A genuine interest in working with young children and a strong commitment to completing an Early Years apprenticeship qualification Willingness to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and any other pre-employment vetting as required by the school.

Desirable:

• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in Science or other relevant subjects.
• Prior experience (paid or voluntary) working with children in a school, nursery, or childcare setting.
• A basic understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
• First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake First Aid training as part of the role.
• Good IT skills to support learning and administrative tasks.

Skills required

• IT skills
• Communication skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental

Training to be provided

The learner will be studying the Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard qualification.
Functional skills will be studied if equivalent qualifications are not held.

Things to consider

This role is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about working with young children and beginning a career in early years education. As a Nursery Apprentice at Grace Cook Primary School, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a supportive and professional environment while working towards a recognised childcare qualification.

Future prospects

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a permanent Early Years Practitioner role within the nursery, subject to performance and staffing needs.