Apprentice Early Years Practitioner

Duties and responsibilities:

• To follow the nursery safeguarding procedure to ensure all children are kept safe, well and secure
• To contribute to a programme of activities that meet the individual needs and interests of children in your area in conjunction with other team members
• To keep records of your key children’s development and learning journeys and share these with parents, carers and other key adults in the child’s life
• Engage in good team working
• Liaise with and support parents and other family members
• To attend out of working hours activities, e.g. training, monthly staff meetings, parents evening, fundraising events etc.
• To be flexible within working practices of the nursery. Be prepared to help where needed, including to undertake certain domestic jobs within the nursery, e.g. preparation of snacks, meals, cleaning equipment etc.
• Work alongside the Manager and staff team to ensure that the nursery’s vision is fulfilled
• Read, understand and adhere to all policies and procedures relevant to your role as deemed appropriate by the Manager
• Record accidents in the accident book. Ensure the Duty Manager has initialled the report before the parent receives it
• Look upon the nursery as a "whole" to consider where your skills can be best utilised. Be constantly aware of the individual needs of all children
• Ensure someone known and agreed by the nursery and parent collects the child
• To respect the confidentiality of all information received

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to progress from level 2 to level 5.

Poplars Nursery School first opened in Sherwood in 1993, built on a vision of nurturing, home-from-home care and early education for local families. Over the years, our dedicated staff and supportive parents have helped shape what’s now known as the Poplars Approach – a thoughtful, child-centred way of learning that supports children’s natural development.

At Poplars Blossoms, we strive to provide a stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 3 years, where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We promote an enabling environment enriched with meaningful learning opportunities, and our nurturing approach encourages every child to develop confidence and truly blossom.

We are proud to offer a dedicated pre-school facility, The Willows Preschool, located at Portland Court just a few yards from Poplars Blossoms. When children turn three, they transition to The Willows. This process is carefully supported to ensure it is positive, gentle, and seamless. Each child receives a transition book to explore with their family before visits begin, helping them become familiar with their new setting. Children then attend their transition visits accompanied by their key worker or a familiar carer, who stays with them for the duration of each session to provide reassurance and continuity.

We work closely with families to ensure transitions are smooth, supportive, and reassuring. Throughout the process, every child is nurtured, encouraged, and guided as they take this exciting next step in their learning journey.

DBS checks will be required and this will be discussed at interview.