Location
Queens Road, London (SW19 8LR)

Hours
Monday-Friday, varied shifts from 8:00am-6:00pm, 40 hours per week

Salary
£16,640 for the first year, with potential to increase depending on age

Start Date
1 October 2026

Duration
1 year 6 months

About the Role

Playdays Nurseries is offering an exciting opportunity to continue your childcare career while working towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification with Parenta Training. You will gain hands-on experience supporting children aged 0-5 and helping them learn, develop and thrive within a nurturing, stimulating and homely environment.

You will support children's learning and development in line with the EYFS framework, plan and deliver engaging activities with support from experienced staff, and complete observations and contribute to assessments and learning journeys. You will also support children's personal, social and emotional development, promote positive behaviour and inclusive practice, and work closely with colleagues and families to support children's progress.

The role involves maintaining children's health, safety and wellbeing, following safeguarding, child protection and confidentiality procedures, recognising and reporting safeguarding concerns, and contributing to a positive learning environment where children can develop confidence, independence and curiosity.

Experience
Relevant qualifications and industry experience can be considered as part of the apprenticeship. The role is suited to someone looking to develop their childcare knowledge and skills within an early years setting.

About You

You will have a genuine passion for working with children and a commitment to completing your apprenticeship qualification. You should be patient, creative, organised and non-judgemental, with strong communication and teamwork skills.

You should also demonstrate initiative, attention to detail and problem solving skills, and be able to reliably travel to and from the nursery each day.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Number skills
• Logical thinking
• Team working
• Creativity
• Initiative
• Non-judgemental approach
• Patience

Qualifications

Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship delivered through Parenta Training Limited.

Essential qualifications:

• GCSE English – Pass
• GCSE Maths – Pass

Desirable qualifications:

• Early Years Practitioner – Pass

Training will develop knowledge and skills across areas including:

• Safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and risk management
• Children's health, wellbeing and personal care
• EYFS curriculum, pedagogy and child-centred learning
• Observation, assessment and planning
• Supporting children's communication, language and social development
• SEND and EAL support and inclusive practice
• Attachment and building positive relationships with children
• Supporting children's emotional development, identity and behaviour
• Creating safe, inclusive and stimulating indoor and outdoor environments
• Supporting children through transitions and significant events
• Working effectively with colleagues, families and other professionals
• The role and responsibilities of a key person
• Facilitating child-centred and adult-led learning experiences
• Reflective practice and ongoing professional development

Safeguarding & Checks

This role involves regular contact with children and may include regulated activity. Successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including:

• Two satisfactory professional references
• Enhanced DBS check
• Right to work checks
• Identity verification
• Qualification checks where applicable

You will be expected to fulfil safeguarding and child protection responsibilities and maintain professional conduct at all times.

Training

Training will be delivered through a combination of workplace learning, regular progress reviews and ongoing support from a dedicated Parenta tutor. Off-the-job training will follow the requirements of the Occupational Standard and support you in developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to achieve the apprenticeship.

About the Employer

Playdays Nurseries provides care and education for children aged three months to five years in a traditional, homely, stimulating and fun environment. The nursery aims to help children develop independence and confidence while discovering their academic and creative strengths.

Children are supported through a range of learning and development activities, including practical life, sensorial learning, language, maths, cultural subjects and general knowledge. Additional activities include French, swimming, computers, music and movement, art, craft, sand and water play and outdoor activities.

After the Apprenticeship

Successful apprentices may secure a permanent Early Years Educator position, with opportunities to progress into roles such as Room Leader, Third in Charge or other senior Early Years positions.

Additional Information

• Employer: Playdays Nurseries
• Closing date: 30 September 2026 at 11:59pm
• For queries regarding this vacancy, contact Parenta on 0800 002 9242. Please do not contact the employer directly.