Location
Colliers Wood, London (SW19 2HR) – 111–115 High Street, Colliers Wood

Hours
40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, working 4 shifts per week with varied hours between 7:15am and 6:15pm

Salary
£26,000 per annum

• £12.50 per hour for those under 21
• £13.00 per hour for those aged 21 and over

Start Date
Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration
1 year 3 months

Positions Available
1

About the Role
Join Funky Owls Nursery as an Apprentice Nursery Assistant while working towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification with Parenta Training. This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in childcare while gaining hands-on experience in a welcoming, sustainable and child-focused nursery environment.

You will work with children aged from birth to five years, supporting their care, learning, development and wellbeing while developing the knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in early years education.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with children aged 0–5, organising activities and supporting their learning and development.
• Support the personal and emotional needs of individual children, including feeding, nappy changing and general care.
• Provide care and support under supervision, ensuring children participate in daily learning and play activities.
• Maintain a safe, clean and well-presented nursery environment.
• Build positive relationships with children and create a warm, friendly and stimulating atmosphere.
• Support children's emotional, social and educational development through individual attention and group activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain high standards of care and education.
• Attend team meetings and contribute relevant ideas.
• Follow the nursery's confidentiality policies and procedures.
• Contribute to an effective and supportive team environment.

Training & Development
You will work towards an Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship with Parenta Training Limited. At least 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to training or studying.

Training will cover areas including:

• Safeguarding and child protection.
• Health, safety and wellbeing.
• Risk assessment and risk management.
• Communication and professional collaboration.
• Supporting children with SEND and EAL needs.
• Attachment and child development.
• Personal care for children from birth to five.
• Supporting children's emotional, social and cultural development.
• Creating inclusive indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Supporting children through transitions and significant events.
• Observing, assessing and planning individual learning.
• Supporting child-centred and adult-led learning opportunities.
• Developing professionally through reflection and continued learning.

Essential Qualifications

• GCSE English – Pass.
• GCSE Maths – Pass.

Desirable Qualifications

• GCSE Early Years Practitioner – Pass.

Relevant qualifications and industry experience may also be considered, and the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect existing knowledge.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• IT skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organisation skills.
• Customer care skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Presentation and administrative skills.
• Number and analytical skills.
• Logical and creative approach.
• Teamworking skills.
• Initiative and a proactive attitude.
• Non-judgemental approach.
• Patience and empathy.

Other Requirements

• You must be able to reliably travel to and from the employer's location each day.
• A DBS/police records check is required.
• You must be willing to subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
• For queries regarding the vacancy, contact 01622 934046.
• Applicants should not contact the employer directly.

About Funky Owls Nursery
Funky Owls Nursery is located in the heart of Colliers Wood, close to the underground station and local bus routes. The nursery provides a sustainable, natural environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn and develop.

The setting places a strong emphasis on using eco-friendly products and natural materials. Its location also provides opportunities for children to extend their learning beyond the nursery through regular excursions to local parks, recreation areas and community spaces.

The nursery believes children should be encouraged to explore their local surroundings and actively participate in their community.

Career Progression
Successful completion of the apprenticeship can lead to further opportunities within childcare. You will initially work towards an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, with the potential to continue developing your career in the early years sector.

Next Steps
Applications close on Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:59pm. The apprenticeship reference is VAC2000045602.

For questions about the vacancy, contact Parenta Training Limited. The apprenticeship contact is Katie Day at [email protected] or 01622 934046.