Location
Thornton Heath, London (CR7 6JR) – 1A Headcorn Road

Hours
30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm

Salary
£12,480 for the first year, with potential increases depending on age, in line with the National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Start Date
Monday 7 September 2026

Duration
1 year 2 months

Positions Available
1

About the Role
Join Rainbow Stars Day Nursery Ltd as an Apprentice Nursery Assistant while working towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification with Parenta Training. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career in childcare while gaining practical experience in a welcoming and supportive nursery environment.

You will work with children aged from birth to five years, supporting their care, learning, development and wellbeing while building the knowledge and skills required 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.
• Attention to detail.
• Organisation skills.
• Customer care skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• 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 Rainbow Stars Day Nursery
Rainbow Stars Nursery and Wrap Around Childcare is committed to creating a welcoming, home-from-home environment where every child feels valued, respected, confident and cared for.

The nursery aims to provide exceptional early years and wraparound care that encourages confidence, curiosity and kindness. Its approach recognises that every child is unique and promotes fun, imaginative and engaging learning experiences.

The curriculum is flexible and activities are planned around children's interests, helping them stay engaged and curious while developing confidence, independence and a love of learning.

Career Progression
Successful completion of the apprenticeship can lead to further opportunities within childcare. You will initially work towards a Level 3 qualification 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 VAC2000048351.

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