Level 3 Nursery Practitioner Apprentice
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Company: Puddleduck Nursery School
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Location: Bedford, MK41 6EJ
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: Apprenticeship Minimum Wage
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Sector: Education
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Ref: VAC-14426
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Application Deadline Date: 10/07/2026
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Start Date: 04/08/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm (45 minute paid lunch break)
Brief Description
Are you passionate about working with children and want to begin a rewarding career in early years education, while gaining valuable hands-on experience? Puddleducks Nursery, in Clapham, Bedford, are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, and motivated individual to join their friendly and supportive team.
Qualifications Required
To be considered for this role you will need to have gained a Level 2 Early Years/Childcare Practitioner qualification and GCSE grades 9 - 3 in English & maths or equivalent.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for this vacancy but are still interested in an apprenticeship, please contact our dedicated Apprenticeship Recruitment Team who can discuss this with you further - rstevens@bedford.ac.uk or 01234 291747
Personal Qualities
- Enthusiastic and motivated attitude
- Empathetic and caring approach
- Able to use initiative confidently
- Good communication skills
- Passionate about working with young children
Skills Required
- Able to follow instructions carefully
- Works well as part of a team
- Positive and willing attitude towards learning and supporting others
Training to be Provided
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into a Lead Practitioner position or specialise in areas such as SEND support, Health and Safety, or Safeguarding Lead roles.
Vacancy Detail
Puddleducks is a nursery school and pre-school located in Clapham, Bedford. The nursery provides full day childcare and early years education for children from birth to 5 years old in a welcoming and family-focused environment.
As a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner Apprentice, you will begin by spending time across the nursery’s three rooms to become familiar with the staff, children, parents, and daily routines. You will work closely with qualified team members to develop your understanding of how the nursery operates and how to support the children’s individual needs.
As you settle into the role, you will take on more responsibilities, including helping with the day to day running of the rooms, preparing snacks, supporting lunchtime routines, and setting up engaging, age-appropriate activities for children across all age groups. You will also take part in maintaining a clean and safe environment, including tidying up after activities, sweeping, hoovering, and general cleaning duties shared amongst the team.
Candidates who can demonstrate confidence in leading play activities and engaging positively with young children and colleagues will be well suited to this role.
You will attend Bedford College as part of your apprenticeship training, with this being a paid day release.
Other Information
Puddleducks Nursery is located in Clapham Bedford MK41 6EJ, please consider your journey before applying.
You will be required to attend Bedford College one day a week for your apprenticeship training.
Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of the Bedford College Apprenticeship Recruitment Team, if they meet the initial criteria, as part of the recruitment process. Only candidates who have fully completed the application will be considered. Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice.