Level 3 Nursery Practitioner Apprentice
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Company: Blue Orkids Ltd
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Location: Putnoe, MK41 0DH
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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-14476
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Application Deadline Date: 12/07/2026
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Start Date: 10/08/2026
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Positions Available: 2
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Working Week: Monday and Tuesday 8:30am to 4:00pm/Wednesday 8:30am to 12:30pm or Wednesday 12:30pm to 4:00pm/Thursday and Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm (30 minute unpaid lunch break)
Brief Description
Blue Orkids Ltd are looking for eight motivated and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner Apprentices to join their teams, in the Queens Park, Wootton, Putnoe and Goldington areas (two placements for each nursery).
Qualifications Required
To be considered for this role you will ideally need to have GCSE grades 9-4 (A*- C) in English and maths.
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 291742
Personal Qualities
- Demonstrates patience when supporting young children’s development
- Shows a genuine love for working with and caring for children
- Kind, caring, and compassionate approach in all interactions
- Able to understand and respond sensitively to children’s needs and emotions
- Committed and dedicated to providing a high standard of care
Skills Required
- Strong ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Genuine enthusiasm for caring for and supporting young children
- Warm, nurturing, and patient approach to childcare
- Dedicated to maintaining high standards of safeguarding and child protection
Training to be Provided
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Future Prospects
Blue Orkids are dedicated to supporting apprentices with their professional growth from the very start. As you progress, you will have the chance to advance onto higher-level apprenticeships to build your skills and career. After successfully completion of this apprenticeship, opportunities may be available to progress into roles such as Lead Practitioner. You may also have the option to specialise in key areas, including SEND support, Health and Safety, or Safeguarding.
Vacancy Detail
Blue Orkids are a 60 place nursery, supporting babies and children from 3 months to 5 years. They pride themselves in delivering excellent care and early education with the children at the centre of everything that they do. Their promise is to support every child as individuals.
They are looking for motivated and caring individuals to join their friendly team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience while supporting children's learning, development, and wellbeing in a nurturing environment.
As part of the role, you will work closely with colleagues to provide high-quality childcare and education, building positive relationships with children, parents, and carers. You will help create and deliver engaging activities that meet the individual needs and interests of the children in your care, while supporting their learning and development through accurate observations and learning journey records.
You will be responsible for following all safeguarding procedures to ensure children remain safe, secure, and well cared for at all times. Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to nursery policies and procedures will be essential aspects of the role.
The successful candidates will work in partnership with parents and family members, sharing information about children's progress and supporting effective communication between home and nursery. You will also contribute positively to the staff team, working alongside the Nursery Manager and colleagues to achieve the nursery's vision and maintain a welcoming and supportive environment.
Flexibility is important within this role, as you may be required to assist with a range of nursery duties, including preparing snacks and meals, cleaning equipment, recording accidents using the nursery's designated system, and ensuring children are collected only by authorised adults.
You will be expected to participate in training, staff meetings, parents' evenings, fundraising events, and other activities that support the ongoing development of the nursery and its team.
If you are enthusiastic about early years education, eager to learn, and committed to providing outstanding care for children, they would love to hear from you.
Other Information
These vacancies are for 17.5 hrs per week only. Your contract will either be Mon to Weds or Weds to Fri (half day Weds).
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.