Bumblebee's Day Nursery

Bumblebee's Day Nursery

£6.40 per hour

Plymouth and Surrounding Areas

Child Care Apprentice Level 2
Published: Oct 03, 2023
Ref: BDN001

Bumblebee’s Day Nursery have a fantastic opportunity for a level 2 Child Care Apprentice to join their friendly team and develop their career in child care in Woolwell, Plymouth.

The Apprentice’s Role

You will be involved in supervising the children’s play time, and engaging children in learning and play activities. This is an important part of your role as it will help to build your confidence and ability to work with young children. You will be required to update paperwork, and support other team members across all areas of childcare to ensure that the children are stimulated, nurtured and enjoy their time with us. The right candidates must be highly trustworthy and attentive to children’s needs. They will carry out many tasks such as supervising children’s play time, engaging children in learning and play activities, and keeping and updating records. They will be working with a qualified team where they will be helping to maintain the high standards required for this position.

They will also be required to attend staff meetings where they learn about the processes and procedures they will be following for this position. They will be supervised by a qualified member of staff and must follow the companies procedures including health and safety in the workplace, as well as making sure that all play equipment and books are put away at the end of the day. You will carry out duties such as helping to organise playtime activities, and planning and assisting in projects for games and exercise sessions. You must make sure that the children’s safety and welfare is a priority at all times as well as making all activity sessions fun and enjoyable. You will also help to organise and prepare lunch and snacks for all the children. Part of your daily duties will be to take part in art and craft activities, this will be a good opportunity to get to know the children and create a bond between each individual.

Working Hours: The successful candidate will be working 40 hours per week between Monday and Friday.

Wages: £256 per week, based on a 40 hour week. Any overtime above the 40 hours per week, will be paid at the appropriate national minimum wage depending on age.

Bumblebees was opened in September 2006 with a passion to create the very best childcare any parent or carer could wish for. Bumblebees is a purpose-built nursery which can cater for all children from 3 months to 11 years of age. All the children have access to a large and secured multi-purpose garden.

Bumblebees is a family business run by three directors, Gemma Whittington, Jamie Whittington and Ian Bealey. Gemma has over 20 years’ experience in childcare and holds an NNEB and NVQ 4, whilst Jamie maintains the administration and finance for the setting. Both Gemma and Jamie work onsite and are supported by their full time Manager, Faye Thorning. Faye has been with them since they opened and has helped Bumblebees develop into what it is today, utilising the 20+ years’ experience gained throughout her career in childcare. Ian supports the nursery on an ad-hoc basis when required.

Together they appreciate the vital mix that is needed to provide the very best childcare. Bumblebees, the staff, security and the activities provided are all equally important and deserving of the very highest attention to detail. All the children and their parents or carers can expect to receive top quality care and a friendly welcome.

Past Apprentices

Bumblebee's Day Nursery have been working with Skills Group for many years. During this time they have supported a number of apprentices to complete their level 2 and level 3 Apprenticeships.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to work for an employer who is focused on staff development and training.

On completion of your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to progress onto a higher level qualification with this fantastic employer. The employer is very committed to staff development and training, and to assist the successful apprentice to progress through all their training, with a view to future employment.

Skills Required

The ideal candidate will need to have good communication skills both with the children, colleagues and parents. You must be hardworking, reliable and have the ability to follow procedures and take instructions.

An important part of this position is to be able to work well within a team and be able to use your own initiative throughout the day. Good timekeeping and attendance are also required for this position, together with a focused approach on all the duties that you carry out.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will need to be presentable, outgoing and have a caring approach. You must be reliable, enthusiastic and have a willingness to learn and progress in a professional busy nursery. To enjoy and succeed in this role, you will need to have a focused and patient approach, and most importantly make each day fun and enjoyable for the children. You must also be kind, happy and friendly, with a professional approach.

Prior Qualifications

Qualifications required for this role, include GCSE grades A*-E (9-2) in Maths and English or equivalent qualifications such as functional skills.

Additional Requirements

In order to be successful for this position, you will need to complete an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. This will be arranged by the employer after successfully completing the initial interview.

The Apprenticeship includes either:

  • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Standard

Most aspects of the qualification and training will be delivered at your workplace where you will be supported throughout your training by your employer. You will have regular visits every 6 to 12 weeks from your designated assessor who will help you, and monitor your progression throughout your apprenticeship.

As an additional qualification you will also achieve Emergency and Paediatric First Aid, and a Health and Safety Certificate, along with Internet Safety and Safeguarding.

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School