Job Description

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Early Years Assistant - Level 3 Apprenticeship Opportunity

Location: Great Oakley, Harwich, Essex

Hours: Minimum 30 paid hours per week, across 4 days (including a paid home-study day)

Contract: Term time only - 38 weeks per year

Salary: National Minimum Wage appropriate to age during probation. Once the apprenticeship formally begins, the applicable minimum wage will be paid in accordance with current legislation.

Ideal start date: December 2026 (flexibility available).

About Oakey Dokeys Pre-School

Oakey Dokeys is a friendly, committee-run charitable pre-school located in the village of Great Oakley, Essex.

We provide a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment where children aged 2-5 years are encouraged to explore, develop independence and learn through play.

Our dedicated team of qualified Early Years practitioners is passionate about providing high-quality care and education, recognising that every child is unique.

We value strong relationships with children and families and work together to support each child's individual needs and development.

About the opportunity

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as an Early Years Assistant, with the opportunity to progress to a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.

The successful applicant will initially complete a 3-month probationary period, working alongside our experienced and qualified practitioners. Following successful completion of probation, and subject to apprenticeship eligibility and training provider arrangements, they will begin working towards their Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.

No previous childcare experience is necessary. We are looking for someone with a positive attitude, a genuine interest in working with children and a willingness to learn.

Main duties and responsibilities

With guidance and support from our experienced team, you will learn to:

· Support children's learning and development through play, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

· Assist with planning, preparing and delivering engaging, age-appropriate activities.

· Observe children and develop an understanding of how to assess and support their progress.

· Help maintain a safe, inclusive, caring and stimulating environment.

· Support children's personal care, daily routines, hygiene and independence.

· Encourage positive behaviour, healthy choices and children's emotional wellbeing.

· Build positive and professional relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.

· Understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities, including how to recognise and report concerns.

· Assist with maintaining accurate records, including observations, accidents and incidents.

· Support the safe use and care of pre-school equipment and resources.

· Take part in outdoor learning, creative activities and messy play.

· Reflect on your practice and develop your knowledge through training, feedback and experience.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

· Is kind, caring, patient and enthusiastic.

· Has a genuine passion for children's learning and development.

· Is reliable, conscientious and willing to take responsibility.

· Has a positive, flexible and adaptable approach.

· Enjoys working as part of a team.

· Communicates clearly and is willing to ask questions and learn from others.

· Understands the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.

· Is committed to equality, inclusion and respecting individual differences.

· Is motivated to complete a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.

Basic computer skills and previous experience with children would be helpful but are not essential.

Applicants must meet the eligibility and entry requirements of the apprenticeship training provider.

Working hours and training

Working hours: A minimum of 30 paid hours per week across four days, with some flexibility in start and finish times.

Our pre-school is open Monday to Friday, 8:00am-3:30pm, during term time. Staff working hours may fall between 7:45am and 3:45pm.

During the initial 3-month probationary period, working hours will be spent at the pre-school, gaining practical experience alongside our team.

Once the apprenticeship begins, the proposed working arrangement will be:

3 days per week: Practical experience at pre-school.
1 day per week: Paid home-study day for apprenticeship training and coursework, subject to agreement with the training provider.

Working weeks: Term time only - 38 weeks per year, plus paid annual leave.

Salary: Paid in equal monthly instalments throughout the year, including school holidays.

What we can offer

· A friendly, welcoming and supportive working environment.

· Guidance and mentoring from experienced Level 3 qualified practitioners.

· Support towards achieving a recognised Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.

· A dedicated paid study day as part of your working week.

· Valuable practical experience in a busy Early Years setting.

· Opportunities to develop your confidence, skills and knowledge.

· A rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference to children's early lives.

How to apply

If you are enthusiastic about starting a career in Early Years, we would love to hear from you!

Please send your CV to info@oakeydokeys.co.uk

Following an initial review, shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our application form as part of our safer recruitment process.

Applications: Rolling recruitment - applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Ideal start date: December 2026 (flexibility available).

We reserve the right to close applications once a suitable candidate has been appointed.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

Oakey Dokeys Pre-School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list check where eligible, references and verification of their right to work in the UK.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible individuals from all backgrounds.