An apprenticeship is the perfect way to launch your career, allowing you to earn a salary while gaining a nationally recognized qualification. At Willow Cottage Nurseries, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace; we are a dedicated training ground for the next generation of educators. Set within our beautiful, tranquil countryside locations, you will receive the mentorship and hands-on experience needed to achieve your Early Years Practitioner qualification and beyond. If you are looking for a supportive environment to transform your passion into a profession, your journey starts here.
Level 2 Nursery Practitioner Apprenticeship – from £7.00-11.44 per hour
Qualification – Early Years Practioner (Level 2)
Length – 13-16 months
Start Date – Flexible
Requires – clean DBS
Location – Bletchingdon OX5 3DH, Eynsham OX29 4EH and Farmoor OX2 9HN
Salary – £7.00 – £11.44/hour
Hours – 30 to 40 hours per week.
Willow Cottage values our brilliant Apprentices working towards their Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeships.
We currently have apprenticeship opportunities at our Bletchingdon setting, our Eynsham setting and our Farmoor setting.
Please note that our nurseries are in rural locations and therefore please consider carefully how you will travel to work, thank you.
The training is provided by Abingdon and Witney College and their assessors regularly visit the nurseries to provide support to both the apprentice and the setting. Applicants will need to have GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.
“I really appreciate being an apprentice at Willow Cottage. Everyone is really supportive and willing to help me out, from answering questions to helping with laptop troubles! The managers have been really diligent in planning out my training time” – Julia
Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship skills
- Support babies and young children through a range of transitions e.g. moving onto school, moving house or the birth of a sibling
- Recognise when a child is in danger, at risk of serious harm or abuse and explain the procedures to be followed to protect them. Types of abuse including: domestic, neglect, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
- Identify risks and hazards in the work setting and during off site visits, relating to both children and staff
- Demonstrate skills and understanding for the prevention and control of infection, including hand washing, food preparation and hygiene, dealing with spillages safely, safe disposal of waste, using correct personal protective equipment.
- Use equipment, furniture and materials safely, following the manufacturers’ instructions and setting’s requirements.
- Encourage children to be aware of personal safety and the safety of others and develop personal hygiene practices (including oral hygiene).
- Promote health and wellbeing in settings by encouraging babies and young children to consume healthy and balanced meals, snacks and drinks appropriate for their age and be physically active through planned and spontaneous activity throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.
- Care and compassion – provide the very best childcare to every child every day combined with the ability to identify opportunities for development.
- Honesty, trust and integrity – develop trust by working in a confidential, ethical and empathetic manner with a common sense and professional attitude.
- Positive work ethic – maintains professional standards within the work environment providing a positive role model for children.
- Being team-focused – work effectively with colleagues and other professionals.
- Commitment – to improving the outcomes for children through inspiration and child centred care and education.
Level 3 Apprenticeships – Early Years Educator
Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship – from £12.18 per hour
If you already have achieved your Level 2 apprenticeship, why not join our team as an Early Years Practitioner and we will support you through your level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
Testimonials
Simona has completed both her Level 2 Practitioner Apprenticeship and her Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship at our Farmoor setting:
“Willow Cottage Nursery (Farmoor) has supported me very well. My colleagues are very helpful and knowledgeable. They gave me the time for study and helped me by explaining things when I didn’t understand or was confused.
It worked great for me, studying and working at the same time. I particularly find the practical side very beneficial because it helps me understand better and quicker. I really enjoyed learning about children’s development through the ages and because of this I could support their needs. I am very thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to my next challenge.”
Robyn is now a Deputy Team Leader at our Eynsham Nursery:
“I started my apprenticeships at Willow Cottage in October 2016. I can easily say I have, and continue to, enjoy every minute of it. The staff were very welcoming and continue to be great. The children are fantastic, it is very rewarding to watch them learn new skills and see them put those skills into effect. I have found the coursework very enjoyable to complete and I feel I have learnt many new skills.”
Julia has completed a Level 2 Practitioner Apprenticeship and is currently studying for her Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprenticeship at our Bletchingdon setting:
“I really appreciate being an apprentice at Willow Cottage. Everyone is really supportive and willing to help me out, from answering questions to helping with laptop troubles! The managers have been really diligent in planning out my training time”
Brittany, (Farmoor Nursery Apprentice):
“My experience as an apprentice has been exciting and fulfilling. I love the practical aspect and being hands on as well as the written work that gives me further knowledge. All these components combine to build my skills and experience.”
Melissa Round – Abingdon & Witney College Course Tutor
“Willow Cottage are very committed to supporting Apprentices through their training and qualifications. They have a clear and comprehensive training schedule for their apprentices and work closely in partnership with Abingdon & Witney College. We have regular face-to-face meetings, and email contact with Managers and Deputy Managers, so that we are all clear about the progress that our Apprentices are making. Senior staff will share concerns or areas for development with us, allowing us to address these in tutorial sessions with the apprentice.”
| Willow Cottage Nurseries are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants need to go through our thorough Safer Recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer. |
Discover why so many educators choose to build their careers with us. Explore the unique benefits of Working for Willow Cottage.
Our teams are fuelled by a passion for Early Years excellence. Do you have the Qualities Required for Successfully Joining Our Team?
Experience the warmth of a family-run nursery. Read What the staff say about their journey at Willow Cottage.
Our nurseries are rewarding, vibrant spaces designed for growth. Learn More About Our Settings.
Ready to join our award-winning team? Here is How to Apply.
