APPRENTICE EARLY YEARS ASSISTANT

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about working with children and helping them get the best possible start in life?

YMCA Cheshire is opening a new 79-place childcare setting in Crewe, and we are looking for an enthusiastic and caring Apprentice Early Years Assistant to join our team at GLO Childcare and Education.

Our new setting will provide high-quality childcare and education for children aged three months to five years, with children and families at the heart of everything we do.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills, gain practical experience and work towards a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification while making a positive difference in children’s lives.

The Role

As an Apprentice Early Years Assistant, you will support the Room Leader and Deputy Room Leader in the day-to-day running of the nursery room, helping to create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where children can learn, explore and thrive.

Working alongside our childcare team, you will help deliver engaging learning experiences, support children’s development and build positive relationships with families.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of the nursery room for children aged three months to five years.
• Help maintain a safe, stimulating and inclusive childcare environment.
• Work with colleagues to plan and deliver learning activities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Support children’s individual learning, development and daily routines.
• Act as a keyworker for a group of children.
• Build positive relationships with parents and carers, keeping them informed about their children’s progress.
• Maintain accurate records and support relevant administration and risk assessments.
• Participate in training, team meetings and professional development activities.
• Support safeguarding, health and safety, and Ofsted requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality childcare and education.

About You

We are looking for someone who believes every child deserves the best start in life and is enthusiastic about supporting children and families.

You will need to:

• Be willing to work towards a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent.
• Have good verbal and written communication skills.
• Be organised, reliable and able to manage your time effectively.
• Work well independently and as part of a team.
• Have a genuine respect for children and families.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Share YMCA Cheshire’s mission, vision and values.
• Bring a positive, energetic and enthusiastic approach to your work.

It would also be beneficial if you have:

• Previous experience working in an early years setting.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• An understanding of early years legislation, safeguarding and the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.
• A Paediatric First Aid certificate.
• Good information technology skills.

Why Join YMCA Cheshire?

At YMCA Cheshire, we are committed to creating better lives and better futures for individuals and communities.

Joining GLO Childcare and Education means becoming part of a supportive team that is passionate about helping children reach their full potential.

Alongside the opportunity to gain a recognised early years qualification, you will have access to a range of employee benefits, including:

• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cashback Plan
• Pension contributions
• Group life assurance cover
• 20% discount at GLO Café
• Access to the onsite gym at Gresty Road
• Staff wellbeing initiatives and team activities
• Long-service vouchers

Key Employment Information

This is a permanent, term-time position working 30 hours per week across five days, Monday to Friday, for 40 weeks per year.

The annual salary is £11,553.83 to £12,275.94, inclusive of holiday pay, depending on the level of Early Years qualification being undertaken.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Room Leader.

Please note that this position is subject to the successful opening of the childcare setting and subsequent Ofsted registration.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

How to Apply

If you are ready to begin your career in early years education and would love to help children learn, grow and thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 29 October 2026.

Applications must be submitted through the GOV.UK Find an Apprenticeship service.

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing date: Thursday 29 October 2026, 11:59pm
• Shortlisting: November 2026
• Interviews: To be confirmed
• Anticipated start date: 1 March 2027

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Vicky Cairney
Strategic Lead for Childcare
Telephone: 07359 439540

Download the October 2026 Candidate Pack for the full job description, person specification and employment terms.