Apprentice Early Years Practitioner

Start Your Early Years Career at an Award-Recognised Nursery!

The Red Squirrel Children’s Nursery is growing, achieving and celebrating!

We’re incredibly proud to be finalists in NINE categories at the 2026 Scottish Nursery Awards! This fantastic achievement reflects our team’s passion, dedication and commitment to providing exceptional care, meaningful learning experiences and a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Rooted in nature and driven by a child-centred approach, we offer something special. Our well-established Forest School provision gives children opportunities to explore, discover, take risks, build confidence and learn through the natural world throughout the year.

We’re now looking for an enthusiastic Apprentice Early Years Practitioner to join our vibrant and supportive team. If you’re passionate about working with children, eager to learn and ready to begin a rewarding career in early years education, we’d love to hear from you!

Why Join The Red Squirrel?

• Join an award-winning spirit! Be part of a nursery recognised among the finalists in nine categories at the 2026 Scottish Nursery Awards.
• Learn from the best. Develop your skills alongside a passionate, experienced team committed to high-quality practice.
• Make every day meaningful. Help children learn, grow and flourish through play, exploration and everyday adventures.
• Embrace the outdoors. Be part of our inspiring Forest School provision and nature-based learning experiences.
• Grow with us. Build your confidence, gain a recognised qualification and develop the foundations for a successful career in early years.
• Feel supported. Work in a friendly, nurturing environment where teamwork, creativity, kindness and professional development matter.

What You’ll Do

• Support exciting, play-centred learning experiences both indoors and outdoors.
• Help create safe, stimulating and inclusive environments where every child feels valued.
• Build positive, nurturing relationships with children and their families.
• Support children's care, wellbeing, development and daily routines.
• Learn from experienced practitioners and put your developing knowledge into practice.
• Work towards your apprenticeship qualification with guidance, mentoring and practical experience.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be fully qualified or have years of experience — what matters most is your attitude, enthusiasm and willingness to learn!

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting children’s learning and development.
• Caring, reliable, patient and enthusiastic.
• A positive team player with good communication skills.
• Curious, motivated and open to feedback.
• Ready to get involved in all aspects of nursery life, including outdoor play in all kinds of weather!

What We Offer

• A fully supported apprenticeship and recognised qualification.
• Guidance and mentoring from experienced early years professionals.
• A welcoming team that values your contribution and encourages you to grow.
• Opportunities to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence.
• The chance to be part of a nursery with big ambitions, a strong ethos and a genuine passion for early years education.

Ready to grow with us?

If you want to make a difference to children’s lives while building a career you can be proud of, The Red Squirrel Children’s Nursery could be the perfect place to start.

Come and grow with The Red Squirrel!

*This is a full-time position, although part-time options may be available for the right candidate.*Join an Award-Nominated Nursery With Big Ambitions!

The Red Squirrel Children's Nursery is proud to be shortlisted in the 2025 Scottish Nursery Awards, recognised for our commitment to high-quality care, creativity and outstanding early learning experiences. We are also home to a well-established Forest School provision, giving children the chance to explore, learn and thrive outdoors all year round.

We are now looking for an enthusiastic Apprentice Early Years Practitioner to join our vibrant, supportive team — someone eager to learn, grow, and start a rewarding career in early years education.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an award-nominated nursery known for excellence
• Learn from a team passionate about training, mentoring and supporting new practitioners
• Gain a recognised qualification while working hands-on in a dynamic early years environment
• Thrive in a workplace where creativity, kindness and teamwork are celebrated

What You’ll Do

• Support engaging, play-centred learning experiences indoors and outdoors
• Help create a nurturing, stimulating environment for all children
• Assist with daily routines, care, and high-quality practice
• Learn from experienced professionals while completing apprenticeship tasks and assessments

What We’re Looking For

• Motivated individuals who enjoy being around children
• Someone excited to learn, develop and take the first step in their early years career
• A team player with strong communication skills
• Caring, reliable, and ready to get stuck into all aspects of nursery life

What We Offer

• Fully supported apprenticeship with high-quality guidance
• Mentoring from experienced early years educators
• A friendly, inclusive team culture where your ideas and growth matter
• Real opportunities for progression once qualified

*The role is full-time but part-time options may be available for the right candidate

Pay: From £16,640.00 per year

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• What interests you about becoming a Trainee Early Years Practitioner, and what do you think makes someone a good Early Years Practitioner?

• Our nursery is located in Liff, just outside Dundee, and the role involves working a variety of shifts, including early starts and later finishes. Do you have reliable transport or a suitable way of getting to and from the nursery, and would you be able to accommodate a range of shift patterns?

Work Location: In person