Apprentice Nursery Practitioner

Swap the Four Walls for the Great Outdoors!

Do you believe the best classroom is one without a ceiling? Are you passionate about early childhood development and eager to build a career in education while working outdoors every day?

We are looking for an enthusiastic, outdoor-loving Apprentice Nursery Practitioner to join our dedicated Forest School team. In this role, you won't just be working a job—you'll be igniting children's curiosity through muddy boots, campfire cooking, tree climbing, and nature-led discovery.

Whether you're starting your career or looking for a fresh direction, this apprenticeship gives you the hands-on experience, paid employment, and formal qualification needed to become a fully qualified Early Years Practitioner.

What You'll Be Doing

• Facilitate Outdoor Learning: Support children aged 2–5 as they explore, play, and learn in our woodland environment in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Support Child Development: Work alongside qualified Forest School Leaders and Early Years Educators to observe children’s milestones, track progress, and plan engaging activities.
• Promote Well-being & Safety: Maintain high standards of physical care, emotional support, and outdoor safety (including risk assessment during forest activities).
• Build Relationships: Develop strong, supportive partnerships with parents and carers to share children’s growth and outdoor adventures.
• Complete Your Qualification: Dedicate designated working hours to completing your Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship with guidance from a dedicated mentor.

What We Are Looking For

• Passion for the Outdoors: A genuine love for nature, rain or shine, and a positive "there's no bad weather, only bad clothes" attitude!
• Enthusiasm for Early Years: Warmth, patience, and a natural ability to connect with young children.
• Team Player: Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Commitment to Learn: Motivation to study, complete coursework on time, and grow into a skilled educator.
• Basic Entry Requirements: GCSE Grade 3/D or above in English and Maths (or equivalent) preferred, though support to achieve Functional Skills is available.

Note: The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment background checks.

What We Offer

• Career Progression: A clear pathway to a permanent Level 3 Practitioner or Forest School Leader role upon qualification.
• You will gain a DfE-approved childcare qualification whilst working and gaining valuable experience, with the potential for a permanent position on completing your apprenticeship
• Staff discount on childcare
• A fun, friendly, and supportive team
• The opportunity to work in a truly unique setting - we even have dedicated admin staff to allow you to focus on working with the children!
• Ongoing professional development, with regular training and a wide variety of courses on offer
• 5.2 weeks holiday pro rata
• Company pension scheme

How to Apply

Ready to take your first step into a rewarding career in outdoor education?

To apply, please complete our online application form at

https://forms.gle/o8iYvsTDqEAVfiMF8

COPY AND PASTE LINK TO YOUR BROWSER IF IT IS NOT WORKING

Wild Monkeys Childcare is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and a comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on successful applicants including a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) including checks with past employers (Applicant Declaration must be completed and returned with application). You will also be required to disclose any criminal history or medical conditions.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £8.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount

Application question(s):

• Please make sure you complete our online application form at https://forms.gle/o8iYvsTDqEAVfiMF8 , also available on our website. Until you complete this form, we will not be able to consider your application. Thank you!

Work Location: In person