Childcare Apprenticeship

_WINNERS OF THE MAYOR'S FUND FOR LONDON AWARD FOR APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR 2015,_ Fennies Day Nurseries are looking for the best people to become Childcare Apprentices. In conjunction with Hawk Training, Fennies offers outstanding candidates the opportunity to complete an Intermediate (Level 2) Apprenticeship in Children's and Young Peoples Workforce within our growing chain of nurseries.
MONDAY TO FRIDAY £3.50 PHR / £145 PER WEEK + FREE LUNCH + FREE TRAINING. 41 HRS PER WEEK. FIXED TERM OF 12 MONTHS IN CONJUNCTION WITH HAWK TRAINING. Fennies pay ABOVE the National Minimum Apprentice Wage (£3.50 instead of £2.73), plus offer a Free Lunch and other Benefits.

Successful candidates will develop experience in all areas of day to day nursery life and a sound knowledge of current good childcare practice in order to start a fulfilling career in childcare.

You will work alongside qualified staff across all areas of the nursery age range (0-5 years) to develop your practical skills in caring for young children under the overall guidance of the Quality Practice Manager and a mentor within the setting.

Your responsibilities will include supporting children in play and learning activities, everyday care routines such as meal and sleep times, enhancing the environment with displays of children's work, observing and record keeping of children's development and planning to meet their individual needs supported by establishing positive relationships with parents and carers.

So who are we looking for?
You will have the following Skills;

- The ability to relate and interact with children
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to develop positive relationships with parents, carers and other childcare professionals
- The ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions
- Good observation and organisational skills
- A willingness to learn new skills and ability to identify when they need to ask for support
- A reasonable level of IT skills would be an advantage

You will have the following Qualifications;

- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths to grade A- C
- An introductory level in Child Development, Health and Social Care or similar entry level qualification is an advantage but not essential.

You will have the following Personal Qualities;

- Reliable, punctual and trustworthy
- Enjoys being creative
- Patience and the ability to remain calm at all times
- An understanding of and respect for the diversity of families
- Appropriate level of maturity and personal confidence
- A willingness to reflect on their own practice
- You can demonstrate an awareness of confidentiality requirements and basic understanding of child safeguarding.
- You can demonstrate you have sustained interest in a hobby or activity or been involved in voluntary work in the community.

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates will be invited to attend an Assessment Day at either our Epsom or Bromley Nurseries. Assessment days include a range of assessment activities, presentations and information on 'what is an apprenticesip?', an opportunitity to speak to current apprentices, a tour of our nursery followed by a short interview. Successful candidates are then invited to an extended interview and work trial in the Nursery setting, prior to being offered a placement within the Nursery.

Fennies follows a Safer Recruitment and Selection Process and you will be expected to pass a full / enhanced DBS check prior to employment. The Company will pay for completion of this. Employment will not begin until you have been given clearance.

Shift work may be required between 7.45am- 6.45pm. The successful candidate may be required to work in different settings where the need arises.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Upon successful completion of the Intermediate Apprenticeship there may be an opportunity to progress onto an Advanced programme if there are vacancies across one of the settings.
Fennies cannot guarantee a permanent position at the end of the apprenticeship and the fixed term of 12 months. An offer of a full time position is dependent on current staffing requirements.
Fennies Day Nurseries Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and is glad to receive applications from anyone, regardless of race, age, gender or disability. Fennies is also commited to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

TRAINING ON THE APPRENTICESHIPS
Programme for 16 to 18 year olds is a priority and fully-funded by Government. Training for Apprenticeships for 19 to 24 year olds is part funded, with employers expected to make a contribution. Funding for apprentices aged 25 and over is limited and employers are expected to make a part or full contribution.