Early Years Apprenticeship - Harelquin Nursery and Forest School ME17
| Posting date: | 14 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £7.55 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | Apprentice Wage for the first year, and minimum wage thereafter. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 14 December 2025 |
| Location: | ME17 4PS |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Best Practice Network Limited |
| Job type: | Apprenticeship |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprentice Opportunity
Employer: Harelquin Nursery and Forest School
Location: Stockett Lane, Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent. ME17 4PS
Training Provider: Best practice Network
Are you passionate about helping young children learn, play, and grow? This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in early years education while gaining a nationally recognised qualification!
We are working in partnership with Harelquin Nursery and Forest School, a welcoming and supportive early years setting, to recruit a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an apprentice, you will:
- Support children’s learning and development through play and planned activities.
- Help create a caring, stimulating, and inclusive environment.
- Assist with daily routines, such as meal times, personal care (changing nappies), and outdoor play.
- Contribute to observations and planning for individual children’s progress.
- Work as part of a team to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and supported.
What You’ll Gain
- A Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
- Valuable hands-on experience in a real early years setting.
- Support and guidance from experienced staff and your dedicated training provider tutor.
- Excellent prospects for progression within the childcare sector.
- Online training delivered by Best Practice Network – no college to attend, all learning completed online.
Entry Requirements
- A genuine interest in working with young children.
- Commitment to completing your apprenticeship training.
- (GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths are desirable, but support can be provided to achieve these if needed.)
Apprenticeship Details
- Hours: Monday to Friday between 7.15am – 6.30pm
- Duration: 18 months
Harlequin provide superior and affordable childcare for children aged 2 – 12 years old in pre-school, breakfast, after school and holiday clubs based in mid and west Kent. The clubs are open 7.15am – 6.30pm every weekday except bank holidays.
Pre-school runs from 8:45am to 3pm during term time (funded sessions available). Plus the pre-school children can attend breakfast after school session.
We provide forest school for holiday club and pre-school children giving them experiences and skills, plus social interaction that they otherwise miss out by not being in conventional schooling. Harlequin also provide traditional forest school serivces for local schools and police-supported specialist forest sessions for adolescents aimed deflecting them away crime.
Please attach your CV to your application as this will be sent to the employer after screening is completed.
Safeguarding Statement
This authority/organisation is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, requiring all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment.
As part of the safer recruitment, you will require an enhanced DBS. This will be applied for by the employer if successful.
It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Employer: Harelquin Nursery and Forest School
Location: Stockett Lane, Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent. ME17 4PS
Training Provider: Best practice Network
Are you passionate about helping young children learn, play, and grow? This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in early years education while gaining a nationally recognised qualification!
We are working in partnership with Harelquin Nursery and Forest School, a welcoming and supportive early years setting, to recruit a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprentice.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an apprentice, you will:
- Support children’s learning and development through play and planned activities.
- Help create a caring, stimulating, and inclusive environment.
- Assist with daily routines, such as meal times, personal care (changing nappies), and outdoor play.
- Contribute to observations and planning for individual children’s progress.
- Work as part of a team to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and supported.
What You’ll Gain
- A Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
- Valuable hands-on experience in a real early years setting.
- Support and guidance from experienced staff and your dedicated training provider tutor.
- Excellent prospects for progression within the childcare sector.
- Online training delivered by Best Practice Network – no college to attend, all learning completed online.
Entry Requirements
- A genuine interest in working with young children.
- Commitment to completing your apprenticeship training.
- (GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths are desirable, but support can be provided to achieve these if needed.)
Apprenticeship Details
- Hours: Monday to Friday between 7.15am – 6.30pm
- Duration: 18 months
Harlequin provide superior and affordable childcare for children aged 2 – 12 years old in pre-school, breakfast, after school and holiday clubs based in mid and west Kent. The clubs are open 7.15am – 6.30pm every weekday except bank holidays.
Pre-school runs from 8:45am to 3pm during term time (funded sessions available). Plus the pre-school children can attend breakfast after school session.
We provide forest school for holiday club and pre-school children giving them experiences and skills, plus social interaction that they otherwise miss out by not being in conventional schooling. Harlequin also provide traditional forest school serivces for local schools and police-supported specialist forest sessions for adolescents aimed deflecting them away crime.
Please attach your CV to your application as this will be sent to the employer after screening is completed.
Safeguarding Statement
This authority/organisation is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, requiring all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment.
As part of the safer recruitment, you will require an enhanced DBS. This will be applied for by the employer if successful.
It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.