Policy Statement

We are committed to providing high-quality apprenticeships for individuals aged 16 and over, aligning with the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and other relevant legislation. This policy applies to all apprentices working towards Level 2 (Early Years Practitioner) and Level 3 (Early Years Educator) qualifications. 

Our apprenticeship program combines practical, on-the-job training at our nursery with structured, off-the-job learning delivered by approved training providers and Flick Learning. This will take place online and through face-to-face observations and meetings with a dedicated tutor.

Many of our apprentices start their training journey with us as a volunteer and progress through the interview process to achieve a place on an apprenticeship.  Please visit our vacancies page for information on volunteering.

We comply with Government legislation relating to apprentices.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-2025-to-2026

Our training provider: Flick learning

https://www.flicklearning.com/

We seek opportunities for apprentices to source their own training provider and financial sponsors, as well as nominating our own.  We use a variety of apprenticeship providers. 

We have used the following providers:

Acacia Training https://acaciatraining.co.uk/

Paragon Training https://paragonskills.co.uk/

Woodspeen Training https://www.woodspeen.co.uk/

Acorn Training  https://acorntraining.co.uk/

Babington https://babington.co.uk/

We have had a range of financial sponsors including BT and local angel investors.

Apprenticeship Framework

For All Apprentices (16 and over)

Apprenticeship Agreement: All apprentices will receive a formal apprenticeship agreement and a contract of employment. These documents will outline the terms and conditions of their employment, including job role, salary, working hours, and the duration of the apprenticeship.

• Duration: Apprentices may work up to three months before starting their course.  Apprenticeships will last a minimum of 12 months.  Immediate progression to the next level can take place.
• Off-the-Job Training: Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their paid working hours on training and study. This time is dedicated to theory and qualification-based learning and does not include practical tasks.
• Minimum Wage: All apprentices will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.
• English and Maths: Apprentices without a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C or above) in English and Maths must work towards and achieve these qualifications as part of their apprenticeship.

Policy for 16-19 Year Olds

We recognise our enhanced duty of care to young workers. Our approach to employing apprentices aged 16-19 is governed by specific legal requirements and a commitment to their well-being and development.

Working Hours and Breaks

Apprentices under 18 will not work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.

They are entitled to a rest break of at least 30 minutes if their working day is longer than 4.5 hours.

Risk Assessment for 16-19 Year Olds

We will conduct a specific risk assessment for all apprentices under 18 before they start their role and regularly review it.

1. Identify Hazards: We will identify all potential risks in the nursery environment relating to the apprentice.

2. Evaluate Risks to Young People: We will consider the specific vulnerabilities of young people, such as their lack of experience, immaturity, and potential unawareness of risks. For a nursery environment, this includes their inexperience with handling challenging behaviour, identifying signs of abuse, or understanding complex safeguarding procedures.

3. Implement Control Measures:

• Supervision: 16-19 year old apprentices will have a named supervisor or mentor at all times. They will be supervised and not asked to complete tasks that they are not trained to complete.
• Induction and Training: A comprehensive induction will cover all health and safety procedures, safeguarding protocols, and the use of equipment. This will be tailored to their age and experience level.
• Manual Handling: We will provide specific training on safe manual handling, such as lifting and carrying children or equipment. 
• Safeguarding: All young apprentices will receive full safeguarding training and be made aware of the nursery's child protection policy, including how and to whom they should report concerns.
• Food Hygiene: A Level 2 and 3 Food Hygiene qualification will be offered at the start of the training period.
• Paediatric First Aid Training: A Paediatric First Aid qualification will be offered at the start of the training period.
• DBS: All apprentices apply for an enhanced DBS.

4. Record and Review: The risk assessment will be documented and communicated to the apprentice and their parents/guardians. It will be reviewed at regular intervals and when there are changes to the apprentice's role or the working environment.

Our Young Persons Risk Assessment is available upon request.

Policy for Apprentices Over 19

Apprentices over 19 will receive the same high level of training and support.

• Enhanced Independence: We recognise that apprentices over 19 may have more life and work experience. They will be given appropriate levels of responsibility and autonomy based on their skills and progress.
• National Minimum Wage/Living Wage: Apprentices who have completed their first year of training and are aged 19 or over will be paid the relevant National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for their age.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Employer (Nursery School): We will provide a supportive and safe environment for apprentices to learn and develop. This includes paying their wages, ensuring their working hours comply with legislation, and releasing them for their off-the-job training. We will work in partnership with the training provider to monitor their progress.

The Training Provider: The training provider will be responsible for delivering the academic and theoretical components of the apprenticeship. They will conduct regular visits, observations, and meetings with the apprentice and their workplace mentor to ensure progress and provide support.

The Apprentice: Apprentices are expected to be dedicated and committed to their learning. They must attend all training sessions, complete assigned work, and apply themselves to their on-the-job duties. They have a responsibility to adhere to all health and safety procedures and to report any concerns.

To be reviewed: December 2026