Children and staff getting stuck into messy play with some flour and paint

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn with the LEYF Apprenticeship.

First job? Make it Early Years.

An apprenticeship with us offers you hands-on experience and training in lively, diverse settings all while earning a salary.

As one of our teachers in training, you will be part of a passionate and inspiring team, enabling each child to be the best they can be through wonderful experiences that enrich and extend their learning.

Work in a fun, nurturing environment, with the time to build warm relationships with other staff and children in your care.

Get in touch

My manager and the department around me showed a trust in my ability that I really didn’t expect to get as an apprentice.

Apprentice at New Cross Nursery

“Just seeing the children grow. That’s what it is for me.” Josiah, an apprentice at our New Cross Nursery, discusses what he loves about working in Early Years.

What’s in it for you?

12–18-month training programme working with under 5s
£12,500 annual salary for under 25s
£16,500 annual salary for over 25s
Wage increase in year two*
Oyster card travel discount (age 16–25)
Guaranteed interview for a LEYF post on successful completion of course
Level 3 Early Years Qualification
First step towards starting a rewarding career
Laptop lending scheme*National minimum wage or whatever hourly rate is greater.

Watch Paige, an apprentice at our Camberwell Grove nursery, talk about how LEYF has helped develop her career in Early Years.

Requirements

Minimum Grade C/4 in GCSE English and maths or Level 2 Functional Skills
Energy, enthusiasm and the desire to make a difference to children’s lives
A passion for Early Years education and childcare
A can-do attitude
Ability to commit for 12–18 months

We also accept applicants with a minimum Level 1 in Childcare, who are working towards their Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.

My manager and the department around me showed a trust in my ability that I really didn’t expect to get as an apprentice.

Apprentice at New Cross Nursery

Our training venue

Our bespoke Apprentice Academy is based in Peckham, near to the green space of Burgess Park and a 15-minute walk from Peckham high street.

Our address is:

LEYF Apprentice Academy

183-185 Glengall Road

London

SE15 6RS

Interested?

We run three apprenticeship programmes every year, throughout the year. As well as in our nurseries, we also offer office-based apprenticeships.

It’s never too late to apply. Many of our apprentices are aged 16 to 18, but you can be an apprentice at any age.

If you’d like to find out more about our next programme, please get in touch.

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Contact us

We'd love to hear from you.

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Our educators and staff

Learn more about our knowledgeable and highly skilled teaching staff.

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About us

Find out more about LEYF and how we put families and children at the heart of all we do.