Early Years Educator (Apprentice)

Job summary

The role of Apprentice Early Years Educator at First Steps Nursery will support candidates in obtaining a qualification in Early Years Education whilst being supported by a knowledgeable team of mentors, rated outstanding by Ofsted again in November 2022. What better foundations could there be, to begin a career in Childcare!

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Details

• Date posted: 29 May 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 3
• Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 185-63303-13293
• Job locations: Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

As an apprentice in Early Years, you will join our team of 'Ofsted Outstanding Educators' to support the development of the Children in our Care who range from 3 months - 4 years old.

You will receive support and guidance from a fantastically knowledgeable team of mentors as you undertake a qualification in Early Years Education.

Our accredited provider will support you to gain a recognised Early Years Childcare qualification, supporting you to develop and understand Child Development via a mixture of online classes and in-person practical assessments. You will gain experience via a 'hands on' role at our Nursery, allowing you to learn the practical side of the role and embed your knowledge and increase confidence within your delivery of high quality Care and Education.

All of this, alongside one of the highest employer apprenticeship salaries on offer to reflect the value of our workforce and the high quality of care and education that they provide everyday, to the Children in our Care.

Please note that that this role will be band 2 initially, moving to band 3 upon completion of the apprenticeship.

Working Pattern: 18+ years - 37.5 hours per week 08:00 - 18:00 with a 40min lunch break across 4 days (one of which will be at Exeter College).

Under 18's - 32 hours per week across 4 days (one of which will be at Exeter College) either 08:00 - 17:00 or 09:00 - 18:00 with an hour lunch break.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

For further information please contact: Zoe Arthurs; Childcare Services Manager on 01392 405858 or zoe.arthurs@nhs.net

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.