Rewarding Career in Childcare with The Willows Day Nursery
Are you passionate about giving children the best possible start in life? Do you bring enthusiasm, compassion, a positive attitude, and a strong sense of teamwork to everything you do? If so, we would love you to join our team of passionate professionals at The Willows.
How to Launch Your Early Years Career and Unlock Growth Opportunities
Childcare Apprenticeships: Your Pathway to Becoming an Early Years Practitioner
Working in early years education requires a wide range of skills—from emotional intelligence and effective communication to time management and report writing. If you have these qualities, there are several pathways into this deeply rewarding sector.
One of the best ways to begin is through a nursery apprenticeship, where you will gain hands-on experience alongside structured training. Whether you are new to childcare or looking to build on existing experience without formal qualifications, our apprenticeships offer a supportive route into the profession. At The Willows, we are here to help you grow every step of the way.
Level 2 Qualification
You can achieve your Level 2 childcare qualification either through further education (e.g. college) or via a fully funded apprenticeship with The Willows. While GCSEs in English and Maths may be required, we will guide you through the entry requirements and help you get started. Once Level 2 qualified, you will be ready to work as a Nursery Assistant.
Level 3 Qualification
A Level 3 childcare qualification prepares you for more responsibilities, such as becoming a Room Leader or Nursery Supervisor. You can join us with an existing Level 3 qualification or progress from Level 2 while working with us through a fully funded apprenticeship.
So why choose us?
A Nurturing Environment
We are a family-oriented business that places a strong emphasis on the well-being and development of our team. Our team members are the heart of our success, and we are committed to valuing, supporting, and investing in their growth. Through comprehensive training and ongoing development, we empower our team to thrive in their careers and make a lasting impact on the children in our care.
Comprehensive Training & Development
- Regular appraisals with personalised feedback and career development plans
- Ongoing supervisions and wellness check-ins with your manager
- Access to Early Years qualifications and continual professional development
- Mandatory training provided in EYFS, Safeguarding & Child Protection, Paediatric First Aid, Health & Safety, and Food Hygiene
- Strong partnerships with training providers to support team members undertaking apprenticeship programmes, ensuring any external training is based locally
- Clear internal promotion pathways through our talent management programme
Safeguarding Commitment
The Willows is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and candidates to share this commitment. As part of our recruitment process, all positions require an enhanced DBS check and professional references.
Hear it directly from our Team
Cathryn
I have been part of The Willows family since the very beginning, when the doors first opened in 1995! Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with children of all ages, gaining a wealth of experience and developing skills that have helped shape me into the practitioner I am today.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is building special bonds with the children and supporting them through their early years. I have also developed a strong knowledge of SENCO, helping to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.
My happiest place is working with our preschool children, watching them learn, grow in confidence and develop their independence as they prepare for their next big adventure at school. Being part of their journey and seeing how far they have come is something I will always treasure.
Donna
I have been the Nursery Manager at The Willows since 2016 and feel incredibly passionate about providing the very best care and learning experiences for every child. Throughout my career, I have gained a wealth of childcare experience and knowledge, which I bring to my role every day.
I studied at the University of Huddersfield, achieving a Level 6 degree in early Years. I also hold a Level 3 SENCO qualification, and I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring every child feels safe, supported and valued.
Being a Nursery Manager is so much more than a job to me. I love supporting my team, building strong relationships with families and creating a warm, nurturing environment where children can thrive. Seeing children grow in confidence, develop new skills and reach their full potential is what makes my role so rewarding.
Holly
I joined The Willows in 2025 to begin my journey towards achieving my Level 3 childcare qualification, and I am really enjoying developing my skills and knowledge within early years.
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have gained valuable hands-on experience working with the children and learning how to support their development, learning and wellbeing. The team at The Willows have been so supportive, always encouraging me and helping me build my confidence as I learn.
I am excited to continue growing in my role, gaining new experiences and developing into a confident early year’s practitioner. Being part of the children’s learning journeys and watching them grow every day makes this such a rewarding career to be part of.
Lucy
I have gained both my Level 3 childcare qualification and my Level 3 SENCO qualification at The Willows, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my journey.
The Willows has given me wonderful opportunities to continue developing my knowledge and skills, including attending training courses to further my understanding of early years and how best to support every child’s individual needs.
It is a great place to work, with a supportive team who encourage you to learn, grow and develop in your role. I love being part of an environment where children are supported to reach their full potential, and I look forward to continuing to build my experience and knowledge as part of The Willows family.
Emily
Working at The Willows has given me so many opportunities to grow, develop my skills and gain valuable experience within early years. With the support and encouragement of the team, I have been able to progress into my role as Deputy Manager, which I am incredibly proud of.
Throughout my journey, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, helping me to develop both professionally and personally. The Willows has always encouraged me to take on new challenges, build my confidence and continue learning.
I love being part of a supportive team and having the opportunity to make a positive difference to the children, their families and our staff. The opportunities I have been given at The Willows have helped shape my career, and I look forward to continuing to grow in my role and supporting the nursery to provide the very best care and learning experiences for every child.
Nicola
I started my journey at The Willows as an apprentice in 2010, and since then, I have gained so much knowledge, experience and confidence in my role. During my time here, I have achieved my Level 2 and Level 3 childcare qualifications, alongside a range of additional training, including paediatric first aid, food hygiene, safeguarding and safe sleep.
The opportunities to learn and develop at The Willows are endless! I have always been encouraged to expand my knowledge, build my skills and continue learning so that I can provide the best possible care for the children.
I love being part of a team that values learning and development and supports you to grow throughout your career. Looking back at how far I have come since starting as an apprentice makes me proud, and I am grateful for all the opportunities The Willows has given me along the way.
Charley
I started my journey at The Willows as an unqualified practitioner and, with the encouragement and support of the team, I successfully achieved my Level 3 qualification. I then continued to work hard towards gaining my Level 5 qualification, all whilst working at The Willows. Over the years, I have grown in confidence, knowledge and experience, progressing into my role as Room Leader. I love being able to support and encourage my fellow practitioners, sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their skills. The Willows has given me so many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally, and I am proud to be part of such a supportive and caring team.
Jo
I have been part of The Willows family since 2002 and have loved every minute of my journey here. When my boys were younger, I worked part-time to balance family life, before moving into a full-time role, which I absolutely love!
During my time at The Willows, I have had the opportunity to work with children across various age groups, gaining valuable experience and developing my knowledge of early years. I have also proudly held the position of Room Leader for the past 12 years, a role I thoroughly enjoy, supporting both the children and my fellow practitioners to achieve their very best.
Over the years, I have developed a strong understanding of safeguarding and the importance of creating a safe, secure and nurturing environment where every child feels happy, valued and cared for.
The Willows is such a special place to work, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a caring and supportive team. After all these years, I still love coming to work every day, watching the children learn, grow and thrive, and knowing I am making a positive difference in their early years.
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