A part-time nursery apprenticeship can be possible in England. The important point is that an apprenticeship is a paid job with structured training, so the employer and training provider must be satisfied that the contracted hours and duties give the apprentice enough opportunity to learn the full occupation.
Part-time does not mean a shortened or lighter apprenticeship. The same occupational standard must be achieved, and a programme may need to run for longer when the apprentice works fewer hours each week.
How does a part-time apprenticeship work?
The apprentice is employed and paid for their working hours. Training is arranged as part of the apprenticeship and should be planned around the role. The provider reviews the job, weekly hours, previous experience and expected training activity before agreeing a practical programme.
Nurseries often operate around shift patterns, school hours and term-time needs, so the exact arrangement varies. A provider may be able to support part-time hours, but an employer still needs to release the apprentice for the required training and give them access to suitable responsibilities.
Will a part-time programme take longer?
Often, yes. If fewer hours are available each week, the training plan may extend the programme so the apprentice has enough time to develop and demonstrate every required skill. The precise duration should be written into the apprenticeship agreement and training plan after an initial assessment.
For typical programme lengths at different levels, read how long a nursery apprenticeship takes.
Which apprenticeship levels can be part time?
Part-time working can potentially be considered across early years standards, provided the job is suitable. The occupational role matters more than the label “part time”.
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner can suit someone developing the foundations of early years practice.
- Level 3 Early Years Educator involves greater responsibility for learning, development and care.
- Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner is for experienced staff leading practice.
Use our early years apprenticeship levels guide to compare the job expectations before deciding.
Can an existing part-time nursery employee enrol?
Yes, potentially. Apprenticeships can be used to develop existing employees as well as new recruits. The employer and provider must confirm that the employee needs substantial new learning and that their role allows them to complete the standard.
This can work well for a nursery assistant moving towards a qualified practitioner role, a Level 3 educator taking on wider duties or an experienced practitioner progressing into leadership. Adults are eligible too; read our guide on adult nursery apprenticeships.
What happens to apprenticeship pay?
A part-time apprentice must still receive at least the legal hourly rate that applies to them. Their weekly pay will naturally depend on the number of paid hours. Some nurseries pay more than the statutory minimum, so compare the hourly rate, guaranteed hours, training arrangements and progression prospects rather than looking only at the weekly figure.
See our current nursery apprenticeship wage guide for an explanation of age and first-year rules.
Questions to ask before accepting a part-time place
- How many contracted and paid hours will I have?
- When will planned training take place?
- How long is the programme expected to run?
- Will my shifts expose me to the full range of duties?
- Who will mentor me in the setting?
- What happens if my hours or shift pattern change?
- Which version of the apprenticeship standard will I follow?
If you need a new job, start with our guide to nursery apprenticeship jobs and the near-me search guide. If you already work part time, speak to your manager before approaching providers so the job and training can be assessed together.