Rewarding Career in Childcare with Windmill 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 Windmill.
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 Windmill, 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 Windmill. 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
Windmill 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
Angela
I started my career at Windmill Day Nursery in 2001 when the nursery very first opened its doors. I started as a level 3 qualified nursery nurse and after a short break from the nursery where I lived in Oxfordshire, I came back to Windmill in 2003. Over the last 23 years I continued my professional development with the nursery and went on to do an advanced apprenticeship in management which then led on to me doing my Early Childhood Studies Degree and I am one of the Lancashire Language leads. Whilst working at the nursery I have worked in many roles from nursery practitioner to pre-school team leader and then on to deputy manager and now manager. The knowledge and experience I have gained over the years has been thoroughly rewarding and I look forward to continuing my dedication and passion to the children and staff team at Windmill Day Nursery.
Sally
I joined the nursery in 2018 on a student placement, where I gained my Level 2 Early Years qualification. I really enjoyed my experience during this and went on to gain my level 3. I have since been employed by the nursery since 2021. I continue to use skills and knowledge which I have learnt throughout the years in my role as a baby room practitioner. I look forward to continuing to provide care and support to the babies whilst they learn and develop, whilst maintaining and creating great bonds with current and future babies in our setting.
Chelsea
I started my level 2 apprenticeship at Windmill Day Nursery in November 2024. Whilst doing my apprenticeship the staff have supported me to be able to complete my course. I am currently working towards my level 3 and look forward to continuing my journey with Windmill Day Nursery.
Natasha
I started working at Windmill Day Nursery in 2009. I completed my Level 2 and gained experience in all rooms. I then moved to Istanbul, Turkey, in 2012, before coming back to England and Windmill Day Nursery in 2022, when I also completed my Level 3 apprenticeship. I have really enjoyed the last few years where I have been the toddler room leader. I currently work in Pre-school room as a team leader. I am also currently the SENDCO for the nursery and one of Lancashire’s Language Leads. I really enjoy my time at Windmill and love being a part of a child’s start to life and thrive on watching them learn and grow.
Jayden
I recently started working at Windmill and I am really enjoying my time working in the pre school room. I have joined this amazing team holding my Level 2 Early Years Certificate along with my Level 3 Safeguarding and Food Hygiene certificates. With my 3 years of experience in childcare across several early years and even primary school settings, I am excited to use my knowledge to help develop the children at this wonderful nursery and even push myself on to complete a Level 3 qualification in early years. It has been a very strong start already and I am very determined to give my all to the setting.
Melissa
I started at Windmill Day Nursery doing my Level 2 in Early Years in July 2021 and have continued on to gain my Level 3. I hold my First Aid, Food Hygiene and Safeguarding Level 2 Certificates. I have enjoyed working in all rooms across all ages. I am looking forward to using everything I am learning to support the children in their learning and development. I look forward to watching them grow.
Becky
I began my journey at Windmill in 2014 on a work placement and have been part of the nursery ever since. Alongside working here, I completed a Psychology degree and a Master’s in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Edge Hill University. Over the years, I have gained experience across the nursery, including working in the Pre-school room, where I supported children as they prepared for school, before qualifying as an Early Years Teacher. In September 2024, I became Deputy Manager, and I continue to build on my experience to support both the children and the wider team. I am dedicated to giving every child the best possible start in life.
Shellie
I started my journey at Windmill in 2001 as a volunteer. My son started at the nursery and I spent some time in the rooms reading stories and helping out. This is where my passion started and I gained my Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship and continued to work full time with the pre-school children. Over the years I have gained my Level 5 Leadership and Management which supported me in being the pre-school team lead and deputy manager for several years. After a long time in this role, I decided my passion was to work with the children and therefore stepped down back into my role as pre-school team leader. I have several years’ experience of supporting children with SEND. Supporting the children on their journey at Windmill and being a part of their lives as they transition to school is where I am at my happiest and feel most fulfilled.
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