The Hopscotch Academy: Early Years Apprenticeships
(Apprentice Academy)
A Career That Changes Lives
In partnership with The Childcare Company, Hopscotch Day Nurseries has launched the Early Years Academy – a dedicated training and development programme designed to support, inspire, and elevate our passionate team.
Through the Academy, you’ll have access to nationally recognised apprenticeship programmes tailored to nurture career progression and excellence in early years education. From the Level 3 Early Years Educator to the Level 5 Visionary Leaders in Childcare, there’s a clear pathway for every stage of your professional journey.
You’ll have the full backing of an in-house coach and mentor, plus face-to-face learning days with a dedicated development coach. You won’t be figuring it out alone.
These programmes are fully funded by Hopscotch Day Nurseries.
What makes it different:
Earn while you learn
in a real nursery environment
Clear
progression routes
from entry level to leadership
Training
that builds both confidence and capability, not just qualifications
Support, mentoring, & assessment
built into the journey
Career Progression Pathways:
All programmes are fully funded by Hopscotch and delivered in partnership with The Childcare Company. Each one is designed to build your skills, confidence, and career – wherever you’re starting from.
Want to find out more about the Academy?
Our team is happy to walk you through your options, answer any questions, and help you find the right programme.
Key Features
When you join Hopscotch, you join a team that takes care seriously – including taking care of our people.
Benefits include:
- A day off during your birthday month
- Lunch on us
- Christmas period closure
- Designated inset days
- 20% off at The Harbourside Cafe
- Uniform provided
- 50% off childcare for permanent contracts
- Up to 33 days holiday (full time equivalent)
- Recognition and awards
- Free access to Open up, a wellbeing service available to you and 3 family members
- Access to free training and development opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to all level apprenticeship opportunities
We also offer a refer-a-friend scheme (conditions apply, reach out to our team to learn more).
FAQ’s
You’ll receive a comprehensive handbook when you join, covering pay, shifts, holidays, and company policies. In the meantime, here are a few common questions.
If successful, what hours will I work?
In the Apprenticeship Academy you will be contracted to work full time, 40 hours a week. This often takes shape as an 8-hour day.
Will this position be term-time only?
No, our nurseries are open all year round, only closing on bank holidays, weekends and the Christmas period.
Will I have to travel to other settings?
Not all of the time, you will have a base setting. You may occasionally be asked to support at other nurseries, but this contributes to your ‘Off The Job’ hours and apprenticeship.
Is there anything I need to do before I start?
If successful, you will be required to apply for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check at the beginning of your employment.
What if I do not have my English & Maths GSCEs?
If you do not have a grade 4 or above in English and Maths, you will be required to complete a level 2 in functional skills while working towards your Level 3 qualification.
How much will I be paid?
At Hopscotch we pay apprentices above the minimum wage. This is age dependent.
What does the programme schedule look like?
At the Apprenticeship Academy you will work in the setting 4 days a week and you will have 1 day for study and research. One Friday a month you will be required to attend a face-to-face learning day at Head Office.