Policy Statement

We are committed to providing high-quality work experience and employment for individuals aged 13 to 19 years old, aligning with the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and other relevant legislation including employment law www.gov.uk/child-employment.  This policy applies to all work experience placements and employment of young people. 

Our work experience programmes combine practical, on-the-job training at our nursery with structured, off-the-job learning delivered by approved training providers and Flick Learning. This will take place online and through face-to-face observations and meetings with a dedicated staff member.

Many of our work experience start their training or career journey with us as a volunteer and progress through the interview process to achieve a place on an apprenticeship.  Please visit our vacancies page for information on volunteering.

We work with a range of schools, colleges, home-education and other alternative education providers to offer suitable experiences for their students.

We comply with Warwickshire County Council guidance relating to work experience placements.

https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-1172289586-1685

Our training provider: Flick learning

https://www.flicklearning.com/

Apprenticeship Framework

For All work Experience and 13 to 19 year olds

Work Experience Agreement: All work experience participants will receive a formal volunteer agreement. These documents will outline the terms and conditions of their placement, including job role, working hours, and the duration of the placement.

• Duration: Work experience placements are from a few hours a week to blocks of full-time attendance.
• Off-the-Job Training: Our training provider information can be accessed online at any point for induction and further professional development.
• Minimum Wage: Work experience is unpaid.  However, for long-term placements there is the possibility of discretionary payments to support travel.
• English and Maths: Work experience participants without a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C or above) in English and Maths will be encouraged to pursue these qualifications in future.

Employment of young people 13 - 19 years old

Employment Agreement: All employees will receive a formal contract agreement. These documents will outline the terms and conditions of their employment, including job role, working hours, and the duration of the placement.  Participants 13 to 16 years old will require a parental signature.

• Duration: Employment can be from a few hours a week to blocks of full-time attendance within the legal allowance for employment per age group.
• Off-the-Job Training: Our training provider information can be accessed online at any point for induction and further professional development.
• Minimum Wage: National Living Wage is paid for any person 13 years and over.
• English and Maths:  Participants without a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C or above) in English and Maths will be encouraged to pursue these qualifications in future.

Policy for 13 - 19 Year Olds

We recognise our enhanced duty of care to young workers. Our approach to employing young people aged 13-19 is governed by specific legal requirements and a commitment to their well-being and development.

Working Hours and Breaks

Work experience participants will work in blocks of time around their breaks.  These will be agreed with the school, college or parent.  They are entitled to a rest break of at least 30 minutes if their working day is longer than 4.5 hours.

Risk Assessment for 13 - 19 Year Olds

We will conduct a specific risk assessment for all apprentices under 19 before they start their role and regularly review it.

1. Identify Hazards: We will identify all potential risks in the nursery environment relating to the young person.

2. Evaluate Risks to Young People: We will consider the specific vulnerabilities of young people, such as their lack of experience, immaturity, and potential unawareness of risks. For a nursery environment, this includes their inexperience with handling challenging behaviour, identifying signs of abuse, or understanding complex safeguarding procedures.

3. Implement Control Measures:

• Supervision: 13-19 year old  will have a named supervisor or mentor at all times. They will be supervised and not asked to complete tasks that they are not trained to complete.
• Induction and Training: A comprehensive induction will cover all health and safety procedures, safeguarding protocols, and the use of equipment. This will be tailored to their age and experience level.
• Manual Handling: We will provide specific training on safe manual handling, such as lifting and carrying children or equipment. 
• Safeguarding: All young people will receive full safeguarding training and be made aware of the nursery's child protection policy, including how and to whom they should report concerns.
• Food Hygiene: A Level 2 and 3 Food Hygiene qualification will be offered at the start of the training period.
• Paediatric First Aid Training: A Paediatric First Aid qualification will be offered at the start of the training period.
• DBS: All apprentices apply for an enhanced DBS.

4. Record and Review: The risk assessment will be documented and communicated to the apprentice and their parents/guardians. It will be reviewed at regular intervals and when there are changes to the apprentice's role or the working environment.

Our Young Persons Risk Assessment is available upon request.

Policy for Apprentices Over 19

Apprentices over 19 will receive the same high level of training and support.

• Enhanced Independence: We recognise that apprentices over 19 may have more life and work experience. They will be given appropriate levels of responsibility and autonomy based on their skills and progress.
• National Minimum Wage/Living Wage: Apprentices who have completed their first year of training and are aged 19 or over will be paid the relevant National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for their age.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Employer (Nursery School): We will provide a supportive and safe environment for apprentices to learn and develop. This includes paying their wages, ensuring their working hours comply with legislation, and releasing them for their off-the-job training. We will work in partnership with the training provider to monitor their progress.

The Training Provider: The training provider will be responsible for delivering the academic and theoretical components of the apprenticeship. They will conduct regular visits, observations, and meetings with the apprentice and their workplace mentor to ensure progress and provide support.

The Apprentice: Apprentices are expected to be dedicated and committed to their learning. They must attend all training sessions, complete assigned work, and apply themselves to their on-the-job duties. They have a responsibility to adhere to all health and safety procedures and to report any concerns.

To be reviewed: December 2026