Rewarding Career in Childcare with Daisy Chain
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 Daisy Chain.
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 Daisy Chain, 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 Daisy Chain. While GCSEs in English and Maths may be required, our Training Manager 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.
Award-Winning Nurseries
- First private day nursery in Leeds to receive a Gold Award from the Leeds Quality Assurance Scheme, an award endorsed by the Investors in Children Kitemark
- Ranked among the Top 20 Day Nurseries in Yorkshire & Humber
- Consistently strong Ofsted ratings and reports for all our nurseries
- Proud holder of Millie’s Mark accreditation, recognising Daisy Chain’s focus on first aid training
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 supported by our Training Manager
- 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
A Growing List of Staff Benefits
- Up to £1,000 bonus in your first year (*conditions apply)
- 80% discount on childcare fees for Room Leaders and above
- 5.6 weeks fully paid holiday, including bank holidays
- Employee of the Quarter and other incentive schemes
- Quarterly bonus for 100% attendance
- “Time off in lieu” for extra hours worked (e.g. staff meetings)
- Full induction training and ongoing mentor support
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing, health and other support
- Regular team-building events to foster a fun, collaborative work environment
- Annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate achievements
- Long service rewards to honour your commitment
Safeguarding Commitment
Daisy Chain 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.
Sam
I joined Daisy Chain in September 2008 after achieving my Level 3 qualification at college. Initially, I started as a casual worker, but within just two weeks I was offered a full-time position in the baby unit. Thanks to my in-house training and collaboration with other room leaders, I was promoted to room leader after nine months. I enjoyed leading various rooms, working with both babies and preschoolers and supporting staff as they built their confidence. A few years later I took another step up to become deputy manager, which involved covering for the manager during their leave and overseeing nursery operations. During this time, I also completed my Level 3 in Leadership and Management which equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge to be a full-time manager in 2024.
Kia
I first started my journey at Daisy Chain as a casual staff member, where I had the wonderful opportunity to work across all four rooms. After a few months, I decided to pursue a career in nursing at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. However, I quickly realised this wasn’t the right path for me. I returned to Daisy Chain and was thrilled to receive a permanent contract in the Imps room which allowed me to take on key children. This role has been incredibly rewarding, as I’ve been able to build special relationships not just with the children but also with their wonderful parents. As I became more passionate about my position, I felt the urge to challenge myself further, so I completed my Level 3 Early Years Childcare Diploma. The knowledge I gained from this qualification has greatly enriched my daily practice as a nursery practitioner. During my five years at Daisy Chain, I have truly loved every moment and learned so much about early childhood education, the staff have been incredibly supportive and are always there to help when needed. I look forward to many more years of growth and challenges.
Danielle
My career started at Daisy Chain in 2013 where I started as a level 2 practitioner. Shortly after I completed my Level 3 in childcare and then progressed to Senior Practitioner in the toddler room. Following this, I moved to our Middleton site where I was given the opportunity to train to a Deputy role covering managers absences at all four nursery settings. After having my little boy in 2022 I worked at our Lofthouse site in the toddler room where I continued to gain the experience of the day to day running of the nursery and I now work as Deputy Manager at our Middleton site.
Working at Daisy Chain has been very rewarding throughout the years and has provided many opportunities for me to progress in my career. The most rewarding part of my role is watching the children develop, building strong bonds with the children and their families and being able to make a difference to a child’s early development.
Ella
I began my journey at Daisy Chain and quickly realised I wanted to further my career in childcare. I started my apprenticeship and was eager to learn and grow in experience throughout this. Through hard work and dedication, and with the support of the team and their valuable skills, I have been able to progress into the preschool room Senior role quickly after completing my level 3. My job role is something I feel truly passionate about. I love creating a safe, fun and nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Watching the children learn, grow, and develop each day is the most rewarding part of my job. I feel privileged to be part of the children’s journey to starting primary school.
Maisy
When I found Daisy Chain, I had recently left my teaching career without another job lined up. I had lost my passion due to feeling undervalued and unclear about the skills I could bring to a team. I joined Daisy Chain as a Senior Nursery Nurse in the Pixies Room, and with support from the leadership team, I rediscovered my potential. My expertise as an early years’ teacher was recognised, enabling me to contribute to areas like parent partnerships and curriculum development. My hard work paid off as my career advanced swiftly. My aspirations were valued, leading to my promotion to Nursery Deputy Manager and SENCo within a year of starting at Daisy Chain, allowing me to acquire even more skills. Reflecting on the teacher I was before and the professional I am now, it’s evident that Daisy Chain’s culture has nurtured my growth, offering exciting prospects for the future. I genuinely look forward to work each day, working with a team that shares my enthusiasm for children’s learning and development.
Becky
I started my career at Daisy Chain in June 2022, after working in retail for several years, I decided it was time to change career paths. I had always wanted to work with children, when I was offered the position at Daisy Chain, I decided that this would be a good opportunity to gain some experience and eventually become a qualified practitioner. Through the support of my room leader, the manager and training provider, I gained the knowledge, experience, and confidence to gain my level 3 qualification and carry out my role effectively. Soon after I was successful in securing the position of Senior room leader in the Imps room (2-year-olds.) I find working with children very rewarding, enjoy the settling-in process and love watching the children learn and grow.
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