Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Childcare; Braintree; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking an Apprentice Early Years Professional in Braintree. This role involves planning activities, building relationships with children and parents, and contributing to safeguarding. The ideal candidate will have a Level 2 in Early Years and a passion for childcare. You'll receive ongoing development and support while working alongside qualified staff. Competitive benefits and a commitment to your career progression await you in this nurturing environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

50% childcare discount

Flexible holiday allowance

Mental health support

Qualifications

• Working or caring for children, voluntary or paid is required.
• Completion of apprenticeship standards within the agreed timeframe.
• Proactive in developing skills within the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Plan stimulating activities for children in line with EYFS.
• Deliver quality childcare and ensure positive outcomes.
• Contribute to safeguarding and individual needs of children.

Skills

Planning activities

Building relationships

Safeguarding children

Communication skills

Enthusiasm

Education

Level 2 in Early Years

Maths and English grade C / 4 or above

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK. Do you want to become a qualified Early Years Professional? Are you serious about a career in the Early Years sector? This role is ideal for anyone who has a genuine passion for working with children and is keen to learn and progress in their own professional development.

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees? We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About our Nursery

Join our dedicated team at Busy Bees in Braintree Galleys Corner, an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 100 children. Our secure entry system and large, spacious rooms create a safe and welcoming environment for children to thrive. Our longstanding senior team is passionate about supporting children to reach their full potential and works closely with local schools to ensure smooth transitions. We also promote the local children's center and library, enriching our community ties. Conveniently located, we are a 15-minute walk to Braintree Village and a 7-minute drive to both Braintree town and train station, with direct lines to London Liverpool Street. A bus stop is located opposite the nursery, and we have easy access to the A120. Staff enjoy free parking, making this an excellent opportunity to advance your career in early childhood education within a supportive and vibrant setting.

Benefits

Busy Bees Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

But wait, there’s more! You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering a huge array of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcases how we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Key responsibilities and expectations as an apprentice

• Involvement in planning stimulating activities for the children in your care in line with the EYFS
• Assisting in delivering a high level of quality childcare maintaining a professional and positive outcome for both children and staff
• Building effective relationships with children, parents and team members
• Ensuring each child's individual needs are met
• Contributing to the safeguarding of all children
• Actively work towards the apprenticeship standards provided by Busy Bees Education and Training with an expectation of completion within the agreed timeframe
• Be enthusiastic and proactive in developing own skills within the workplace
• Demonstrate commitment to continued professional development
• Communicate with their line Manager regarding the activities and progress within the room

As an Apprentice, you will be working alongside inspiring qualified staff who will support and mentor you whilst completing your apprenticeship. You will attend bespoke Learning & Development courses where you will be provided with underpinning knowledge and skills to support you in everyday practice. A Development Coach will visit you regularly in your nursery, assessing the work you are creating, providing recognition for your progress and vital guidance to support you in the next part of your apprenticeship.

Qualifications

To apply you must be working or caring for children whether voluntary or paid. Having a Level 2 in Early Years, Maths and English grade C / 4 or above or functional skills level 2 is desirable.