Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Childcare; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking an Apprentice in Early Years to join their outstanding team at a nursery in Chelmsford. You will plan activities, ensure quality childcare, and support children's development. A passion for working with children and the desire to learn are essential. The position offers a supportive environment with great benefits, ongoing professional development, and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Working or caring for children (voluntary or paid) is essential.
• Desirable to have a Level 2 in Early Years, Math and English grade C / 4 or above.

Responsibilities

• Plan stimulating activities for children in accordance with EYFS.
• Deliver high-quality childcare maintaining professionalism.
• Build effective relationships with children, parents, and team members.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Level 2 in Early Years, Math 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.

About Us

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.

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 outstanding team at Busy Bees in Chelmsford Springfield, an Ofsted-rated Outstanding nursery with a capacity of 154 children. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive environment that values collaboration and growth among our staff. Our nursery is easily accessible, with a bus service linking the city center just a two-minute walk from the nearest stop, and a 15-minute walk from Chelmsford city center. Located on a main road, we offer ample free parking on-site for our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in early childhood education within a nurturing and vibrant community.

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)

Additionally, there is access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, offering a wide range of retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub with resources to support physical and mental health, along with a Celebrate You section recognising and rewarding our team, and a Grow with Us area with development opportunities and training.

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 and how to apply

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.