Apprentice Educator

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

Job summary

A leading nursery group is seeking enthusiastic individuals for the Early Years Apprentice role in the East Midlands. This position provides a chance to learn from experienced professionals while making a difference in children's lives. Responsibilities include planning activities and ensuring high-quality childcare. The company offers competitive salary, ongoing training, and an array of benefits, making it a perfect place to start your career in childcare.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

Access to wellbeing platform with discounts

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Must be a UK resident for at least 3 consecutive years.
• Show commitment to personal development.
• Hold a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Support high-quality childcare and positive learning experiences.
• Build supportive relationships with children and parents.
• Contribute to safeguarding all children.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Ability to build relationships

Enthusiasm for learning

Education

GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills

Job description

Role Overview

Join Our Busy Bees Family – Start Your Career in Early Years Today! Are you passionate about working with children and ready to begin a rewarding career in the Early Years sector? At Busy Bees, the UK’s leading nursery group, we’re looking for enthusiastic, caring individuals to join us as Early Years Apprentices. Whether you’re taking your first step into childcare or looking to grow your skills, this is your chance to learn, develop, and make a real difference every day.

Why Choose a Busy Bees Apprenticeship?

As an Apprentice, you will:

• Work alongside experienced, inspiring Early Years professionals
• Receive dedicated support and mentoring throughout your qualification
• Take part in bespoke Learning & Development courses
• Be regularly visited by your Development Coach for feedback and guidance
• Gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed for a long-term career in childcare

Our apprentices are valued members of the team – you won’t just be watching; you will be learning, contributing, and growing from day one!

Why Busy Bees?

At Busy Bees, we’re proud to be the UK’s leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries nationwide and more around the world. Our mission is simple: to give every child the very best start in life. We’ve also been recognised for our positive workplace culture, and we’re committed to making sure every team member feels valued, supported, and listened to.

You’ll also experience:

• Our award‑winning Bee Curious curriculum designed to spark imagination, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.
• A workplace culture where every team member feels valued and supported.
• Opportunities to get involved in our charity partnership with BBC Children in Need.

About our Nursery

Busy Bees Derby Silvertrees, rated "Good" by Ofsted, has a capacity of 64 children. Our bright and airy rooms inspire and engage children with a wide range of fun‒filled activities and learning resources tailored to their needs and interests. From cozy reading corners to creative play areas, we spark each child’s curiosity and imagination.

Outdoor excitement continues in our large garden, which features a wooden adventure play area where children can explore and play safely under supervision. Our sheltered area encourages outdoor learning and hands‑on experiences with nature, enhancing their connection to the environment.

Conveniently located in the heart of Derby on Ashbourne Road, Busy Bees Derby Silvertrees is just a 5‒minute drive from the City Centre. For families commuting, the A38 is a mere 3‒minute drive away. If you’re arriving via public transport, there is a bus stop just outside the nursery on Merchant Street, serving routes SW, U2 unibus, and X52. Free parking is available for staff.

Busy Bees Benefits

We offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing training and career progression
• Access to our Hive benefits and wellbeing platform with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return‑to‑work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial guidance through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme & Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Workplace pension with Cushon
• Option for discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Role Responsibilities

Your responsibilities and expectations As an apprentice, you will:

• Help plan and deliver exciting, age‑appropriate activities following the EYFS framework
• Support the team to provide high‑quality childcare and positive learning experiences for all children
• Build strong, supportive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
• Ensure children’s individual needs are understood and met
• Contribute to the safeguarding of all children
• Work proactively toward completing your apprenticeship provided by Busy Bees Education and Training within the expected timeframe
• Show enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to your own development
• Show an enthusiastic, proactive, and open approach to learning new skills every day
• Provide your line Manager with regular information about the activities and progress within the room

Required Qualifications

Essential Criteria To apply, you must:

• Be passionate about childcare and motivated to start a career in Early Years
• To meet funding eligibility, you must have been a resident in the UK for at least the 3 consecutive years
• Be able to provide evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills)

Desirable Criteria (not essential):

• A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification

Start your future in Early Years with a team that truly believes in you. Apply now and begin your Busy Bees journey!