Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Nurseries; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progress

Bee Curious curriculum access

Birthday off

25% childcare discount

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Busy Bees Derby Heatherton is inviting applicants to start an Early Years Apprenticeship. You will learn through hands-on practice, guided by experienced professionals, while completing a structured training programme with Busy Bees Education and Training.

Based at the Derby Heatherton nursery, the role focuses on delivering engaging activities, building relationships with children and families, and developing skills for a long-term career in childcare.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills).
• Desirable: A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver activities following the EYFS framework.
• Support the team to provide high-quality childcare and positive learning experiences.
• Build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Ensure children’s individual needs are understood and met.
• Contribute to safeguarding of all children.
• Complete apprenticeship through Busy Bees Education and Training within the expected timeframe.
• Show enthusiasm and commitment to your development.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning new skills.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Motivated to start Early Years career

Education

GCSE Maths & English (3/D or above)

Level 2 Functional Skills

A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner (Desirable)

Job description

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 Heatherton, rated "Good" by Ofsted, features spacious and open‑plan rooms ideal for early years development, complemented by free‑flow access to outdoor play areas and an exciting discovery garden. With a capacity of 107 children, our nursery offers a stimulating environment for your little one. Located on Hollybrook Way in Heatherton, we are just a 15‑minute drive from Derby City Centre. The A38 is a mere 2‑minute drive away, making our nursery ideal for commuters. For those using public transport, the nearest bus stop is a short walk from the nursery at Nuffield Hospital, serving routes 234 and V3. Free parking is available for staff. At Busy Bees Derby Heatherton, your child will have heaps of fun participating in weekly Spanish lessons, bi‑weekly football sessions, and termly exotic animal classes! Our dedicated team includes a long‑standing member who has been with us since 1999, along with a Level 6 SENCO and a qualified teacher to support every child's development.

Busy Bees Benefits

• 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!
• 25% 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)

Your Responsibilities And Expectations

• 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

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.