Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Childcare; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is looking for an Apprentice to support children's education at their Gateshead location. You will be mentored by qualified staff, participate in bespoke Learning & Development courses, and gain essential skills for the Early Years sector. Enjoy benefits like a competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and access to a range of employee support resources including a wellbeing hub.

Benefits

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Financial support through Salary Finance

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Working or caring for children, either voluntarily or paid is a must.
• Desirable knowledge of Early Years framework.

Responsibilities

• Planning activities for children in line with EYFS.
• Delivering high-quality childcare.
• Building relationships with children and parents.
• Ensuring children's individual needs are met.
• Contributing to the safeguarding of all children.
• Developing own skills proactively.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Effective communication

Professional development commitment

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? We are looking for individuals with a genuine passion for working with children and who are 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. We aim to ensure every team member 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. You’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners. Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives. Our Gateshead QE nursery has an Ofsted rating of Good, with a capacity of 108, and is supported by convenient transport links and onsite parking.

Apprenticeship overview

As an Apprentice, you will be supported by inspiring qualified staff who will mentor you while you complete your apprenticeship. You will attend bespoke Learning & Development courses, gaining underpinning knowledge and skills to support you in everyday practice. A Development Coach will visit you regularly to assess your progress and provide guidance for the next steps in your apprenticeship.

Key responsibilities and expectations

• Involvement in planning stimulating activities for the children in line with the EYFS
• Assisting in delivering high-quality childcare and 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
• Working towards the apprenticeship standards provided by Busy Bees Education and Training with an expectation of completion within the agreed timeframe
• Being enthusiastic and proactive in developing own skills within the workplace
• Demonstrating commitment to continued professional development
• Communicating with their line Manager regarding activities and progress within the room

Qualifications and requirements

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.

Benefits and location

Competitive salary, ongoing professional development and career progression, access to the Hive benefits and wellbeing hub, up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays), your birthday off, 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, pension access through Cushon, and discounted Private Medical Insurance. Additional wellbeing resources and development opportunities are available through Busy Bees’ Benefits and Wellbeing platform.