Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees In Portishead; Greater London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progressio

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

50% childcare discount

Job summary

Busy Bees Greenwich is offering an Early Years Apprenticeship for those passionate about childcare. You will learn from experienced Early Years professionals, help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities, and contribute to high-quality childcare for every child under EYFS.

You will receive mentoring, access to bespoke Learning & Development courses, and ongoing support from a development coach as you progress toward a recognised qualification and a long‑term career with Busy Bees.

Qualifications

• Must have a passion for childcare and be motivated to start a career in Early Years.
• Meet UK residency funding eligibility (3 consecutive years).
• Evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE 3/D or Level 2 Functional Skills).

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities following the EYFS framework.
• Support the team to provide high-quality childcare and positive learning experiences.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Ensure children’s individual needs are understood and met.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Motivated to start a career in Early Y

Education

GCSE Maths and English (3/D or above) or 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 Greenwich, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 51 children and provides a welcoming environment for children aged from birth to five years old. Our nursery offers fun-filled activities and fantastic learning resources, ensuring that your child thrives during their time with us. The dedicated team works hard to keep each child engaged and busy throughout the day, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and independence as they explore their interests. Conveniently located near Woolwich ferry and the riverfront, we are less than five minutes from Woolwich Dockyard station and close to bus stops for North Greenwich station and Woolwich Arsenal. We offer complimentary lunches for our children and free parking for staff. Whether your child enjoys building, drawing, or letting their imagination run wild with role play, we have something for everyone to explore and enjoy in each of our nursery rooms.

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)

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

  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.