Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Childcare; Harborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group is seeking an Early Years Apprentice in Harborough. This role offers a chance to work with children and receive supportive mentoring while completing your qualification. Responsibilities include planning activities, maintaining relationships with children and staff, and ensuring high-quality childcare standards. Ideal candidates will have or be working towards relevant education qualifications and a passion for childcare.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Ongoing professional development

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Must be working or caring for children whether voluntary or paid.
• Desirable to have a Level 2 qualification in Early Years.
• Commitment to continued professional development.

Responsibilities

• Involve in planning activities for children according to EYFS.
• Assist in delivering quality childcare and maintaining professionalism.
• Build effective relationships with children and parents.

Skills

Childcare skills

Communication skills

Planning activities

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 2 in Early Years

Maths and English grade C / 4 or above or functional skills level 2

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

Busy Bees Market Harborough is rated "Good" by Ofsted and has a capacity of 118 children. Our purpose-built, single-storey nursery features five well-resourced, bright base rooms, each accompanied by its own beautiful, secure garden. This setup provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and learning through play. We are conveniently located on the outskirts of town, serving families in Braybrook, Great Oxendon, and East Farndon. You can find us next to Harborough Leisure Centre and the South Leicestershire Medical Group.

We take pride in our long-standing team, with some staff members dedicating over 10 years to our nursery!

Busy Bees 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)

Plus, access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, offering a wide range of discounts and a Wellbeing Hub supporting physical and mental health, plus a Grow with Us area sharing development opportunities and training to help you thrive at Busy Bees.

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.

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.