Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Nurseries; Harrow; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

50% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Employee Assistance Programme & Mental Health First Aiders

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries is seeking enthusiastic individuals for the Early Years Apprentice position. This role allows you to work closely with experienced professionals while receiving support and mentoring. As part of a leading nursery group, you'll contribute to delivering high-quality childcare. Essential criteria include a passion for childcare, evidence of Maths and English, and UK residency for the past three years. Competitive benefits include ongoing training, 50% childcare discount, and up to 28 days holiday. Apply now to start your career in Early Years!

Qualifications

• Passionate about working with children and starting a career in Early Years.
• Evidence of Maths and English achievements required.
• Must have been a UK resident for at least 3 consecutive years.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Support the team to provide high-quality childcare.
• Build strong relationships with children and parents.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Motivation to start a career in Early Years

Ability to build supportive relationships

Commitment to personal development

Education

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

A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification

Job description

Join Our Busy Bees Family – Start Your Career in Early Years Today!

Apply today to join us on our June, September or October learning cohorts.

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.

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 Harrow, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 56 children and offers quality early years education from babies to preschoolers. Each child is guided and supported by our caring team, ensuring they receive the best start to their education through a wide range of exciting activities and fantastic learning opportunities. Our North West London nursery is conveniently located on Francis Road, just a five‑minute drive from St Ann’s Shopping Centre, with excellent transport links connecting to the Metropolitan Line, Bakerloo Line, and Overground. The nearest station, Kenton, is just a five‑minute walk away. We provide complimentary lunches for our children and feature a spacious indoor area along with a large outdoor garden, where children are encouraged to be independent, curious, and take safe risks throughout their learning journey.

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!
• 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

• 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

Essential Criteria

• 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!

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.