Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Childcare; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Leeds is seeking an Apprentice. In this role, you will plan stimulating activities, assist with high-quality childcare, and build relationships with children and parents. Strong communication skills and a commitment to professional development are essential. Candidates are encouraged to apply if they have a Level 2 in Early Years and qualifications in Maths and English. This position offers a supportive environment and various benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Must be working or caring for children, either voluntarily or paid.
• Level 2 in Early Years, and grades C/4 or above in Maths and English are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan stimulating activities based on the EYFS.
• Assist in delivering high-quality childcare.
• Build effective relationships with children and parents.
• Ensure each child's individual needs are met.
• Contribute to child safeguarding.

Skills

Communication skills

Planning activities

Relationship building

Enthusiasm

Proactivity

Education

Level 2 in Early Years

Maths and English grade C/4 or above

Job description

About Busy Bees

Busy Bees is the UK’s leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and 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.

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 Pudsey

Busy Bees Pudsey Littlemoor Road nursery, rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, has a capacity for 92 children and provides a warm and welcoming environment. Inside, you’ll discover bright, airy rooms designed for comfort and creativity, complemented by a safe and secure outdoor area where children can enjoy the fresh air.

Conveniently located just a 5‑minute drive from the centre of Pudsey, our nursery is easily accessible. For those using public transport, a bus stop is situated right outside on Littlemoor Road, served by bus routes 4F and 14. Additionally, free parking is available for those arriving by car.

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)
• Access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive – offering huge array of retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health.
• A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members.
• Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations – 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.

Application 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.