Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees In Portishead; Leicester; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progress

Birthday off — your special day off

28 days holiday including bank holiday

Job summary

Busy Bees Leicester Oadby is inviting applications for an Early Years Apprenticeship. Join a leading UK nursery group and learn under experienced Early Years professionals while contributing to daily activities and the wellbeing of children.

As an apprentice, you will receive dedicated mentoring, participate in tailored Learning & Development courses, and gain hands-on experience with the EYFS framework, under the guidance of a Development Coach. UK residency requirements apply.

Qualifications

• As a candidate you must be passionate about childcare and eager to start a career in Early Years.
• You must have resided in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years to meet funding eligibility.
• Evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE or equivalent) is required.

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 relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Ensure children's individual needs are understood and met.
• Contribute to safeguarding of all children.
• Work toward completing your apprenticeship within the expected timeframe.

Education

GCSE Maths & English (3/D or higher) or Level 2 Functional Skills

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.

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 Leicester Oadby is rated "Good" by Ofsted and has a capacity of 52 children. Opened in 2000, our purpose‑built nursery is designed on one level, creating a welcoming, friendly, and happy environment for children. The facility features three spacious rooms, providing ample space for play and learning. Free parking is available for staff.

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
• 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

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