Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Childcare; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group is seeking an Early Years Apprentice in Long Eaton, UK. This role offers a rewarding start in childcare where you will work with experienced professionals while gaining essential skills and qualifications. Responsibilities include planning activities, providing high-quality childcare, and building supportive relationships. Ideal candidates should be passionate about childcare and meet educational requirements. Benefits include a competitive salary, ongoing training, staff discounts, and generous holiday provisions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

50% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Be resident in the UK for at least the last 3 consecutive years.
• A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Support high-quality childcare and learning experiences.
• Build relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Contribute to the safeguarding of all children.
• Complete your apprenticeship within the expected timeframe.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Motivated to start a career in Early Years

Ability to build strong relationships

Education

Evidence of GCSE Maths and English (grade 3/D or Level 2 Functional Skills)

Job description

Role Overview

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.

• 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 Long Eaton has a capacity of 113 children and is rated "Good" by Ofsted. The nursery provides an ideal environment for your child to receive the best start in life. With a wide range of activities available, there's never a dull moment at this fantastic nursery. The facility features five bright, warm, and welcoming rooms, each designed to cater to various age groups. The rooms have free‑flow access to a spacious and well‑resourced garden area that is used year‑round, allowing children to explore and play outdoors.

Conveniently located within easy driving distance from the M1, Busy Bees Long Eaton has excellent links to Long Eaton train station, which is just a 15‑minute walk or a two‑minute drive away. Situated near West Park, the nursery is surrounded by pleasant outdoor space, enhancing the overall experience for the children. Free parking is available for staff.

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)

Role Responsibilities

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
• Show an enthusiastic, proactive, and open approach to learning new skills every day
• Provide your line Manager with regular information about the activities and progress within the room

Required Qualifications

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. Apply now and begin your Busy Bees journey!