Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees; Preston; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Training & career progression

Up to 28 days holiday including bank

Job summary

Busy Bees, the UK's leading nursery group, invites enthusiastic individuals to start an Early Years Apprenticeship. If you’re passionate about childcare and eager to learn, this role offers on-the-job training, mentoring, and real responsibility from day one.

You'll plan age-appropriate activities within the EYFS framework, support a caring team, build strong relationships with children and parents, and complete the apprenticeship with dedicated coaching from Busy Bees Education and Training.

Qualifications

• Must be passionate about childcare and start a career in Early Years.
• UK resident for at least 3 consecutive years to meet funding eligibility.
• Evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills).
• Desirable: A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification.

Responsibilities

• 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 safeguarding of all children.
• Work toward completing your apprenticeship provided by Busy Bees Education and Training within the expected timeframe.
• Show enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to your own development.

Skills

Passion for childcare

UK residency eligibility 3 years

Communication

Education

GCSE English and Maths (4-9 or A*-C) or Level 2 Functional Skills

A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification (Desirable)

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.

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

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!
• Up to 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

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

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.