Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Nurseries Ltd.; Southampton; On-site; GBP 8,300 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progressio

Up to 28 days holiday per year (incl.

Childcare discount up to 50%

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries Ltd. is recruiting for an Early Years Apprentice to learn and grow within the UK’s leading nursery group. You will help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities under the EYFS framework and work with a supportive team to deliver high-quality childcare from day one.

You will develop practical skills through the Busy Bees Education and Training apprenticeship, benefiting from mentoring, ongoing development, and a positive workplace culture across nearly 400 nurseries.

Qualifications

• A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification is desirable.
• GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills.
• UK resident for at least 3 consecutive years to meet funding eligibility.

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 the safeguarding of all children.
• Complete 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

Motivation to start a career in Early/

Education

A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification

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

Job description

Desirable Criteria (not essential)

• A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification

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)

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?

• 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

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!
• 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

• 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