Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Nurseries; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progress

Birthday off

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Pension

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries in Sunderland Ryhope is offering an Early Years Apprenticeship to start a rewarding career in childcare. You’ll learn on the job, mentored by experienced professionals, with bespoke Learning & Development courses and regular feedback from your Development Coach.

Join a leading nursery group committed to giving every child the best start in life, with a strong local presence in Sunderland and ongoing support for your professional growth.

Qualifications

• Be passionate about childcare and motivated to start a career in Early Years.
• UK resident for at least the 3 consecutive years.
• Provide evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills).

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver 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

Motivated to start a career

Education

GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D 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.

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.

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

Here at Sunderland Ryhope we have a capacity of up to 117, and have an Ofsted rating of Good. We have a very dedicated and longstanding team many of who have been at the nursery for over 10 years. We have an excellent reputation in the local area and lots of returning families and friends. Our team are passionate and pride themselves on giving children the best start in life. We have strong links with local schools and nurseries as well as other professionals to support children with their transitions and learning and development. We are on the local bus route with regular buses from Sunderland City Centre. Nearest bus stop is a 2 minute walk from the nursery. Local shops are a 5-10 min walk. Private and enclosed car park is also available at the nursery.

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)

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
• 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

Essential Criteria

• 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.