Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Nurseries; Tetford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progressio

28 days holiday per year

Birthday off

25% childcare discount

Workplace pension

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries in Thetford is inviting applications for an Early Years Apprenticeship. Join a leading UK nursery group and start a rewarding career in childcare with hands-on learning, mentoring, and structured development.

You will be supported by a Development Coach, follow the EYFS framework, and progress through a Busy Bees Education and Training apprenticeship. Flexible patterns and long-term opportunities are available within Busy Bees.

Qualifications

• Residency in the UK for at least 3 consecutive years (funding eligibility).
• Evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above or Level 2 Functional Skills).
• Desirable: Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification.

Responsibilities

• Help 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 safeguarding of all children.
• Complete apprenticeship provided by Busy Bees Education and Training within the expected timeframe.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to personal development.

Education

GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or Level 2 Functional Skills

A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification

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.

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

Join our dedicated team at Busy Bees in Thetford, an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 72 children. Our longstanding staff is committed to providing exceptional care in a nurturing environment that features a spacious outdoor area and a Nature Garden for exploration. The nursery benefits from various transport links and local amenities, making it easily accessible. Staff enjoy free lunch and parking, as well as a generous one-hour lunch break. We are open to discussing flexible working patterns to accommodate your needs. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your career in a supportive and engaging setting focused on children's development.

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!
• 25% 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 dayProvide 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.