Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Childcare; Thorley; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Thorley is seeking an Apprentice to work closely with children under guidance from qualified staff. The role involves planning activities, ensuring quality care, and contributing to child safeguarding. Candidates should have experience caring for children and ideally hold a Level 2 qualification in Early Years. A supportive environment with professional development opportunities is offered, including benefits like a childcare discount and additional leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

50% childcare discount

Your birthday off

Up to 28 days holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Must have experience working or caring for children, either voluntary or paid.
• Desirable to hold Level 2 qualifications in Early Years, Mathematics, and English.

Responsibilities

• Plan stimulating activities in line with EYFS.
• Deliver high-quality childcare ensuring positive outcomes.
• Build effective relationships with children and parents.
• Contribute to the safeguarding of all children.

Skills

Planning activities

Building relationships

Childcare delivery

Safeguarding children

Education

Level 2 in Early Years

Maths and English (grade C/4)

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK. Do you want to become a qualified Early Years Professional? This role is ideal for anyone with a genuine passion for working with children and a desire to learn and progress in their professional development.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. We ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. You’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners. Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.

About Our Nursery

Join our welcoming team at Busy Bees in Bishops Stortford Thorley, an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 55 children. Our longstanding staff create a home-from-home atmosphere with a genuine passion for the care of every child. Located in the Thorley community, we are next to local shops, with a bus stop at the end of the road and a train station about a 40-minute walk away. Staff enjoy benefits including free lunch, parking, and a birthday day off with a positive points rewards system. This is a wonderful opportunity to advance your career in early childhood education in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Hive benefits and wellbeing hub with discounts across retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return-to-work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

You'll also have access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, with a wide range of retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub to support physical and mental health, plus a Grow with Us area for development opportunities.

Key responsibilities and qualifications

• Involvement in planning stimulating activities for the children in line with the EYFS
• Assisting in delivering high-quality childcare with a professional and positive outcome for children and staff
• Building effective relationships with children, parents, and team members
• Ensuring each child’s individual needs are met
• Contributing to the safeguarding of all children
• Working towards the apprenticeship standards provided by Busy Bees Education and Training with a set timeframe for completion
• Being enthusiastic and proactive in developing own skills within the workplace
• Demonstrating commitment to continued professional development
• Communicating with the line Manager about activities and progress in the room

As an Apprentice, you will work alongside qualified staff who will support and mentor you while completing your apprenticeship. You will attend bespoke Learning & Development courses, and a Development Coach will visit you regularly to assess progress and guide you through the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• To apply you must be working or caring for children (voluntary or paid)
• Having a Level 2 in Early Years, Maths and English (grade C/4 or above) or Functional Skills Level 2 is desirable