Apprentice Educator

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

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a passionate Early Years Professional to join their team in Thorley. You will plan stimulating activities and deliver high-quality childcare while receiving ongoing professional development and support. This role is perfect for someone committed to nurturing children and growing in their career. Enjoy competitive benefits including childcare discounts and a positive work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 28 days holiday

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Must have a genuine passion for working with children.
• Desirable to have Level 2 in Early Years, Maths and English grade C / 4 or above.
• Willingness to learn and develop skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan stimulating activities for children in accordance with EYFS.
• Deliver high-quality childcare maintaining professionalism.
• Safeguard all children and meet individual needs.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Ability to build effective relationships

Commitment to professional development

Education

Level 2 in Early Years

Maths and English grade C / 4 or above

Job description

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

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK’s leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the country 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. At Busy Bees, 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. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic 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 creates a home‑from‑home atmosphere, demonstrating a genuine passion for their work and the care of every child. Conveniently 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 just a 40‑minute walk into town.

Staff enjoy free lunch and parking, as well as a day off for birthdays and a positive points rewards system.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Birthday off
• 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 your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

But wait, there’s more! You will also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A ‘Celebrating You’ section showcases the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members, and a dedicated ‘Grow with Us’ area shares the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations as an Apprentice

• Involvement in planning stimulating activities for the children in your care in line with the EYFS
• Assisting in delivering a high level of quality childcare, maintaining a professional and positive outcome for both 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
• Actively working towards the apprenticeship standards provided by Busy Bees Education and Training with an expectation of completion within the agreed timeframe
• Being enthusiastic and proactive in developing own skills within the workplace
• Demonstrating commitment to continued professional development
• Communicating with the line manager regarding activities and progress within the room

As an apprentice, you will work alongside inspiring qualified staff who will support and mentor you while completing your apprenticeship. You will attend bespoke Learning & Development courses that provide underpinning knowledge and skills to support you in everyday practice. A Development Coach will visit you regularly in your nursery, assessing the work you are creating, providing recognition for your progress and vital guidance to support you in the next part of your apprenticeship.

How to Apply

To apply you must be working or caring for children, whether 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.

Ready to embark on your catering journey? Apply now and be a part of our extraordinary team!