Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Nurseries; Welwyn; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Your birthday off

Enhanced family leave

Workplace pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries is seeking passionate Early Years Apprentices in Welwyn, England. Join a leading nursery group and receive dedicated support while gaining hands-on experience in childcare. The role includes planning and delivering activities and building relationships with children and parents. Suitable candidates must show motivation and provide evidence of their Maths/English qualifications. Enjoy competitive salary, ongoing training, and additional benefits like birthday off and childcare discounts.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver exciting activities following the EYFS framework.
• Build supportive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Contribute to the safeguarding of all children.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Motivation to start a career in Early Years

Education

Evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE grade 3/D or above)

Job description

Join Our Busy Bees Family – Start Your Career in Early Years Today!

Apply today to join us on our June, September or October learning cohorts.

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 Busy Bees at our Mardley Hill nursery, a Triple Outstanding rated centre with a capacity for 54 children. Our longstanding team of 17 dedicated staff members creates a warm and inviting home‑from‑home environment for our children. We maintain strong links with local schools, ensuring smooth transitions for our children as they grow. Conveniently located just a two‑minute walk from the bus stop, we benefit from excellent public transport links, with two nearby train stations providing easy commutes to London. We offer free lunches for our staff and families, along with free parking on site. Enjoy additional perks, including a birthday off and discounts for staff children attending our centre. Come be a part of a passionate team committed to giving children the best start in life!

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

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. Apply now and begin your Busy Bees journey!

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.