Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees Nurseries Ltd; Andover; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking enthusiastic individuals for Early Years Apprenticeships in Andover. This role offers hands-on experience working with children aged 3 months to 5 years in a nurturing environment. Apprentices will receive dedicated mentorship, develop their skills, and contribute to positive learning experiences. Candidates should have a passion for childcare and evidence of Maths and English achievements. This is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

Access to wellbeing platform

Up to 28 days holiday

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Mental health support

Workplace pension

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Passionate about childcare and motivated to start a career in Early Years.
• Evidence of Mathematics and English achievements required.
• Experience working with children is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Support high-quality childcare and positive learning experiences.
• Build supportive relationships with children and parents.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Ability to build relationships

Enthusiasm for learning

Education

Maths and English (GCSE grade 3 or above)

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

Busy Bees Andover Picket Twenty, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 72 children and is designed with four bright, unique rooms that cater to the diverse needs of our little ones. We provide a range of resources and activities to pique children's curiosity and interests, caring for ages from 3 months to 5 years, making us an excellent choice for babies up to children preparing for school. Our nursery is located within a new housing development in Picket Twenty, Andover, with strong links to the local community, including visits from the local fire department and police department. Conveniently situated with excellent access to the A303 and A34, we are just a stone's throw away from Pilgrims Cross Primary School, reinforcing our commitment to community engagement. We also offer free parking for staff, ensuring easy access during drop-offs and collections.

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!
• 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

As an apprentice, you will:

• 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

To apply, you must:

• 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!