Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees In Portishead; Billingham; On-site; GBP 15,000 - GBP 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK seeks enthusiastic Early Years Apprentices to join their team. The role emphasizes hands-on experience in childcare, supporting high-quality learning experiences, and fostering strong relationships with children and parents. Suitable candidates should have a passion for childcare, residency in the UK for three consecutive years, and qualifications in Maths and English. Join us to make a real difference and start your rewarding career in Early Years!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Qualifications

• Passionate about childcare and ready to grow in Early Years.
• At least 3 years residency in the UK required for funding eligibility.
• Should provide evidence of Maths and English achievements.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities using EYFS framework.
• Support the team in providing high-quality childcare.
• Build relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Motivation to learn

Curiosity

Enthusiasm

Education

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

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

Our Ofsted rated Outstanding Wynyard nursery caters to up to 108 children, offering a stimulating environment designed to foster early development and prepare children for primary school through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. The nursery boasts modern, airy rooms filled with toys, games, and activity areas, along with spacious outdoor areas where children can safely explore under supervision. The nursery's location within a business park also aligns it closely with local businesses and professionals, allowing it to cater to commuting families and contributing to the broader community. Busy Bees at Wynyard, also known as Kids 1st Wynyard, is located at 2 Wynyard Avenue, within Wynyard Business Park, Billingham, TS22 5TB. The nursery is easily accessible from nearby areas and is situated in a prime location for families working in or commuting through the business park. It's just off the A689 and about a 10-minute drive from Billingham town centre, making it convenient for drop-offs and pick-up. Complimentary onsite parking provided.

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!