Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees In Portishead; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - GBP 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Bury St Edmunds is seeking passionate individuals to join as Early Years Apprentices. This role offers the chance to learn and grow in a supportive environment while working with experienced professionals. Responsibilities include planning activities and ensuring quality childcare. Applicants must have a passion for childcare and meet Maths and English requirements. Enjoy competitive salary, training, and an array of additional benefits including a birthday off and childcare discounts.

Benefits

Competitive salary

28 days holiday including bank holidays

50% childcare discount

Access to wellbeing platform

Workplace pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Must have been a resident in the UK for at least 3 consecutive years.
• Experience in childcare is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Support the team in providing high-quality childcare.
• Build strong relationships with children and parents.
• Contribute to safeguarding all children.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Motivation to develop skills

Ability to build relationships

Education

Evidence of Maths and English achievements (GCSE or 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

Join our passionate team at Busy Bees in Bury St Edmunds, an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 96 children. Our longstanding staff is dedicated to providing every child with the best start in life, working closely together to create a nurturing environment. Conveniently located near the town centre with easy bus access, we offer free on‑site parking. Nestled in a quiet area at the back of the hospital, our nursery provides a peaceful setting for children to thrive. Staff enjoy free lunch and have flexible hours, making this an excellent opportunity to advance your career in early childhood education while being part of a supportive team.

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!