Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees In Portishead; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in East Grinstead is seeking Early Years Apprentices to join their team and embark on a rewarding career in childcare. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while contributing positively to children's development. Successful candidates will be supported through training and will receive essential skills necessary for a fulfilling career. If you have a passion for childcare and wish to start your journey, apply now to join us!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

Access to Hive benefits and wellbeing platform

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support

Financial guidance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Passionate about starting a career in Early Years.
• Motivated to complete apprenticeship on time.
• Able to provide evidence of Maths and English achievements.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Support high-quality childcare and learning experiences.
• Build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Understand and meet individual needs of children.
• Contribute to children's safeguarding.
• Work proactively towards completing apprenticeship.

Skills

Passionate about childcare

Ability to build relationships

Commitment to personal development

Education

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

A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification

Job description

Overview

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 East Grinstead, rated Good by Ofsted, has a capacity of 88 children and features a longstanding team dedicated to providing every child with the best start in life. Our manager, who opened the nursery in December 2019, fosters a nurturing and supportive environment. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the train station, which offers direct links to London, and only a short 5-minute walk to the town centre, we are also situated opposite a leisure centre. We provide free parking for staff and offer a four-day working week option, making it an attractive workplace for educators.

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

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!