Apprentice Educator

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

Job summary

A prominent nursery group in the UK seeks an enthusiastic apprentice in Early Years to deliver high-quality childcare and plan engaging activities. This role is perfect for those passionate about working with children and eager to grow professionally. You'll work alongside qualified staff, receive extensive support, and have opportunities for career progression along with competitive benefits like 28 days of holiday, childcare discounts, and wellbeing programs. Join us in creating a nurturing environment for young learners.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Level 2 in Early Years, Maths, and English grade C / 4 or above or functional skills level 2 is desirable.
• Experience in working or caring for children is necessary.
• Enthusiastic and proactive in developing skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan stimulating activities for children in accordance with the EYFS.
• Deliver quality childcare while maintaining a positive environment.
• Build effective relationships with children, parents, and team members.
• Ensure that each child's individual needs are met.
• Contribute to the safeguarding of all children.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Ability to plan activities

Effective communication

Commitment to professional development

Education

Level 2 in Early Years, Maths and English grade C / 4 or above

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Do you want to become a qualified Early Years Professional? Are you serious about a career in the Early Years sector? This role is ideal for anyone who has a genuine passion for working with children and is keen to learn and progress in their own professional development.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About our Nursery

Join our enthusiastic team at Busy Bees in Ipswich Rushmere, an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 112 children. Our facility features 10 wonderful rooms, six of which open up to a spacious outdoor area, promoting a seamless indoor‑outdoor experience. We make regular use of nearby heathland and woodland areas, and our nursery enjoys monthly visits from a library bus to foster a love of reading. Conveniently located close to the A12 and A14, with two local bus routes connecting to the town centre, we offer free lunch and parking for our staff. Additionally, there is an option to work a flexible four‑day week, with local shops nearby, making this a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in early childhood education within a supportive and vibrant community.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

But wait, there’s more! You’ll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering huge array of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Ready to embark on your catering journey? Apply now and be a part of our extraordinary team!

Key responsibilities and expectations as an apprentice:

• Involvement in planning stimulating activities for the children in your care in line with the EYFS
• Assisting in delivering a high level of quality childcare maintaining a professional and positive outcome for both children and staff
• Building effective relationships with children, parents and team members
• Ensuring each child's individual needs are met
• Contributing to the safeguarding of all children
• Actively work towards the apprenticeship standards provided by Busy Bees Education and Training with an expectation of completion within the agreed timeframe
• Be enthusiastic and proactive in developing own skills within the workplace
• Demonstrate commitment to continued professional development
• Communicate with their line Manager regarding the activities and progress within the room

As an Apprentice, you will be working alongside inspiring qualified staff who will support and mentor you whilst completing your apprenticeship. You will attend bespoke Learning & Development courses where you will be provided with underpinning knowledge and skills to support you in everyday practice. A Development Coach will visit you regularly in your nursery, assessing the work you are creating, providing recognition for your progress and vital guidance to support you in the next part of your apprenticeship.

To apply you must be working or caring for children whether voluntary or paid. Having a Level 2 in Early Years, Maths and English grade C / 4 or above or functional skills level 2 is desirable.