Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees In Portishead; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - GBP 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Long Eaton is seeking enthusiastic Early Years Apprentices to support high-quality childcare. You will help plan activities, build supportive relationships with children and parents, and contribute to a positive learning environment. This apprenticeship offers mentoring and training, along with a competitive salary and various benefits, including up to 28 days holiday and a childcare discount. If you are passionate about children and eager to grow your skills in childcare, apply now to start your career journey.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

Up to 28 days holiday including bank holidays

50% childcare discount

Financial guidance

Workplace pension

Qualifications

• Passionate about childcare and motivation to start a career in Early Years.
• Must be a UK resident for at least 3 years to meet funding eligibility.
• Ability to provide evidence of Maths and English achievements.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver exciting activities following the EYFS framework.
• Support the team to provide high-quality childcare.
• Build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Ensure children's individual needs are met.
• Contribute to safeguarding all children.
• Complete apprenticeship in expected timeframe.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Enthusiasm for learning

Strong relationship-building

Education

GCSE Maths and English grade 3/D or above

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?

• 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\u2019t 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 Long Eaton has a capacity of 113 children and is rated "Good" by Ofsted. The nursery provides an ideal environment for your child to receive the best start in life. With a wide range of activities available, there\u2019s never a dull moment at this fantastic nursery. The facility features five bright, warm, and welcoming rooms, each designed to cater to various age groups. The rooms have free-flow access to a spacious and well-resourced garden area that is used year-round, allowing children to explore and play outdoors. Conveniently located within easy driving distance from the M1, Busy Bees Long Eaton has excellent links to Long Eaton train station, which is just a 15-minute walk or a two-minute drive away. Situated near West Park, the nursery is surrounded by pleasant outdoor space, enhancing the overall experience for the children. Free parking is available for staff.

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!