Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees In Portishead; Swindon; On-site; GBP 16,000 - GBP 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group is seeking passionate individuals to join as Early Years Apprentices. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience in the childcare sector. You will help deliver engaging activities, support children's development, and build relationships with families. The position includes competitive benefits such as ongoing training, up to 28 days holiday, and discounts on childcare. Join us to start your fulfilling career in Early Years!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Passionate about childcare and committed to helping children learn.
• Residency in the UK for at least 3 consecutive years for funding eligibility.
• Evidence of Maths and English achievements required.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver exciting activities based on the EYFS framework.
• Support the team to provide high-quality childcare.
• Build supportive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Contribute to safeguarding all children.
• Complete apprenticeship within the expected timeframe.

Skills

Passionate about childcare

Motivated to start a career in Early Years

Ability to build strong relationships

Curiosity and commitment to development

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

Busy Bees Swindon St Andrews, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 106 children and is located in a growing community near lovely walks and parks. Our nursery provides convenient access to main routes such as the A419 and M4, along with good transport links. Each age group has its own designated garden space, and our inviting rooms create a warm atmosphere for children. We also have a parent room on-site, allowing families to share important information with us. The nursery is surrounded by several nearby parks, a care home, local amenities, and schools, enhancing our connection to the community. We offer free parking for staff, ensuring easy access during drop-offs and collections.

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!