Apprentice Educator

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

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK seeks enthusiastic individuals to join as Early Years Apprentices. Candidates will work closely with experienced professionals to gain the necessary skills and confidence for a rewarding career in childcare. Responsibilities include planning activities and supporting children's learning while ensuring a nurturing environment. The role features a strong commitment to ongoing training and a supportive workplace culture, along with competitive benefits such as up to 28 days of holiday, childcare discounts, and a structured career development program.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

Childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday

Your birthday off

Financial guidance

Cycle to Work scheme

Workplace pension

Qualifications

• To apply, you must have been a UK resident for 3 consecutive years.
• A Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification is desirable but not essential.
• Passionate about starting a career in childcare.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Support the team to provide high-quality childcare.
• Build supportive relationships with children and families.
• Ensure individual needs of children are met.

Skills

Passion for childcare

Enthusiasm

Curiosity

Commitment to development

Education

Evidence of GCSE Maths and English (grade 3/D or above)

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

Our beautiful Darlington nursery has an Ofsted rating of Good, and has a capacity of 88. We have a longstanding and dedicated team that has the children at the centre of everything that we do. We are a purpose build with large gardens for children to explore and play. Located in the Cockerton Area of Town, close to the A1.

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!