Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees In Portishead; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking enthusiastic individuals for Early Years Apprenticeships. This role offers a dynamic start in childcare, providing opportunities for personal growth and development. Apprentices will work under experienced professionals to support high-quality childcare and educational activities. Successful candidates will be passionate about working with children and must meet specific eligibility criteria in Maths and English. Benefits include competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and career progression

Access to wellbeing platform

Up to 28 days holiday

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Workplace pension

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Must have been a resident in the UK for at least three consecutive years.
• Be passionate about starting a career in Early Years.

Responsibilities

• Help plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
• Support high-quality childcare and positive learning experiences.
• Build strong relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Ensure children’s individual needs are met.
• Contribute to the safeguarding of all children.

Skills

Passionate about childcare

Ability to build supportive relationships

Enthusiastic and committed to 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

Join Our Busy Bees Family – Start Your Career in Early Years Today!

Are you passionate about working with children and 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

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 Stockton Bowesfield nursery has an Ofsted rating of Good, and has a capacity of 108. Our passionate team of staff strive in giving all the children the best start in life. We have strong links to charities in the area to support those in need. Located in a busy industrial area our purpose built building is in the suburbs of Stockton-on-Tees. We're on Cygnet Drive, which is a short distance from the both the A66, A19, Stockton Town and Bowesfield Marsh and have a free onsite car park.

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 yearsBe 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!