Busy Bees

Apprentice Educator at Busy Bees in Derby DE23 3TZ

Entry LevelOn-siteFull-timeDerby DE23 3TZ

Job Description

Role Overview:

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

Apply today to join us on our September or October learning cohorts.

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 Derby Heatherton, rated "Good" by Ofsted, features spacious and open-plan rooms ideal for early years development, complemented by free-flow access to outdoor play areas and an exciting discovery garden. With a capacity of 107 children, our nursery offers a stimulating environment for your little one.Located on Hollybrook Way in Heatherton, we are just a 15-minute drive from Derby City Centre. The A38 is a mere 2-minute drive away, making our nursery ideal for commuters. For those using public transport, the nearest bus stop is a short walk from the nursery at Nuffield Hospital, serving routes 234 and V3. Free parking is available for staff.At Busy Bees Derby Heatherton, your child will have heaps of fun participating in weekly Spanish lessons, bi-weekly football sessions, and termly exotic animal classes! Our dedicated team includes a long-standing member who has been with us since 1999, along with a Level 6 SENCO and a qualified teacher to support every child's development.

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)

Role Responsibilities:

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

Required Qualifications:

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!