Job Description
Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK
Are you passionate about cooking and providing nutritious meals for young children? As a Chef at Busy Bees, you’ll be a key part of our kitchen team, preparing healthy meals that support children's growth and development. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing environment where you will contribute to the wellbeing of children while gaining valuable experience in catering within the early years sector.
About UsBusy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.
Why Work at Busy Bees?We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.
Our Charitable CommitmentThrough our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.
Busy Bees Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Ongoing professional development and career progression
* Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
* Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
* Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
* 25% childcare discount
* Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
* Menopause support through Peppy
* Financial support through Salary Finance
* Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
* Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
But wait, there’s more! You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering huge array huge of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.
About Our Nursery
North Shields Rake Lane is an OFTSED rated Good Nursery located within close proximity of Rake Lane Hospital. The 112 place nursery has 8 spacious base rooms with free flow gardens to support children's learning and development both indoors and outdoor. Opened in 2004 as a purpose built setting- our experienced team are passionate about giving each child the best start in life.
We are located in a prime location with onsite parking and excellent transport links with the Bus and nearby metro stations.
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 1 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!