Early Years Educator Review
at Busy Bees Childcare
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Teaching
Belper
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
In my role as an Early Years Educator, I support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing by creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment each day. I plan and deliver activities linked to the EYFS, carry out observations to inform next steps, and build positive relationships that help children feel secure and confident. My daily responsibilities include supporting routines such as meals, toileting, hygiene, and transitions, promoting independence, maintaining safeguarding and health‑and‑safety standards, and working closely with colleagues and parents to ensure consistent, high‑quality care and education.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my programme because it allows me to learn through hands‑on experience while building my confidence and skills in a real early years setting. I like being able to apply what I learn straight away and see the impact it has on the children I work with. The mix of practical work, professional development, and gaining a qualification at the same time keeps me motivated, and I feel that the programme is helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, I’ve learnt a range of new skills and developed many existing ones throughout my programme. I’ve strengthened my understanding of the EYFS and how to apply it in practice, and I’ve become more confident in planning activities, carrying out observations, and supporting children’s next steps. I’ve also developed my communication skills when working with children, parents, and colleagues, as well as improving my ability to manage routines, behaviour, and safeguarding responsibilities. Overall, I feel I’ve grown both professionally and personally through hands‑on experience and ongoing learning
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I feel that my programme is generally well organised and structured, with a clear balance between practical experience in the setting and the learning I complete alongside it. The expectations are usually clear, and the content builds on my skills in a logical way that supports my development. Having set tasks, deadlines, and regular check‑ins helps me stay on track, and I can see how each part of the programme links to my role and progression. Overall, the structure has supported my confidence and growth throughout the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I feel that I receive good support from my employer, and this helps me carry out my role confidently. My colleagues are approachable, and I know I can ask for guidance when I need it. The support within the team helps create a positive working environment, and I feel reassured knowing there is always someone I can turn to if I need help or clarification
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive an outstanding level of support from my training provider. They are always encouraging, approachable, and genuinely committed to helping me succeed. Their guidance and feedback are clear and motivating, and I honestly wouldn’t have gotten this far without their support. They’ve made a huge difference to my confidence and progress throughout the programme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that my qualification really helps me perform better in my role because it gives me the knowledge and understanding behind what I do every day. The training helps me link my practice to the EYFS, understand child development in more depth, and feel more confident when planning activities, carrying out observations, and supporting children’s next steps. It also helps me understand why certain approaches are important, which makes me more reflective and effective in my work. Overall, the qualification strengthens my confidence and improves the quality of care and education I provide.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There aren’t any specific extra‑curricular activities or organised social events at my workplace, but the team works well together day to day. Most of the focus is on the job itself, and any social interaction tends to happen naturally through working as part of the team
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Busy Bees Childcare to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend Busy Bees Childcare to a friend, as it offers valuable experience in an early years setting and clear routines that support children’s development. Although staffing levels can vary at times, the environment still provides opportunities to build practical skills and gain confidence working with children. It’s a place where someone can learn a lot about the role and develop professionally.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Busy Bees Childcare?
If someone was applying to Busy Bees Childcare, I’d advise them to come in with an open mind and be ready to learn on the job. It’s a fast‑paced environment, so being organised and confident with routines really helps. Building good relationships with the team makes a big difference, and being proactive — asking questions, getting involved, and showing willingness — will help them settle in more quickly. It’s also useful to familiarise themselves with the EYFS, as it supports a lot of the day‑to‑day practice.
