Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Bedford is seeking an Assistant Centre Director to support daily operations and maintain educational standards. The successful candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in early years education and previous leadership experience, ideally as an Assistant or Deputy Manager. Key responsibilities include curriculum development, staff mentoring, and regulatory compliance. Enjoy a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and numerous benefits, including 50% childcare discount and up to 28 days holiday. Join us to make a positive impact in early childhood education!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

50% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Approved Level 3 qualification or above in early years education is mandatory.
• Experience in an early years setting, with leadership experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy.
• Track record of ensuring educational excellence and delivering a high-quality curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in maintaining educational standards.
• Develop and deliver an engaging curriculum for children.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain safety standards.
• Lead and mentor staff, fostering a motivated team.
• Enhance customer satisfaction through exceptional service.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Curriculum development

Education

Level 3 qualification in early years education

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees - Leading Nursery Group in the UK. Are you a passionate leader with a background in early childhood education and management? As an Assistant Centre Director at Busy Bees, you will support the Centre Director in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and wants to make a difference in the lives of children while leading a team towards educational excellence.

About Us

Busy 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 Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children\'s lives.

About our Nursery

Join Busy Bees at our Bedford Elstow nursery, rated Good by Ofsted with a capacity for 112 children. Our dedicated team thrives on delivering excellence and utilizes natural spaces in our Bumbles and Preschool Gardens to enhance children\'s learning experiences. Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from the bus stop (park and ride) and easily accessible via the A6 and A421, we also provide free parking for our staff. Enjoy the flexibility of a 4-day working week option as you contribute to a nurturing environment where children can thrive!

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!
• 50% 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)
• Opportunities to travel to other countries, experience different cultures and learn new practices.

We also provide access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, offering a wide range of retail discounts, along with a Wellbeing Hub and a Celebrating You section recognizing and rewarding our team. There is also a Grow with Us area sharing development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive at Busy Bees.

Join our supportive and collaborative work environment, learn from experienced colleagues, and make meaningful connections. If you are ready to make a positive impact in the field of early childhood education and childcare, we encourage you to apply for the Nursery Manager position at Busy Bees. Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and take the next step in your career.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in overseeing the daily operations and maintaining educational standards.
• Assist in developing and delivering an engaging, high-quality curriculum tailored to the needs of children.
• Ensure the centre complies with all relevant regulatory requirements and maintains high safety and health standards.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, ensuring a cohesive and motivated team.
• Lead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional service and promoting a positive centre experience for families.
• Assist with administrative tasks, including scheduling, payroll, and recruitment.
• Manage operational records and support financial planning to ensure sustainability.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate:

• An approved Level 3 qualification or above in early years education.
• Experience within an early years setting, with leadership or supervisory experience ideally as either a Assistant Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager.
• Proven track record of ensuring educational excellence and curriculum development.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with a focus on teamwork.
• Experience in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and health and safety protocols.

Lead with passion and help create a nurturing learning environment—apply now!