Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Childcare; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK seeks an Assistant Centre Director. You will support the Centre Director in overseeing daily operations and educational standards, engage with children, and ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate has a Level 3 qualification in early years education and experience in leadership roles. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered, including up to 28 days of holiday and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

28 days holiday including bank holidays

50% childcare discount

Ongoing professional development

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience within an early years setting, preferably as Assistant Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager.
• Proven track record of maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
• Experience in curriculum development and educational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in daily operations and educational standards.
• Assist in delivering a high-quality curriculum tailored for children.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 qualification or above in early years education

Job description

About Us

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.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured. 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.

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

About Our Nursery – Peterborough

Busy Bees Peterborough is an Ofsted‑rated Good nursery with a capacity of 98 children. The nursery features five spacious and bright childcare rooms across two floors, providing a welcoming environment for children to learn and grow. It also has an exciting outdoor space designed to promote self‑esteem, confidence, and a love of the outdoors through ample learning opportunities. The nursery maintains strong communication links with local schools to ensure a smooth transition to full‑time education, aligning all learning objectives accordingly. Conveniently, free parking is available.

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!
• 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
• Access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive – offering huge retail discounts, a Wellbeing Hub with resources to support your physical and mental health, a Celebrating You section showcasing ways we recognize and reward team members, and a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing exciting development opportunities and training

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.

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 an 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!

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.