Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Childcare; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK seeks an Assistant Centre Director to support the Centre Director in daily operations and maintain educational standards. Ideal candidates should have a Level 3 qualification in early years education and experience in leadership roles. This position offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment designed to nurture children’s growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Access to wellbeing resources

Qualifications

• Experience within an early years setting, with leadership or supervisory experience.
• Proven track record of ensuring educational excellence.
• Strong communication and teamwork focus.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in day-to-day operations.
• Develop and deliver high-quality curriculum.
• Mentor staff to ensure a cohesive team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Approved Level 3 qualification in early years education

Job description

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. This role is fixed‑term for 6 months.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and 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. 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

Busy Bees Derby Oakwood, rated 'Good' by Ofsted, provides a nurturing environment where your little one can thrive with a capacity of 110 children. Our nursery features a range of fun‑filled activities and engaging resources that ensure children come on leaps and bounds during their time with us. We recognise the importance of outdoor play: a large, refurbished garden divided into three areas for different age groups, allowing children to explore imagination and take safe risks under adult supervision while enjoying fresh air. Conveniently located on Smalley Drive in Oakwood, our nursery is a 13‑minute drive from Derby City Centre. For public transport users, a bus stop on Hallgate Close serves route 26 and another on Smalley Drive end serves route 32. Free parking is available for staff.

Education and Learning Experiences

Every Tuesday, ‘Super Star Sports’ visits for toddlers and preschoolers, offering engaging football sessions that keep your little one active and entertained.

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

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

• 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.

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