Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking an experienced individual to oversee daily operations in their Bedford Elstow nursery. Responsibilities include supporting the Centre Director, developing a high-quality curriculum, and ensuring safety compliance while leading a dedicated team. Candidates should have a Level 3 qualification in early years education and prior supervisory experience. The role offers competitive salary and generous benefits including professional development opportunities and a strong workplace culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development

50% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Approved Level 3 qualification or above in early years education.
• Experience in early years setting with supervisory experience.
• Proven record of educational excellence and curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in daily operations and standards.
• Deliver high-quality curriculum tailored to children's needs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Curriculum development

Education

Level 3 qualification in early years education

Job description

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.

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

• 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.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

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. 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, offers fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.

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.