Assistant Nursery Manager

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

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Gloucester is seeking an experienced Assistant Centre Director to support daily operations and maintain educational standards. You will assist in curriculum development and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate has a Level 3 qualification in early years education and supervisory experience. This position offers a competitive salary and ample professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in overseeing daily operations and maintaining educational standards.
• Assist in developing and delivering an engaging, high-quality curriculum tailored to the needs of children.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain health standards.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff for a cohesive team.
• Lead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and promote a positive centre experience.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 qualification or above 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. You’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners. Our Charitable Commitment includes a partnership with BBC Children in Need, offering opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.

About our Nursery Busy Bees Thames Ditton, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 89 children in a bright and spacious setting divided into three rooms for different age ranges. The outdoor space wraps around the building, providing shaded areas for each age group and opportunities for exploration and play. We maintain excellent links within the local community and are within walking distance of Thames Ditton train station, with direct trains to London and easy access to the local village. We offer free parking for staff to facilitate drop-offs and collections.

Benefits Include competitive salary, ongoing professional development and career progression, Hive benefits and wellbeing hub, up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays), your birthday off, 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, pension through Cushon, discounted Private Medical Insurance, and opportunities to travel to other countries. Access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, provides retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub. We recognise and reward our valued team members through a Celebrating You section and Grow with Us development opportunities.

Join our collaborative work environment, learn from experienced colleagues, and make meaningful connections. If you are ready to make a positive impact in early childhood education and childcare, apply for the Nursery Manager position at Busy Bees.

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 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!