Assistant Nursery Manager

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

Job summary

A leading nursery group in London seeks an Assistant Centre Director to support day-to-day operations and foster a nurturing learning environment. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in early years education, leadership experience, and a passion for driving educational excellence. The role promises a supportive workplace culture with opportunities for career progression and unique benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Ongoing professional development

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in early years settings as Assistant Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager.
• Proven track record of curriculum development.
• Ability to maintain compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in daily operations and educational standards.
• Assist in developing a high-quality curriculum.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

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.

About Us3>

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 a partnership with BBC Children in Need provides fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.

About Our Nursery

Busy Bees West Hampstead in Fortune Green, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 40 children and features multiple spacious rooms, each dedicated to a specific age group. This design allows children to develop at their own pace alongside peers at a similar stage, fostering friendships throughout their nursery experience. Conveniently located just a 5‑minute bus ride or a 15‑minute walk from West Hampstead station and next to Fortune Green Park, our nursery offers easy access for families.

We provide complimentary lunches for our children, and our bright, airy rooms are filled with endless opportunities for exploration based on individual interests, blending a Montessori approach with a variety of educational toys, role‑play equipment, and activity corners. Whether your child enjoys reading, engaging in sensory play, or learning about animals, there is always something to keep them busy and engaged.

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

• 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.

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