Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Childcare; Lewes; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking an experienced Assistant Centre Director to support daily operations and ensure educational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in early childhood education and experience in a supervisory role. This position offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Join us to make a positive impact in early childhood education.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

50% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in an early years setting, with leadership or supervisory experience.
• Proven record of ensuring educational excellence and curriculum development.
• Ability to maintain compliance with regulations and health/safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in overseeing daily operations and educational standards.
• Assist in developing an engaging, high-quality curriculum.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff.
• Manage operational records and support financial planning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational 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. We also have a charitable commitment through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, offering opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.

About our Nursery
Busy Bees Lewes, rated Good by Ofsted, is a small centre with a capacity of 51 children, featuring three dedicated rooms and a sleep room for rest. Our nursery boasts two gardens and ample outdoor space for play and exploration. We actively engage with the community through regular walks, helping children connect with their surroundings. Located near the local station with convenient bus routes and shops nearby, we aim to be accessible for families while fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for all children.

Benefits
Competitive salary; ongoing professional development and career progression; Hive benefits and wellbeing hub with discounts across a wide range of retailers; 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 scheme; pension through Cushon; discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI); opportunities to travel to other countries and learn new practices. Access to the Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, with a wide range of discounts and wellbeing resources; a Celebrating You section for recognition; and a Grow with Us area for development opportunities and training.

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 early childhood education and childcare, apply for the Nursery Assistant Centre Director role 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.