Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries; Baldock; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Holiday allowance

Birthday off

Childcare discount

Central support

Leadership training

Career progression

Family leave

Mental health support

Cycle to work

Private medical insurance

Global talent exchange

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries in the United Kingdom seeks a senior nursery leader to run day-to-day operations with full responsibility for education quality, safeguarding, staff leadership, and occupancy targets. The role operates within a family-like Busy Bees setting in Stotfold, with strong support from the national network.

You will lead the team, drive continuous improvement, and ensure EYFS compliance while building strong relationships with families and the local community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager in a high-quality setting.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards.
• Child-centred approach and ability to lead a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team to deliver outstanding early years provision
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory standards
• Drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and outcomes for children
• Manage staffing, recruitment, performance, and development
• Build strong relationships with families and the local community
• Work closely with regional leadership to deliver quality and occupancy targets

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted requirements

Staff development

Child-centered approach

Education

NNEB / BTEC Nat Dip / CACHE Dip / NVQ Level 3

Job description

This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, including quality of education, staff leadership, safeguarding, and operational performance., Join our nurturing team at Busy Bees in Stotfold, an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 64 children. Our smaller team creates a family-like atmosphere, enhanced by our converted house that adds to the homely feel. We collaborate with local authorities for further training opportunities, supporting your professional growth. Located in a small town, we have regular bus services into larger towns and are conveniently situated next to a CO-OP with electric car charging points. To show our appreciation, we provide weekly lunches, breakfasts, or sweet treats, along with an Employee of the Month program.,

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team to deliver outstanding early years provision
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory standards
• Drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and outcomes for children
• Manage staffing, recruitment, performance, and development
• Build strong relationships with families and the local community
• Work closely with regional leadership to deliver quality and occupancy targets

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager in a high-quality setting
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams
• Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements
• A track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider leadership structure
• A child-centred approach with high expectations for quality

Qualifications and Experience:

• NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3.
• Experience as a Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager.

Busy Bees is the UK's leading early years providers, with nurseries dedicated to giving children the very best start in life through safe, caring, and high-quality early education.

What this means for you is the chance to lead your nursery with real confidence, backed by a large, supportive organisation that helps you focus on what you do best. You'll benefit from strong operational support, ongoing training, and clear progression opportunities to grow your career. You'll also have the freedom to shape your setting in a way that reflects your leadership style and makes a real difference in your local community. If you're a passionate early years professional ready for your next step, this is your opportunity to grow with us.

Benefits and Perks

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Up to 33 days holiday inlusive of bank holidays
• Your birthday off - our gift to you!
• 50% Childcare discount
• Full central support (HR, Recruitment, Quality, Safety etc)
• Access to high quality training and leadership development
• Clear progression pathways into area management and wider operational roles
• Enhanced family leave & return to work bonus
• Menopause & Mental health support, financial wellbeing tools, and a 24/7 Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme & easy access pension plan
• Discounted Private Medical insurance
• Opportunities to travel internationally and explore best practise in early years with our Global Talent exchange programme.