Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries; Belper CP; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £37,000

Birthday off

Annual bonus up to 25%

33 days holiday (incl. BH)

Childcare discount

Central HR & Support

Training and leadership development

Career progression opportunities

Pension plan

Employee assistance programme

Private medical insurance discount

Job summary

Busy Bees Belper Gibfield Lane is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead day-to-day operations, ensure high-quality EYFS delivery and safeguard compliance. You will shape culture, drive occupancy targets with regional support, and develop a capable team.

You’ll join a leading UK nursery group that offers strong central support, ongoing training and clear progression into senior roles, with flexible working options and a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• Level 3 childcare qualification and nursery leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted expectations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in early years settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery to deliver outstanding early years provision.
• Ensure compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory standards.
• Drive improvements in teaching, learning and child outcomes.
• Oversee staffing, recruitment, performance and development.

Skills

Level 3 childcare qualification

EYFS expertise

Leadership

Early years

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Belper Gibfield Lane– Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Salary: Up to £37,000 per annum DOE

Flexible working options available

We are looking for an amazing Nursery Manager to ignite fun and learning for our children! With your Level 3 childcare qualification and two years of leadership in early years settings, we want you to bring your vibrant energy and EYFS expertise to our team. Exciting rewards await your passion for nurturing young minds!

About The Benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Up to 33 days holiday inclusive 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 practice in early years with our Global Talent exchange programme.

About Busy Bees Belper Gibfield Lane

• Ofsted-rated Good nursery.
• Caring for up to 90 children from babies through to preschool.
• Located just 3 minutes from Belper town centre.
• Only 25 minutes from Derby City Centre.
• Excellent public transport links:
• 8-minute walk to Belper train station.
• Close to the Herbert Strutt School bus stop (routes 71 and 360).
• 3-minute walk to the Babington Hospital bus stop.
• Free on-site parking available for colleagues and parents.
• Friendly, supportive team committed to providing high-quality early years education and care

About The Role

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.

You will have the autonomy to shape your team, culture, and practice, supported by a dedicated regional and central support structure.

Key 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

About You

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.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• A focus on delivering high-quality childcare and early education.

About Busy Bees

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.