Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries; East Leake; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 25% annual bonus

33 days holiday including bank

Birthday off

Childcare discount

Professional development & training

Return-to-work bonus

Menopause support

Financial wellbeing tools

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Pension plan

Private medical insurance

Travel opportunities

Hive benefits platform

Wellbeing & Celebrate You

Grow With Us

Job summary

Busy Bees Leicester Oadby is seeking an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager to progress into a full Nursery Manager role. You will take full leadership responsibility for a 52‑place setting, supported by regional and central teams, ensuring high standards of care and education.

We are looking for someone already performing at a high level in a deputy role, ready for broader ownership, and autonomous from day one within a supportive structure designed to help you succeed.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience in deputy to manager role
• Knowledge of EYFS requirements and Ofsted expectations
• Experience supporting inspections or quality improvement
• Ability to lead teams and manage day-to-day operations

Responsibilities

• Step into full Nursery Manager responsibility for a well-supported setting
• Lead and develop a high-performing early years team
• Ensure high standards of care, education, safeguarding, and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement in practice and outcomes for children
• Take ownership of staffing, performance, and day-to-day operations
• Build strong relationships with families and your local community
• Work with regional leadership to support quality and occupancy goals

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Safeguarding

Ofsted readiness

Team management

Communication skills

Education

NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3

Job description

Role Overview

Nursery Manager (Development Opportunity for High-Performing Deputies) £35,000-£40,000,000 per annum DOE

About the benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Up to 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off our gift to you!
• Substantial childcare discount
• Ongoing professional development & training
• Enhanced family leave & return-to-work bonus
• Menopause 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 practices in early years education with our talent exchange programme
• Access to our Hive benefits platform with exclusive retail discounts and wellbeing resources

And thats just the beginning! Our Hive Wellbeing Hub also offers mental health support, a dedicated Celebrating You space to recognise your achievements, and a Grow With Us programme to fuel your career ambitions.

About the opportunity and why this role is different

• This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager who is ready to progress into a full Nursery Manager role.
• You will take full leadership responsibility for a nursery, supported by a strong regional team and central support teams.
• We are looking for someone who is already performing at a high level in a deputy role and is ready to step into broader ownership, decision-making, and leadership accountability.
• You will be trusted with autonomy from day one, supported by a strong regional and central structure designed to help you succeed, not micro-manage you.

About our Nursery

Busy Bees Leicester Oadby is rated "Good" by Ofsted and has a capacity of 52 children. Opened in 2000, our purpose-built nursery is designed on one level, creating a welcoming, friendly, and happy environment for children. The facility features three spacious rooms, providing ample space for play and learning. Free parking is available for staff.

Role Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

• Step into full Nursery Manager responsibility for a well-supported setting
• Lead and develop a high-performing early years team
• Ensure high standards of care, education, safeguarding, and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement in practice and outcomes for children
• Take ownership of staffing, performance, and day-to-day operations
• Build strong relationships with families and your local community
• Work with regional leadership to support quality and occupancy goals

Required Qualifications

About you

We are looking for a Deputy Manager who is ready for progression and can demonstrate:

• Strong, proven performance in a Deputy Nursery Manager role preferably supernumery
• Confidence leading rooms, staff, or key areas of a setting
• Solid understanding of EYFS and Ofsted expectations
• Experience supporting inspections or quality improvement work
• The ability to lead teams, influence practice, and manage responsibility
• A clear ambition to step into full nursery leadership

You may already be acting up into manager responsibilities or leading significant areas of your current setting.

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.