Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 25% annual bonus

33 days holiday incl bank holidays

Your birthday off

50% childcare discount

Central HR & Quality support

Leadership development & progression

Job summary

Busy Bees Stotfold is a leading UK nursery group seeking a senior leader to run day-to-day operations with emphasis on education quality, safeguarding, and performance. You will shape the team and culture with strong central support to drive excellence.

The role offers a broad scope to influence practice, optimise occupancy, and deliver continuous improvement within a building-capacity framework of 64 children.

Qualifications

• NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3.
• Experience as Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

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 standards

Staff management

Childcare

Education

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

Nursery Manager/Assistant Manager experience

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Stotfold – Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Location: Stotfold

Salary: Up to £43,00 per annum DOE

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.

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.

About Our Nursery

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.

About The Benefits

• 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.

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.