Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries Ltd.; Watford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 25% annual salary bonus

Up to 33 days holiday incl bank + your

Birthday off

50% childcare discount

Central HR and Quality support

Leadership development & training

Career progression into area/operat

Early years travel & Global Talent

Job summary

Busy Bees Nurseries Ltd. is seeking a Senior Nursery Manager to lead day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality education, safeguarding, and staff leadership within a supportive, central framework.

You will shape the team, culture, and practice, driving excellence and occupancy targets while collaborating with regional leadership for consistency and growth.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a nurser y or early years setting.
• Proven track record of developing staff and improving outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, 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 & Ofsted

Quality outcomes

Child-centered approach

Independent and collaborative

Education

NNEB

BTEC Nat Dip

CACHE Dip in Childcare

NVQ Level 3

Job description

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.

• 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.

• 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.

Role Responsibilities: 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