Nursery Manager

Busy Bees; Wynyard; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 25% annual salary bonus

33 days holiday inclusive of bank

Birthday off – our gift to you

50% Childcare discount

Full central support

Leadership training and progression

Global talent exchange programme

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Busy Bees Stockton Bowesfield is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a dedicated team and shape high-quality childcare for children and families. You will have autonomy to drive the nursery's curriculum, occupancy and staff development within a trusted national group.

You will partner with regional teams to uphold EYFS standards, ensure safeguarding, and deliver outstanding outcomes while creating a warm, inclusive environment for children to learn, grow and thrive.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Proven track record of improving outcomes in early years.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted knowledge

Staff development

Communication

Education

Childcare qualification (NNEB/BTEC/NVQ3)

Job description

Role Overview:

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Stockton Bowesfield – Leading Nursery Group in the UK!

Salary up to £35,000 plus up to 25% annual salary bonus

We can offer condensed hours over 4 days

Lead. Inspire. Grow. Make a difference.

Are you an experienced early years leader ready to take the next step in your career?

At Busy Bees, we believe great nurseries start with great leaders. As a Nursery Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead your own team, shape the experience for children and families, and make a real difference every day with the support of a trusted national nursery group behind you.

Why Busy Bees?

• Grow your career
  We’re passionate about developing our people. From leadership training to clear progression pathways, we’ll support you to build your skills and take your career wherever you want it to go.
• Lead and inspire your team
  Create a positive, inclusive environment where your team can thrive. You’ll coach, motivate and develop your colleagues, helping them reach their full potential.
• Make your mark
  Every Busy Bees nursery is unique. We’ll give you the autonomy to lead your nursery, bring your ideas to life and create an environment where children can learn, explore and flourish.
• Make a difference
  You’ll play a key role in giving children the best possible start in life, while building strong relationships with families and your local community.
• Never feel like you're doing it alone
  You’ll have the backing of your Nursery Support and Regional teams, giving you access to guidance, expertise and resources whenever you need them.

About Our Nursery

Our purpose-built nursery, located in the suburbs of Stockton-on-Tees, provides spacious, thoughtfully designed environments where children can learn, play and thrive at their own pace.

Following its Ofsted inspection in March 2026, the nursery was graded Expected Standard. Bowesfield is a welcoming, well-established setting with beautifully refurbished gardens, a strong reputation within the local community and consistently high occupancy.

Our dedicated team of experienced, long-standing staff creates a warm, supportive environment for children, families and colleagues alike. It’s a fantastic setting for someone looking to join an established team and make a positive difference to children’s early years experiences.

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 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

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.