Nursery Practitioner Level 3

Busy Bees Childcare; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Cheltenham is seeking an Early Years Educator to create a safe and stimulating environment for children. Responsibilities include planning educational activities aligned with the EYFS and developing strong connections with families. Ideal candidates should have a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and a passion for child development. Competitive salary and numerous benefits are offered, including up to 28 days holiday and a childcare discount.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

50% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Enhanced family leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in working with children under 5.
• Genuine interest in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, stimulating environment for children.
• Lead educational activities aligned with EYFS.
• Oversee children’s development and build family connections.

Skills

Good communication

Excellent organisational skills

Knowledge of child development

Education

Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years Education

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK. As an Early Years Educator, you will play a leading role in fostering the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children at Busy Bees.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners. Our charitable commitment includes a partnership with BBC Children in Need to support community involvement and fundraising.

About our Nursery

Busy Bees Cheltenham Wellington Road, rated Good by Ofsted, is housed in a beautiful Georgian building with three floors and tall ceilings, accommodating up to 90 children. The nursery is surrounded by picturesque walks around Pittville Parks and Lakes, with opportunities for outdoor exploration. We frequently take outings to local events and enjoy visits to the nearby library for extracurricular activities. Conveniently located near Cheltenham Town Centre, we benefit from good transport links and offer free parking for staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Hive benefits and wellbeing hub with discounts across retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return-to-work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
• Opportunities to travel to other countries and learn new practices

A Hive Benefits and Wellbeing platform offers retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub with resources to support health, plus a Celebrating You section and Grow with Us area for development opportunities.

What to Expect as a Nursery Practitioner

• Create a Safe, Stimulating Environment: Prepare materials and arrange rooms to encourage children's growth and learning.
• Lead Educational Activities: Plan and deliver activities that support children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development, aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Key Person Role: Oversee children’s development, care needs, and build strong family connections.

What We’re Looking For

• Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years Education.
• Proven experience in working with children under 5 and a genuine interest in early childhood education.
• Skills: Good communication, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to apply knowledge of child development to plan and deliver activities.

At Busy Bees, we’re committed to care, quality, value, and service. If you have previous experience working with children, ideally as an Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Assistant or Nursery Nurse, and you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in early childhood education, we encourage you to apply!