Nursery Practitioner Level 3

Busy Bees Childcare; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is looking for Nursery Practitioners who will create a safe and stimulating environment for children. The role requires a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and prior experience with under 5s. Successful candidates will have excellent communication and organisational skills, and the opportunity to grow within a supportive nursery culture. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development and career progression

50% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with children under 5 with a genuine interest in early childhood education.
• Experience as an Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Assistant or Nursery Nurse is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, stimulating environment for children's growth and learning.
• Plan and deliver activities supporting children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.
• Oversee children's development and care needs while building strong family connections.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Knowledge of child development

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education

Job description

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and 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. Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.

About our Nursery

Busy Bees Derby Oakwood, rated “Good” by Ofsted, provides a nurturing environment where your little one can thrive with a capacity of 110 children. The nursery features a fantastic range of fun‑filled activities and engaging resources that ensure children come on leaps and bounds during their time with us. Outdoor play is a priority: a large, refurbished garden is divided into three areas catering to different age groups, allowing children to explore their imagination and take safe risks under adult supervision while enjoying the fresh air. Conveniently located on Smalley Drive in Oakwood, the nursery is just a 13‑minute drive from Derby City Centre. Free parking is available for staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of 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, experience different cultures and learn new practices

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 working with children under 5 and a genuine interest in early childhood education.
• Good communication skills, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to apply knowledge of child development to plan and deliver activities.
• Experience as an Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Assistant or Nursery Nurse is a plus.