Relief Nursery Practitioner

Busy Bees Childcare; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organization in Edinburgh is seeking an Early Years Assistant (Unqualified). This role offers you an opportunity to work with children, assisting in educational activities while getting the necessary support and training. Ideal candidates should have a passion for child development and be empathetic. Enjoy competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday

Your birthday off

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required, prior experience in early years settings is beneficial.
• A passion for working with children and supporting their development.
• Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and delivering educational activities for children.
• Support the team in maintaining a safe and nurturing environment.
• Help children develop socially, emotionally, and physically through engaging play-based learning.
• Ensure the welfare and safety of all children is maintained.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Ability to support child development

Empathy and understanding

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK. Are you passionate about working with children and eager to start your career in early childhood education? As an Early Years Assistant (Unqualified) at Busy Bees, you’ll gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment while helping children grow and develop. This role is perfect for anyone eager to learn and grow in their professional journey, with ongoing support and training to help you succeed in the early years sector.

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 partnership with BBC Children in Need, offering opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children’s lives.

About our Nursery: Busy Bees Edinburgh Dean Terrace is a 55 place converted 3 storey Georgian house offering 5 rooms with an exciting, secure outdoor area. The Royal Botanical Gardens and Inverleith Park are local, supporting outdoor activities to develop children’s self-esteem, physical skills, and confidence.

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!
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Support for menopause through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to workplace pension via Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Plus, access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, offering retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub with resources to support physical and mental health, plus development opportunities through our Grow with Us section.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and delivering educational activities for children.
• Support the team in maintaining a safe and nurturing environment.
• Help children develop socially, emotionally, and physically through engaging play-based learning.
• Ensure the welfare and safety of all children is maintained.

Ideal Candidate

• No formal qualifications required, though prior experience in early years settings is beneficial.
• A passion for working with children and supporting their development.
• Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.
• Get started in early years education with Busy Bees—apply now!