Relief Nursery Practitioner

Busy Bees Childcare; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking an Early Years Assistant (Unqualified) to join their team in Haywards Heath. This position offers a dynamic environment where you can support children's development through engaging educational activities. Candidates should have a passion for working with children and an understanding of their unique needs. This role provides ongoing support and training, ensuring a nurturing environment and unique career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Birthday off

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support

Financial support

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Wellbeing platform access

Recognition and reward initiatives

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required, although prior experience in early years settings is beneficial.
• Strong desire to support children's development.

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

Empathy and understanding

Job description

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.

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

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 Haywards Heath, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, accommodates 120 children and is part of an expanding and well‑respected UK portfolio. Our nursery combines safe and secure facilities with well‑trained and qualified staff, along with effective learning programmes and play equipment designed to develop children’s communication and creative skills. Housed in a beautifully converted Grade II listed building, we offer 72 places, making a significant contribution to the local community. To support early childhood education, Busy Bees partners with local primary schools to ensure a smooth transition for children moving from nursery to school, fostering a sense of continuity in their educational journey. Additionally, we provide free parking for staff, ensuring convenient access to our nurturing environment.

Busy Bees 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!
• 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)
• Access to the Hive Wellbeing platform, offering huge retail discounts and wellbeing resources
• A Celebrating You section showcasing ways we recognise and reward our valued team members
• A dedicated Grow with Us area sharing exciting development opportunities and training

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, although 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!