Relief Nursery Practitioner

Busy Bees Childcare; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK seeks an Early Years Assistant (Unqualified) in Lichfield. You will assist in educational activities and help create a nurturing environment for children. The ideal candidate has a passion for child development. Competitive salary and benefits, including holiday and professional development opportunities, are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

Enhanced family leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Early Years Assistant (Unqualified)

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – the 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.

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 Lichfield

Busy Bees Lichfield is an exciting flagship centre, celebrating its return to where it all began 40 years ago in 1983. Rated for a capacity of 110 children, our purpose‑built nursery features state‑of‑the‑art equipment and facilities across bright and airy rooms designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our market‑leading sustainable centre has been thoughtfully designed with the environment in mind, incorporating various eco‑friendly features, including living walls, solar panels, EV charging points, bike storage, food waste collections, LED motion‑activated lights, and low‑flow water taps.

Conveniently located on Birmingham Road, opposite the Cooperative Food supermarket, our nursery is easily accessible. If you prefer public transport, the closest bus stop is just a 3‑minute walk away, serving bus routes 3 and X3 Platinum. Free parking is available for staff.

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)

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!