Relief Nursery Practitioner

Busy Bees Childcare; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Maidstone is seeking individuals passionate about working with children to join their team. No formal qualifications are required, but prior experience in early years settings is beneficial. You will assist in preparing educational activities and maintain a nurturing environment, ensuring the safety and welfare of all children. The company offers a competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and various wellbeing benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Access to mental health support

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

Empathy

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK

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.

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 Maidstone Oakwood accommodates 47 children in a small, welcoming nursery with a friendly team dedicated to providing quality care. Our nursery features two large outdoor areas that allow children to explore and play in a semi-rural location, offering close links to local schools and convenient access to trains and buses. We provide a separate sleep room and have embedded free flow procedures to support children's individual needs. Additionally, we offer free parking for staff, ensuring easy access during drop-offs and collections.

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!
• 25% 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)
• Access to Hive benefits platform with discounts and wellbeing resources

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.

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.