Relief Nursery Practitioner

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

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is seeking an Early Years Assistant to support children's growth in a nurturing environment. This role does not require formal qualifications but values empathy and a passion for early childhood education. You'll assist with educational activities and maintain safety standards, all while gaining valuable experience in the sector.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

Enhanced family leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to wellbeing resources

Recognitions for valued team members

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

Passion for working with children

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. 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 Day Nursery and Preschool Ripon is an Ofsted‑rated "Good" facility with a capacity of 126 children, caring for ages from 12 weeks to 5 years. This purpose‑built, one‑storey nursery features eight rooms, all offering outstanding care and direct access to enclosed outdoor play areas. The nursery also boasts a large garden space, complete with a woodland nature trail and forest area, providing an enriching outdoor experience. Located conveniently on College Business Park, it is an ideal setting for children’s early learning and development.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• '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
• Access to workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
• Access to the Hive Benefits and Wellbeing platform, offering huge retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support physical and mental health
• Celebrating You section showcasing ways we recognise and reward valued team members
• 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!