Relief Nursery Practitioner Level 3

Busy Bees; Ardington; Remote; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Bee Curious curriculum access

Wellbeing platform and employee perks

Job summary

Busy Bees Ardington is seeking a Level 3 Qualified Early Years Assistant to deliver high-quality care and education within the Bee Curious curriculum. You will support unqualified colleagues, take on Key Person responsibilities, and help track progress through observations and assessments in a woodland setting just outside Wantage.

Ideal candidates have Level 3 EY qualification and experience with under-5s, with strong communication and organisational skills.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in early years education.
• Experience working with children under 5.
• Empathy and understanding—each child is unique.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering educational activities that promote children's development.
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment.
• Take on the role of Key Person, fostering strong partnerships with children and their families.
• Track and report on children's progress through observations and assessments.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years education

Experience working with children under 5

Job description

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

As a Level 3 Qualified Early Years Assistant, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering outstanding care and education to children at Busy Bees. Your expertise will play a key role in supporting the development of our Bee Curious curriculum, while guiding and mentoring unqualified team members. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about early years education and are looking to take on greater responsibility in a thriving and supportive setting.

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 Oxford Ardington, rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 102 children in a beautiful woodland location that offers excellent transport links and access to local walks and cafés. Our nursery prioritizes staff wellbeing with a comprehensive package that includes hot lunches. We frequently organize trips for children to explore the local park, post office, and surrounding woods, enriching their learning experiences. Conveniently situated just outside Wantage in Ardington village, our nursery is very easy to find. Additionally, we provide free parking for staff, ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment for educators and families alike.

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)

But wait, there’s more! You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering huge array huge of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

What to Expect as a Relief Early Years Educator:

• Assist in planning and delivering educational activities that promote children's development.
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment.
• Take on the role of Key Person, fostering strong partnerships with children and their families.
• Track and report on children's progress through observations and assessments.

Ideal Candidate:

• Level 3 qualification in early years education.
• Experience working with children under 5.
• Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

You may have previous experience working with children, ideally as anEarly Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Assistant or Nursery Nurse.