Relief Nursery Practitioner Level 3

Busy Bees Nurseries; Melrose; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Hive benefits and wellbeing hub

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

Enhanced family leave

Return to work bonus

Peppy menopause support

Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental Health First Aiders

Cycle to Work scheme

Pension access

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Job summary

Busy Bees Melrose is seeking a Relief Early Years Educator to support the Bee Curious curriculum and guide unqualified team members. This role offers the chance to take on greater responsibility within a thriving nursery environment.

Ideal candidates will hold a Level 3 qualification in early years, have experience with under‑5s, and demonstrate empathy, plus strong communication and organisational skills to help every child flourish.

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.

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

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 Melrose is a 75 place nursery and offers a warm and welcoming environment where every child is encouraged to learn and play. Our nursery in Melrose is located just a short drive from the A7 and the A6091, and is just a stone's throw from Borders General Hospital. Tweedbank train station is conveniently just a two-minute drive from Busy Bees Melrose, with free onsite parking.

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 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 an Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Assistant or Nursery Nurse.