Unqualified Nursery Practitioner

Busy Bees Childcare; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the East Midlands is seeking an Early Years Assistant to support educational activities and foster children's development. The ideal candidate has a passion for working with children and good communication skills. This role offers competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday

Your birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required, though experience in early years settings is beneficial.
• Empathy and understanding – every child is unique.
• Willingness to learn and develop skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of educational activities and engage with children.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Promote inclusivity and diversity in care.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Good communication

Teamworking skills

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees - Leading Nursery Group in the UK As an Early Years Assistant at Busy Bees, you will play a vital role in creating a positive and engaging environment for children. This is an exciting opportunity to begin your journey in the early years sector, where you will receive on‑job training and support from experienced team members, helping you to grow and develop your skills in a nurturing and dynamic environment.

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 will 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 Derby Oakwood Bishops Drive, rated "Good" by Ofsted, has a capacity of 65 children. Our beautifully presented, purpose‑built two‑storey daycare setting is designed to meet the needs of both children and parents. The nursery features four age‑appropriate rooms that cater to various developmental stages, ensuring every child receives the support they need. Our long‑established team maintains strong links with the community, providing children with opportunities for outings to local parks, children's centres, and Springwood Library for story time sessions. Younger children enjoy community visits using our unique buggy bus, while preschoolers often transition to neighbouring schools, including Cavendish Close, Park View, Breadsall Hilltop, Roe Farm, and Springwood.

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!
• 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)

But wait, there's more! You will also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform Hive – offering a huge array of retail discounts and resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcases the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area shares the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of educational activities and engage with children to foster development.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Promote inclusivity and diversity in your care for all children.
• Work with a dedicated team to provide the best learning experiences.

Ideal Candidate

• No formal qualifications required, though experience in early years settings is beneficial.
• A passion for working with children and a willingness to learn.
• Empathy and understanding – every child is unique.
• Good communication and team‑working skills.

Start your rewarding career in early childhood education today – apply now!