Relief Nursery Practitioner

Busy Bees In Portishead; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Leicester is looking for an Early Years Assistant (Unqualified) to support children's development through engaging play-based learning. Ideal for those passionate about early childhood education, this role offers ongoing training and a nurturing work environment. Responsibilities include preparing educational activities and ensuring children's welfare. No formal qualifications required, but loving children and understanding their needs is essential. Enjoy competitive salary and generous benefits including 28 days of holiday and mental health support.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Wellbeing hub with discounts

Up to 28 days holiday

Birthday off

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support

Financial support

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required, but prior experience is beneficial.
• A passion for working with children is essential.
• Empathy and understanding of unique child needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and delivering educational activities.
• Support the team in maintaining a safe environment.
• Help children develop through play-based learning.
• Ensure welfare and safety of children.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Empathy

Understanding developmental needs

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.

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 Leicester Carlton Park is a large and modern, Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 105 children. The nursery features calming, age-appropriate rooms, designed to foster a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere where children can thrive at similar stages of their development. With a secure outdoor space, children are encouraged to explore, play, and take supervised safe risks in the fresh air. Conveniently located on King Edward Avenue in Narborough, just seven miles from Leicester city centre, the nursery offers free parking and is easily accessible by car, with the M1 motorway nearby. For those traveling by train, Narborough station is less than a mile away, about a 20-minute walk.

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)

We also offer access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, with a wide range of retail discounts, plus a Wellbeing Hub with resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcases how we recognise and reward our valued team members. There is also a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing development opportunities and training designed to help you thrive at Busy Bees.

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!