Relief Nursery Practitioner

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

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking an Early Years Assistant (Unqualified) located in East Midlands. In this role, you’ll gain invaluable experience by assisting in educational activities, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment, and fostering growth in children. While no formal qualifications are needed, a passion for working with children and an empathetic understanding of their unique needs are essential. Join us to support the development of young learners with opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career progression opportunities

Hive benefits and wellbeing hub

Up to 28 days holiday

Your birthday off

Enhanced family leave

Financial support via Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required, prior experience beneficial.
• A strong passion for children's development is essential.
• Ability to recognize each child's uniqueness.

Responsibilities

• Assist in educational activities for children.
• Maintain a safe and nurturing environment.
• Support children's social, emotional, and physical development.
• Ensure the welfare and safety of all children.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Empathy and understanding

Experience in early years settings

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 Derby Oakwood, rated "Good" by Ofsted, provides a nurturing environment where your little one can thrive with a capacity of 110 children. Our nursery features a fantastic range of fun‑filled activities and engaging resources that ensure children come on leaps and bounds during their time with us. At Busy Bees, we recognize the importance of outdoor play. That's why our large, refurbished garden is divided into three areas catering to different age groups, allowing children to explore their imagination and take safe risks under adult supervision while enjoying the fresh air. Conveniently located on Smalley Drive in Oakwood, our nursery is just a 13‑minute drive from Derby City Centre. For public transport users, there's a bus stop nearby on Hallgate Close serving bus route 26, and another just a 5‑minute walk away on Smalley Drive end, serving bus route 32. Free parking is available for staff. The fun doesn’t stop there! Every Tuesday, ‘Super Star Sports’ visits for toddlers and preschoolers, offering engaging football sessions that keep your little one active and entertained.

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.

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!