Unqualified Nursery Practitioner

Busy Bees In Portishead; Dawpool; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking an Early Years Assistant to support children's development in a nurturing environment. In this role, you will assist with educational activities and maintain a stimulating space for learning. Ideal candidates are empathetic, good communicators, and passionate about working with children. Experience in early years is beneficial but not essential. The role offers ongoing training and career development opportunities, making it an excellent start in early childhood education.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Discounted childcare

28 days holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Communication skills

Team working skills

Empathy

Willingness to learn

Job description

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

As an Early Years Assistant at Busy Bees, you’ll 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-the-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’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 Thurstaston is an Ofsted-rated "Good" nursery with a capacity of 86 children, providing a warm and welcoming environment designed to help children thrive. This purpose-built nursery features multiple rooms for toddlers and preschoolers, offering bright and airy spaces for play and learning. In addition to ample indoor space and resources, the nursery boasts a fantastic outdoor area, as well as its own off‑site Forest School, offering children invaluable outdoor learning experiences. Located in the heart of the village on Thurstaston Road, the nursery is a 10‑minute walk from Thurstaston Common and a 5‑minute walk from Dawpool C of E Aided Primary School. For those using public transport, School Lane bus stops, serving routes 671, 672, and 673, are conveniently located right outside the nursery. Free parking is available for staff.

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’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

• 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!