Childcare jobs in United Kingdom

Join Busy Bees Bedford Elstow – Nursery Manager (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Are you an inspiring early years leader ready to guide a passionate team and create exceptional learning experiences? Busy Bees Bedford Elstow is looking for a motivated Nursery Manager to join us on a 12-month maternity cover contract.

If you hold a Level 3 childcare qualification and have two years’ leadership experience in an early years setting, then this could be your perfect next step.

As the UK’s leading nursery group, Busy Bees operates nearly 400 nurseries nationwide, all committed to delivering the best start in life for every child. We are proud to be recognised for our inclusive, supportive workplace culture—where every team member is listened to, valued, and empowered.

As Nursery Manager at our Bedford Elstow setting, you’ll bring your creativity, energy, and expertise to:

• Lead and inspire your team
• Deliver high-quality childcare in line with the EYFS
• Build strong partnerships with families
• Create safe, stimulating environments that nurture curiosity and confidence

You’ll also benefit from our Bee Curious curriculum, designed to encourage exploration, discovery, and joyful learning.

Located in the heart of Bedford, our Elstow nursery offers a warm, welcoming environment with bright, well‑equipped rooms tailored to each age group. Children enjoy a secure outdoor area perfect for adventurous play, fresh‑air learning, and developing confidence through supervised safe risks.

The nursery is easily accessible, with good transport links, making commuting simple whether you travel by car or public transport. Ofsted rated Good.

Busy Bees proudly partners with BBC Children in Need, meaning you’ll have the chance to support meaningful fundraising and community initiatives that positively impact children’s lives.

We offer a generous, industry‑leading benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary
• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Up to 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – our treat!
• Significant childcare discount
• Continuous training and development to help you grow your career
• Access to the Hive Benefits & Wellbeing Hub with huge retail discounts
• Enhanced family leave and a return‑to‑work bonus
• Menopause support via Peppy
• Salary Finance for financial wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Programme with Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Workplace pension with Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance
• Opportunities to travel internationally and learn from Busy Bees nurseries around the world

And that’s not all! Through the Hive platform, you’ll also find wellbeing tools, development resources, team recognition features through Celebrating You, and a dedicated Grow with Us area full of exciting learning opportunities.

• Lead & Inspire: Drive excellence and motivate your team.
• Quality Improvement: Enhance educational programs and operational processes.
• Compliance: Ensure a safe and secure environment, meeting all regulations.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
• Professional Development: Foster team growth to provide exceptional care.

• We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Nursery Manager whose primary goal is to deliver the highest standards of childcare and early years education.
• You will be resourceful, commercially minded, have strong leadership ability and excellent communication skills.
• You will have strong organisational skills with a keen attention to detail and be able to prioritise your workload effectively.

• NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3.
• Experience as a Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• A focus on delivering high‑quality childcare and early education.

Apply now and be part of our dynamic team!