Relief Nursery Practitioner

Role Overview:

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

Join Busy Bees at our Watford nursery, proudly rated Good by Ofsted, with a capacity for 46 children. Our small, dedicated team is passionate about providing exceptional care and learning experiences. Conveniently situated on the grounds of Watford Hospital, we have excellent transport links, including a bus stop right outside serving Hemel Hempstead and Holywell, plus Watford Junction and Watford High Street train stations just a 10-minute walk away. Staff benefit from flexible shifts and ample free on-site parking. Come and be part of our nurturing team, where quality childcare and child development come first!

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)

Free onsite parking (Paid for by Busy Bees)

Discounted lunch in the restaurant

Free uniform

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.

Role Responsibilities:

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.

Our hourly rates of pay differ for people under 21 but they are above national minimum wage levels. For employees aged 21 and above, our hourly rate of pay is £12.75.

Required Qualifications:

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.