Nursery manager

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Belper Gibfield Lane – Leading Nursery Group in the UK!

We are looking for an amazing Nursery Manager to ignite fun and learning for our children! With your Level 3 childcare qualification and two years of leadership in early years settings, we want you to bring your vibrant energy and EYFS expertise to our team. Exciting rewards await your passion for nurturing young minds!

About Busy Bees

Busy Bees is the UK’s leading early years providers, with nurseries dedicated to giving children the very best start in life through safe, caring, and high‑quality early education.

What this means for you is the chance to lead your nursery with real confidence, backed by a large, supportive organisation that helps you focus on what you do best. You’ll benefit from strong operational support, ongoing training, and clear progression opportunities to grow your career.

You’ll also have the freedom to shape your setting in a way that reflects your leadership style and makes a real difference in your local community. If you’re a passionate early years professional ready for your next step, this is your opportunity to grow with us.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the nursery, including quality of education, staff leadership, safeguarding, and operational performance.

You will have the autonomy to shape your team, culture, and practice, supported by a dedicated regional and central support structure.

About Our Nursery

Join our enthusiastic team at Busy Bees Belper Gibfield Lane, an Ofsted‑rated Good nursery with a capacity of 90 children, where we provide a nurturing environment for babies through to preschoolers. Our nursery features a variety of well‑equipped rooms designed to cater to each age group’s developmental needs, allowing children to grow and learn at their own pace.

Conveniently located just a 3‑minute drive from Belper town centre and a 25‑minute drive from Derby City Centre, our nursery is easily accessible via excellent public transport links. We are an 8‑minute walk from Belper train station, and the nearest bus stop at Herbert Strutt School, serving routes 71 and 360, is just a short stroll away. Additionally, the Babington Hospital bus stop is only a 3‑minute walk from our location. With free parking available, we offer convenience for parents and staff alike.

If you are passionate about early childhood education and want to be part of a supportive community, we would love to welcome you to Busy Bees Belper Gibfield Lane!

About the Benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Flexible hours
• Up to 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
• Your birthday off – our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Full central support (HR, Recruitment, Quality, Safety, etc)
• Access to high‑quality training and leadership development
• Clear progression pathways into area management and wider operational roles
• Enhanced family leave & return‑to‑work bonus
• Menopause & mental health support, financial wellbeing tools, and a 24/7 employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme & easy access pension plan
• Discounted private medical insurance
• Opportunities to travel internationally and explore best practice in early years with our Global Talent exchange programme

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager in a high‑quality setting
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams
• Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements
• A track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider leadership structure
• A child‑centred approach with high expectations for quality

Qualifications and Experience

• 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

If you’re an experienced early years leader looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.