Relief Nursery Practitioner

Job description

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

Are you passionate about working with children? If you're eager to kickstart your career in early childhood education, the role of Early Years Assistant (Unqualified) at Busy Bees is the perfect opportunity for you! Here, you'll gain invaluable experience in a vibrant environment while helping children grow and develop. This role is designed for those who are enthusiastic about learning and advancing in their professional journey, with ongoing support and training to ensure your success in the early years sector.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK’s leading nursery group, boasting nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and beyond. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and take pride in our award-winning workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every team member 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 provide fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About Our Nursery

At Busy Bees Leeds, Colton Mill, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, we provide a vibrant and engaging environment where every child can learn and thrive through a diverse range of exciting activities and fantastic learning resources. Our bright, welcoming rooms are designed to spark creativity and laughter, offering endless opportunities for exploration. The fun continues outdoors in our spacious, enclosed garden, where children can enjoy fresh air and learn to take safe risks under the careful supervision of our dedicated staff.

Conveniently located just off the M1 at Junction 46, our nursery is easily accessible, with Leeds City Centre just a 20-minute drive away. For families using public transport, there is a bus stop nearby on Stile Hill Way, served by bus routes 19, 19A, and 22. Free parking is also available for added convenience, ensuring a hassle-free visit.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Access to 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 a vast array of retail discounts to help your money go further. Our Wellbeing Hub features resources to support your physical and mental health, while our Celebrating You section showcases the ways we recognize and reward our valued team members. Plus, our dedicated Grow with Us area shares 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 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.

Get started in early years education with Busy Bees—apply now!

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

leeds

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

04-11-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English