Nursery Manager
Join Our Team at Busy Bees London Shadwell – Leading Nursery Group in the UK!
Salary up to £50,000 plus up to 25% annual salary bonus
Lead. Inspire. Grow. Make a difference.
Are you an experienced early years leader ready to take the next step in your career?
At Busy Bees, we believe great nurseries start with great leaders. As a Nursery Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead your own team, shape the experience for children and families, and make a real difference every day with the support of a trusted national nursery group behind you.
Why Busy Bees?
- Grow your career
We’re passionate about developing our people. From leadership training to clear progression pathways, we’ll support you to build your skills and take your career wherever you want it to go. - Lead and inspire your team
Create a positive, inclusive environment where your team can thrive. You’ll coach, motivate and develop your colleagues, helping them reach their full potential. - Make your mark
Every Busy Bees nursery is unique. We’ll give you the autonomy to lead your nursery, bring your ideas to life and create an environment where children can learn, explore and flourish. - Make a difference
You’ll play a key role in giving children the best possible start in life, while building strong relationships with families and your local community. - Never feel like you're doing it alone
You’ll have the backing of your Nursery Support and Regional teams, giving you access to guidance, expertise and resources whenever you need them.
About Our Nursery
Our experienced, long-standing team provides continuity and strong relationships for children and families, with low staff turnover helping us create a familiar and supportive environment. Set within the grounds of a church, our nursery has a unique character, with a large outdoor garden and naturally cool indoor spaces that offer a comfortable environment throughout the year.
Our Montessori Bee Curious Curriculum combines the principles of Montessori education with the curiosity-led approach of Bee Curious. Children are encouraged to make choices, follow their interests and learn through purposeful, hands-on experiences. Our Montessori approach gives children the freedom to become increasingly independent, while our team acts as guides, offering support and encouragement when needed.
Our specially designed nursery includes dedicated spaces for babies, toddlers, two- to three-year-olds and pre-school children, allowing each age group to learn and develop in an environment suited to their individual needs. Purposeful Montessori materials encourage children to develop concentration, coordination, problem-solving and practical life skills, while our child-led approach nurtures confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
Children also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in our large garden, which benefits from lots of natural shade. The garden provides space for physical development, imaginative play and exploring the natural world, complementing the learning that takes place indoors.
Our unique setting also has a natural advantage during warmer weather. Being situated within the crypt of the church, the nursery benefits from naturally cool indoor spaces, helping children stay comfortable during the summer months.
We are open 51 weeks of the year, from 7.30am to 6pm, providing flexible childcare for busy families. We also offer onsite parking and a dedicated buggy store, making drop-offs and collections easier.
Located in the heart of Shadwell, East London, Montessori by Busy Bees Green Gables is just a two-minute walk from Shadwell Station, providing DLR and Overground connections into the City and Central London. The City can be reached in around 10 minutes, making our nursery particularly convenient for families commuting into central London and the surrounding areas.
About the Benefits
- Up to 25% annual salary bonus
- 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 practise in early years with our Global Talent exchange programme.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage the nursery team to deliver outstanding early years provision
- Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory standards
- Drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and outcomes for children
- Manage staffing, recruitment, performance, and development
- Build strong relationships with families and the local community
- Work closely with regional leadership to deliver quality and occupancy targets
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.
