Busy Bees offers a range of childcare roles across the UK, with Level 3 practitioners earning around £14.77 an hour and nursery managers making between £45,000 and £55,000 a year. Most positions are on-site in their nurseries, though some support and corporate roles offer hybrid or office-based options.
Busy Bees Jobs in UK 2026, Whether you’re entering early years with no experience or bringing years of expertise, Busy Bees provides opportunities in full-time, part-time, and apprenticeship formats. It’s a workplace built for people who want stable, meaningful work that fits real life.
Why?
- Strong Company Values & Culture
Busy Bees emphasizes nurturing and learning. Their mission centers on giving children “the best start in life,” and they support their staff with training, development, and a diverse, inclusive environment. - Competitive Pay & Perks
- Early years educators (practitioners) at Level 3 can earn around £14.77/hour in some locations.
- Managers: Nursery Manager roles can pay between £45,000–£55,000 per year, depending on location and responsibility.
- Employee benefits include up to 50% childcare discount at Busy Bees nurseries.
- Additional perks: holiday entitlement, flexible working, training, and wellbeing support.
- Career Development
- Apprenticeships: Busy Bees has structured apprenticeship programs for professional growth.
- Training & Qualifications: They support employees in gaining Early Years qualifications (Level 2 or Level 3).
- Management & Support Roles: Besides educator roles, Busy Bees hires nursery managers, room leaders, chefs/kitchen staff, and operations/support team members at their National Support Centre.
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Popular Busy Bees Job Roles:
Here are the most common roles you can apply for at Busy Bees, based on current trends likely to continue into 2026:
| Role | Description | Typical Pay / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years Educator / Nursery Practitioner (Level 2 & 3) | Work directly with children, plan activities, follow the EYFS framework. | Around £14.77/hour for Level 3. Plus benefits like pension, discounts, etc. |
| Unqualified Nursery Assistant / Practitioner | Entry-level role, valuable for gaining experience; Busy Bees offers apprenticeships. | Varies by location; often hourly wage plus benefits. |
| Nursery Room Leader | Leadership role within a specific room or age group; helps manage staff and curriculum. | Found across UK Busy Bees centres. |
| Nursery Manager | Overall responsibility for nursery operations, team leadership, quality, and compliance. | £45,000–£55,000/year for some roles. |
| Chef / Kitchen Assistant | Prepare healthy meals for children, maintain kitchen standards. | Hourly wage varies by location. |
| Support & Central Functions | Roles in finance, recruitment, marketing, funding, and other corporate functions at the National Support Centre. | Salary varies depending on role and responsibility. |
Benefits:
Busy Bees invests strongly in its employees’ wellbeing:
- Hive Platform: Internal employee benefits platform provides retail discounts, wellbeing resources, and a rewards system.
- Training & Apprenticeships: Employees can gain early years qualifications or management skills.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible hours, cycle-to-work scheme, and part-time roles make balancing personal life easier.
- Childcare Discount: Employees can get up to 50% off childcare fees at Busy Bees settings.
Challenges to Consider:
- Pay Variation: Salaries and hourly rates vary significantly by location, role, and experience.
- Job Competition: With nearly 400 nurseries, roles may be competitive, especially for specialized or senior positions.
- Emotional & Physical Demands: Working in early years is rewarding but requires stamina, patience, and strong communication skills.
How to Apply for Busy Bees Jobs in UK?
- Visit the Busy Bees Careers Portal
Their official site lists all current vacancies across nurseries and support functions. - Use UK Job Boards
Websites like Indeed often list Busy Bees roles, including nursery practitioners, managers, and assistants. - Prepare Your CV
- Highlight any early years or childcare experience.
- Include qualifications (Level 2, Level 3, or relevant certifications).
- Showcase soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.
- Ace the Interview
Expect questions about child development, activity planning, behavior management, and alignment with Busy Bees values. - Follow Up
After applying, check your application status on portals, or connect with Busy Bees HR via LinkedIn or email.
Why Is a Great Time to Join Busy Bees?
- Growing Demand for Childcare: The early years sector continues to expand in the UK.
- Strong Apprenticeship Focus: Busy Bees is among the top UK apprenticeship employers, supporting staff development.
- Potential for Career Growth: Structured training opens opportunities in teaching, management, and corporate roles.
Conclusion:
Busy Bees offers a wide range of childcare roles in 2026, with competitive pay, flexible options, and clear paths for growth. Employees benefit from strong training, supportive leadership, and a culture built on real purpose. For anyone seeking meaningful, stable, and rewarding early years work, Busy Bees remains one of the strongest employers in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of jobs does Busy Bees offer in the UK?
Busy Bees hires for roles such as Early Years Educators, Nursery Assistants, Room Leaders, Nursery Managers, Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, and various support and corporate positions.
Does Busy Bees hire people with no childcare experience?
Yes. They offer entry-level positions and apprenticeship programs for those new to the early years sector.
How much do Busy Bees staff earn in 2026?
Level 3 practitioners earn around £14.77 per hour, while Nursery Managers typically earn between £45,000 and £55,000 per year. Salaries vary depending on location and experience.
