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Nursery Practitioner Level 2

Busy Bees
Pay £11.66 per hour / £24,252 pro rata
Location Macclesfield - SK11 8AT
Contract time Full time

Breakroom Rating

5.0

Rating based on 705 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

  • People enjoy this job
  • Recommended by students
  • Recommended by parents
  • Respectful managers
  • Proper breaks

About the job

Job description from Busy Bees

Job Summary
Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Level 2

Hours: Full Time - 32-40 hours

Salary: £11.66 per hour / £24,252 pro rata

About us: At Busy Bees Nurseries in Macclesfield, we're more than just a Nursery - we are a family, a community, and a home away from home for both our children and our team members. Nestled in the heart of this beautiful city, our nursery is buzzing with energy, laughter, and endless possibilities for growth and development.

What Makes Us Special? Our nurseries are a hive of activity, filled with the joyous sounds of children learning, playing, and exploring the world around them. Every day is an adventure, and we're committed to creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged, imaginations run wild, and friendships blossom.

Our Team: What truly sets Busy Bees Nursery apart is our incredible team of dedicated and passionate individuals. From our experienced practitioners to our nurturing support staff, everyone plays a vital role in shaping the lives of our children and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, giving our children the best start in life.

The Role: As a Nursery Practitioner, you will play a pivotal role in creating enriching experiences for our children. Your responsibilities will include:
  • Providing high-quality care and support to children, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
  • Planning and implementing a diverse range of engaging activities that promote learning and development.
  • Building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues to foster a sense of belonging and community within the nursery.
  • Observing and assessing children's progress, tailoring activities to meet their individual needs and interests.
  • Maintaining a safe, clean, and stimulating environment that complies with health and safety regulations.


Why Work With Us? Working at Busy Bees Nursery is more than just a job - here, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young children, laying the foundation for their future success and happiness. Whether you're leading engaging activities, comforting a tearful toddler, or celebrating a milestone moment, every moment is meaningful and rewarding.

In addition to this, we welcome our team with the following benefits:
  • 50% off Childcare
  • 28 days holiday per year (inc bank holidays) - because we all need time to relax and revitalize!
  • Your Birthday off... on us!
  • Health & Wellbeing Apps - Confidential Employee Assistance Programme as well as Peppy and Mental Health support.
  • Enhanced family leave.
  • Exclusive discounts across multiple stores and activities.

And so much more!

Join Our Family: If you're looking for a career that's fulfilling, inspiring, and filled with love, Busy Bees Nursery is the place for you. Join our hive and become part of something truly special - where every day brings new opportunities to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.

How to Get in Touch: Ready to embark on this incredible journey with us? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us today to learn more about our current job opportunities and discover why Busy Bees Nursery is the perfect place to spread your wings!
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About Busy Bees

Busy Bees is a nursery group.

The best things about working at Busy Bees

  • 78% say they have respectful managers
  • 77% say they get proper breaks
  • 76% say they enjoy their job

Featured by Busy Bees, based on 705 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

Perks of working at Busy Bees from Busy Bees

  • 💰 Leading pay and bonuses
  • 💸 Up to 50% discount on childcare fees at our nurseries
  • 🎓 Amazing learning and development opportunities
  • 🚀 Career advancement opportunities and the ability to create your own pathway
  • 🤑 High street retail and online discounts
  • 🥳 Your birthday off in addition to your annual holiday
  • ⚖️ Flexibility to work around your life commitments
  • 🌎 Opportunities to work globally through our talent exchange programme
  • 🙇 Recognition and rewards to say thank you for a job well done
  • 🤕 Employee Assistance Programme as well as our Peppy and Mental Health Apps to help you navigate life when things are tricky
  • 💞 A company-wide commitment to employee wellbeing and a culture of giving back

Diversity and inclusion statement from Busy Bees

At Busy Bees Nurseries, we’re all about embracing the world with the pure, open-hearted spirit of a child who sees no differences—just a bunch of inspirational individuals ready to learn and grow together! We’re on a mission to create an environment where everyone, no matter their background, feels that warm sense of belonging and appreciation.

Just like we encourage little ones to be curious and kind, we’re shaking things up in our hiring processes. We’re not just aiming for fairness and equity – we want to tear down any barriers that might stand in the way of fantastic people becoming part of Busy Bees. And we’re not just ticking boxes; we’re creating a workplace that celebrates the unique strengths each person brings.

So, join us in looking at the world through the eyes of a child – making Busy Bees Nurseries a place where everyone can shine and share their awesome talents.

Company values from Busy Bees

Care
We take care of the children entrusted to us and our dedicated staff. All are appreciated and diversity is valued.

Quality
We maintain the highest standards in care and safety and provide exceptional early years education.

Service
We provide exceptional service and are integral to supporting parents bringing up children.

Value
We provide outstanding value for our families.

Pay Explainer from Busy Bees

The pay range for roles at Busy Bees is dependent on age, seniority, and location.

  • Apprentices and 16-17 year olds are paid £7.50 per hour
  • 18-20 year olds are paid £8.67 per hour (£12 per hour If you’re based in Scotland)
  • 21+ year olds are paid £11.53 per hour (£12 per hour If you’re based in Scotland)
Three nursery workers posing with a child
Nursery worker reading with a child
Nursery worker smiling while at a crafts station
A smiling Busy Bees chef
Nursery worker playing with two children in a pretend kitchen
Male practitioner and child

What Busy Bees employees say

705 Busy Bees employees have taken the Breakroom Quiz and told us what it’s really like to work there. Here’s everything they have told us:

Breakroom Rating for Busy Bees

5.0

Busy Bees

Based on 705 employees from Busy Bees who took the Breakroom Quiz

5.4

Childcare providers average

Based on 3,224 employees from childcare providers who took the Breakroom Quiz

Pay

    Okay
  • Only some people are paid a living wage

    Do Busy Bees pay nursery practitioners enough to live on?

    Some people are not paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    65% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Okay
  • Only some people are paid market rates

    Do Busy Bees pay nursery practitioners market rates?

    Only some people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    37% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 91 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Needs improving
  • Under 21s get paid less than everyone else

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees get paid the same regardless of age?

    No, people under the age of 21 get paid less than those above 21.

    See what Busy Bees pays different age groups

    How we know this

    The average pay of under 21s is less than those who are over 21.

    Based on data from 135 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and November 2024.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    93% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 87 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get sick pay

    Do Busy Bees pay nursery practitioners sick pay?

    No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    95% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 77 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Okay
  • Some people do unpaid extra work

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    48% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do nursery practitioners get of their shift pattern at Busy Bees?

    Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 92% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 6% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 0% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 1% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.

    This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.

  • Good
  • Most people don’t worry about their hours

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees worry about hours?

    Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    85% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 74 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.

    A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.

    This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    41% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 85 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Needs improving
  • Hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for nursery practitioners at Busy Bees to change shifts?

    Most people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    68% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to book holiday

    How easy is it for nursery practitioners to book a holiday at Busy Bees?

    Some people find it hard to book holiday.

    How we know this

    51% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.

    Based on data from 80 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Okay
  • Shifts can get changed at short notice

    Do Busy Bees managers change nursery practitioners shifts at short notice?

    Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    51% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 78 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people find it hard to take sick leave

    How easy is it for nursery practitioners to take sick leave at Busy Bees?

    Most people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    70% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 80 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Good
  • Most students say it’s good

    Is nursery practitioners at Busy Bees job good for students?

    Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    How we know this

    71% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.

    Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.

  • Okay
  • Only some parents say it’s good

    Is working as nursery practitioners at Busy Bees good if you have caring responsibilities?

    Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    41% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2022 and October 2024.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    69% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 71 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Good
  • Most people get proper breaks

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees get proper breaks?

    Most people get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    81% of people report that they get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 81 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed

    Is it stressful for nursery practitioners to work at Busy Bees?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    87% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Good
  • Most people enjoy their job

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees enjoy their jobs?

    Most people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    70% of people report they enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 71 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do nursery practitioners at Busy Bees recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    61% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do nursery practitioners get enough training when they start at Busy Bees?

    Some people did’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    44% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 82 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get support to progress

    Are nursery practitioners given support to progress at Busy Bees?

    Only some people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 44% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 78 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do nursery practitioners think Busy Bees head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    77% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 77 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Okay
  • Only some people feel well informed by head office

    Do nursery practitioners feel well informed about how Busy Bees is doing?

    Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    53% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 80 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Busy Bees job reviews

  • Best thing

    The family’s I get to know

    Worst thing

    The volume of work and lack of time to do it

    5.0

    Busy Bees Employee, September 2024

  • Best thing

    The children
    Helping SEN children develop

    Worst thing

    It’s very cliquey. You get left on your own while all other staff are together in one room.
    You’re a complete outsider if you’re 0 hours.
    Barely get any shifts apart from lunch cover on 0 hours (and then they hired extra staff to cover proper shifts).
    Nitpicking.

    4.3

    Busy Bees Early years practitioner, September 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    Seeing the children progress.
    Knowing you've helped SEN children develop.
    Knowing the children have a bond with you.
    Bonding with parents.
    Working in a room where i get along with others.

    Worst thing

    Pettiness.
    Cliques.
    Management having favourites.
    Unrealistic demands on busy days.
    No consideration for staff's wellbeing.
    Over ratio.

    Not taking into consideration that a room needs extra help for when SEN children are in and the 1:3/1:5/1:8 ratio can't be done when the SEN child needs your whole attention.
    NEVER getting off on time.
    You can't even book a doctor's appointment without scrutiny.
    No praise.
    Scare mongering and threats with moving you into another room if you aren't doing well.

    You don't feel valued, you are just a number in a room to account for the children, they don't care if you're sick, if your pet is dying or sick, if you want to go to your close friend or in laws funeral ("because they aren't family")
    I can go on.....

    3.7

    Busy Bees Early years practitioner, June 2024

  • Best thing

    Children
    Staff team
    Pay

    Worst thing

    Sick pay
    Calling in sick

    6.1

    Busy Bees Early years practitioner, June 2024

  • Best thing

    The team,close to home

    Worst thing

    Some management aren’t supportive

    3.5

    Busy Bees Employee, June 2024

  • Best thing

    The children
    Some staff members
    Weekends off

    Worst thing

    Management don’t give a crap about you
    Pay isn’t livable
    Staff are very cliquey
    Expected to do overtime every day because we “don’t have the staff”
    Often asked to work overtime/ demanded to work overtime
    No time for paperwork
    Room managers pick and choose who they like
    Not good work/home balance
    Expected to do training in your holiday time/ not paid for training expected to do it at home
    Rotas are changed +3x a week with no notice
    Most staff are terrified to call in sick in fear of being treated horribly

    1.3

    Busy Bees Nursery practitioner, June 2024

  • Best thing

    The best things about my job is looking and caring for children, bringing their development to their full capacity

    Worst thing

    Management, room management, HR, pay, no respect to staff when ill or other priorities.

    6.0

    Busy Bees Nursery practitioner, August 2022

  • Best thing

    Helping children grow, getting to know children and parents

    Worst thing

    Working too much overtime and not having a day off in week

    Also not able to have the holiday off or not knowing if you can get holiday off

    3.7

    Busy Bees Nursery practitioner, May 2022

  • Best thing

    Looking after little babies is amazing, you do everything you can to teach them and help them grow.

    Worst thing

    It's hard work sometimes no team work in certain times

    4.9

    Busy Bees Room leader, December 2020

  • Best thing

    Seeing the children learn new things and knowing you helped them learn it.
    I’ve made some really great friends.
    I have a good bond with the children even though they won’t remember me.

    Worst thing

    The pay!
    The lack of incentive to work there.
    The bitchyness.

    3.7

    Busy Bees Room leader, November 2020

  • More reviews from Busy Bees employees

Breakroom’s rough guide to being a nursery nurse or assistant

Nursery nurses and assistants

Nursery nurses and assistants help babies and children up to 5 years old to develop and learn preschool skills

What you’ll do as a teaching assistant:

  • Support in the nursery or preschool
  • Support children with their educational needs
  • Be responsible for the health and safety of children
  • Listen, support and care for children

Is it right for you?

This job may involve:

  • Standing
  • Sitting
  • Physical activities
  • Using a computer
  • Emotionally demanding duties

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