We operate a matrix structure and low levels of hierarchy. This means that all of our support functions work together with our operational teams on day-to day operations and on key projects. Our culture enables collaboration through regular meetings, management forums and social events.
Busy Bees was established in Staffordshire in 1983, and is now the largest childcare and EY provider in the UK, and has a global footprint across 10 countries. We are values driven and always put the children at the heart of our decision making. We have had an excellent proven history of growth and strong business performance and have a stable investment model which enables continued growth and success. We talk to our teams about this so they feel part of something larger than just their centre, which is designed to support positive feelings of stability and security.
We ensure respect through a combination of good leadership behaviours underpinned by robust policies. As educators in Early Years, we are supporting children as they navigate social interactions for the first time, so respectful interactions that value the individual are our DNA. We lead by example, and always try to do the right thing in every decision we make.
We ensure ideas and voices are heard through engagement surveys with follow up focus groups. Our leadership teams are often in centres, and are always available for our people to email them directly. We have a more formal Speak Up whistleblowing line that can use if needed.
We have a great culture of support and work collaboratively to ensure delivery of all key projects. We provide apprenticeship programmes, with over 10% of our employees currently studying between level 2 and level 5 qualifications. We support professional development at all levels through coaching and informal mentoring.
Our vision to give the children in our care the “Best Start in Life”, runs through everything we do and every decision we make. As a heavily purpose driven business, our vision and values are extremely important to us, alongside our leadership behaviours. Our vision and values articulate to our people what is important and why we exist, which speaks to our people who join our business because it will align with their intrinsic motivation to work with children.
Superb wellbeing support – from financial, emotional, physical support packages people can access to gain support where they need it.
Amazing team, who work together and celebrate their success through recognition programmes and awards ceremonies.
Empowerment of our managers to develop their own teams and culture in their centre.
Living our values and always challenging us to put children at the heart of our decision making. He balances delivery of key performance metrics with outcomes for the children, our people, and the environment.
As a global business we’re able to offer incredible benefits. For example, our Talent Exchange Programme hosted by our Canadian business this year will give 20 early years educators the opportunity to spend three weeks experiencing work and life in Canada.
In the UK we offer a range of benefits unusual to our industry, including Employee Assistance Programme, financial wellbeing package, enhanced pay for family leave including miscarriage and fertility treatment, discounted childcare, menopause support, retail and gym discounts, cycle to work and many many more.
Busy Bees
The UK’s leading Early Years provider has a clear vision: to give children the best start in life. This is achieved this through an amazing team of over 10,000 dedicated and enthusiastic people who deliver this vision every day.
Busy Bees was established in Staffordshire in 1983 and has grown to become the largest provider of early years childcare in the nation, with over 390 nurseries across the UK and Ireland, and almost 1000 nurseries globally.
With four decades of experience, Busy Bees has developed a practical, child-centred approach to providing exceptional early years education that exceeds the Government’s standards to ensure every child gets the best start in life.
At Busy Bees, our people are passionate about delivering early years education that empowers and inspires children to create their own futures.
Busy Bees Nurseries
National Support Centre
Shaftsbury Drive, Burntwood
Staffordshire WS7 9QP
Early Years Education and Childcare
Simon Irons
10000 +
