Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
We are a dedicated education-based organisation committed to providing outstanding early years education and childcare within a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment. Our nursery is passionate about helping every child achieve their full potential through high-quality learning experiences, exceptional care and meaningful partnerships with families.
We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and motivated Early Education and Childcare Assistant to join our Early Years team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting young children's learning, development and wellbeing.
About the Role
Reporting to the Nursery Manager or Room Leader, the Early Education and Childcare Assistant will support the delivery of high-quality early years education and childcare in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with colleagues to provide a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment that promotes children's learning, development, health and wellbeing.
The role involves supporting children's daily routines, educational activities, safeguarding, health and safety, and building positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning and delivery of high-quality learning and play activities that promote children's physical, emotional, social, language and cognitive development.
- Assist in implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum to support children's learning and school readiness.
- Provide a safe, caring, stimulating and inclusive environment where children can learn and develop through play.
- Build positive, caring and professional relationships with children, encouraging confidence, independence and positive behaviour.
- Observe children's development and contribute to the recording of observations, assessments and learning journeys.
- Support children's personal care needs, including toileting, handwashing, dressing and promoting independence where appropriate.
- Assist with mealtimes, encouraging healthy eating habits and supporting children with individual dietary requirements.
- Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion by ensuring every child receives appropriate support regardless of their background or individual needs.
- Support children with additional needs by following individual support plans and working alongside colleagues and external professionals where appropriate.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection prevention throughout the nursery environment.
- Prepare and organise learning resources, equipment and classroom areas.
- Follow safeguarding procedures and immediately report any concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child.
- Comply with all nursery policies, health and safety procedures and risk assessments.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
- Build positive relationships with parents and carers by providing professional and courteous day-to-day communication.
- Attend team meetings, supervision sessions and mandatory training as required.
- Support outings, educational visits and special events organised by the nursery.
- Assist in maintaining accurate records relating to children's attendance, accidents, incidents and daily activities.
- Participate in continuous professional development to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.
Essential Requirements
- Level 2 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (or willingness to work towards a recognised qualification).
- Genuine interest in supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing.
- Good understanding of child development and age-appropriate learning through play.
- Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Patient, caring and enthusiastic approach to working with young children.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Basic IT skills for recording observations and communicating with colleagues.
Desirable
- Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
- Previous experience working within a nursery, preschool or early years setting.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Knowledge of behaviour management strategies appropriate to early years settings.
- Experience using electronic learning journal systems.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Comprehensive induction and mentoring programme.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities to gain further early years qualifications.
- Career progression within a growing education organisation.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives.
- A friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment procedures, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity verification, Right to Work checks, qualification verification and any other pre-employment checks required by legislation.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of young children and would like to join our dedicated Early Years team, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £25,500.00-£26,700.00 per year
Work Location: In person
