Join Our Team – Early Years Office Administrator / HR Support (Maternity Cover)
Hours: Min. 32 hours to Max. 40 hours
Ideal Start Date: Week Commencing 17th August
About Us
Little Pearls Nursery has proudly served our community for over 8 years, and our natural, child-centred approach has earned us a reputation that speaks for itself — with over 50 families currently on our waiting list.
We're looking for an organised, proactive and personable Early Years Office Administrator / HR Support to join our team on a maternity cover contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a thriving, independent nursery where no two days are the same and where every member of the team plays a vital role in supporting children, families and colleagues.
At Little Pearls, we believe in celebrating every child as unique. Our ethos is built on strong relationships with families, a warm and inclusive environment, and an unrelenting drive for continual improvement. We are proud to be an independent setting with a culture of collaboration and high standards. Many of our team members have been with us for over five years, creating a kind, respectful and supportive workplace.
Learn more about us at www.littlepearls.co.uk
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking someone who is:
- Highly organised with excellent administrative skills and attention to detail.
- A confident communicator who enjoys building positive relationships with families, colleagues and external professionals.
- Experienced in office administration, HR administration or a similar role (experience within an early years or education setting is desirable but not essential).
- Able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
- Confident using Microsoft Office and digital systems.
- Discreet, trustworthy and able to handle confidential information appropriately.
- Positive, adaptable and happy to support the wider nursery team wherever needed.
- Committed to maintaining high standards and contributing to our ambitious, quality-driven ethos.
Key Responsibilities
As our Early Years Office Administrator / HR Support, you will:
- Be the first point of contact for parents, visitors and telephone enquiries, providing a warm and professional welcome.
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to the nursery leadership team.
- Assist with HR administration, including recruitment paperwork, onboarding/offboarding, maintaining employee records and supporting safer recruitment processes.
- Maintain accurate digital and paper filing systems while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with GDPR.
- Prepare letters, reports and nursery documentation.
- Coordinate meetings, training sessions and staff communications.
- Order and manage office, first aid and nursery supplies, ensuring stock levels are maintained.
- Liaise with external agencies, professionals and suppliers as required.
- Support the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery office and administrative systems, such as managing and tracking overtime.
- Maintain office equipment and contribute to an organised, efficient working environment.
- Assist with compliance, record keeping and documentation to support Ofsted and statutory requirements such as health and safety.
- Work collaboratively with the management team to continuously improve nursery systems and processes.
Experience
- Previous administration experience is essential.
- HR administration experience is desirable but not essential.
- Experience within an early years, education or childcare environment would be advantageous.
- Excellent organisational, time management and communication skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and work independently while supporting a busy team.
Why Join Little Pearls?
We value our team and offer a generous range of benefits:
- Competitive salary, reviewed at the end of probation and annually
- Mileage and travel allowance for work-related journeys
- Free enhanced DBS check for all staff
- Childcare discount on non-funded hours at our nursery (conditions apply)
- Free hot lunch daily and access to a Nespresso coffee machine
- Flexible working patterns to support work-life balance
- Flexible dependent days to support school holidays and family needs
- 28 days of annual leave, including all bank holidays off, increasing with length of service
- Long service awards starting at 3 years
- Closed for one week over Christmas (dates confirmed annually)
- Closed on all bank holidays
- Pay advances available when times are tough
- Travel cost loans to help with commuting or relocation
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Company pension scheme
- Paid bereavement leave
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential advice, counselling and discounts on shopping, travel and more
- Tailored CPD and professional development opportunities
- Leadership development and progression opportunities within our growing organisation
- Employee mentoring programme
- Health and wellbeing programme
- Casual dress code in our modern, purpose-built nursery
- Free nearby staff parking
- Regular team socials and staff appreciation events
- Birthday gifts and bonuses
- A supportive, inclusive workplace where people genuinely enjoy coming to work
Work Structure
- Monday to Friday
- No evenings or weekends
- Maternity Cover
- Stable and supportive working environment within a successful, growing nursery
If you're an organised, enthusiastic administrator who enjoys supporting people and making a real difference behind the scenes, we'd love to hear from you.
Safeguarding Statement
At Little Pearls Nursery Ltd, safeguarding is of paramount importance. We are fully committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. We follow safer recruitment procedures, including enhanced DBS checks, reference checks and thorough vetting, to ensure all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children. Our team receives regular safeguarding training and follows clear policies and procedures in line with statutory guidance. We maintain a culture of vigilance and accountability, ensuring every child feels safe, valued and supported.
Apply today and become part of the Little Pearls family.
Pay: £27,040.00-£29,120.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
- a good level of English (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- Level 2 qualification in Early Years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
