At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 0-5 in a fun, play-based learning environment.
- Company: Astro Education, transforming early years education with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, free professional development, and mentoring.
- Other info: Join a community that values you and offers long-term career support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 qualification in Childcare and experience with young children.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 24750 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent - Staffordshire
Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Day-to-Day, Short Term, Long Term & Temp-to-Perm opportunities
Salary: £90 – £95 per day (depending on experience and qualifications)
Employer: Astro Education
About the Role
Are you passionate about early years education and giving children the very best start in life? Astro Education is proud to be working in partnership with a number of warm, welcoming nurseries and early years settings across Stoke, who are looking for caring, creative and reliable Nursery Assistants and Nursery Practitioners to join their teams immediately. You’ll be supporting children aged 0–5 in a play-based environment, helping to plan and deliver engaging activities that support the EYFS curriculum and encourage learning through exploration.
Your role may include:
- Supporting key children with their learning and development
- Setting up safe, stimulating indoor and outdoor play environments
- Assisting with observations and learning journals
- Building strong relationships with children, parents and carers
- Promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of all children
Whether you’re a qualified Nursery Practitioner, a Level 2/3 Childcare professional, or have experience in early years and are looking to grow your career, we’d love to hear from you.
What We’re Looking For
- Level 2 or 3 qualification in Childcare / Early Years Education
- Experience working with children aged 0–5 (paid or voluntary)
- A nurturing, patient and positive approach
- An understanding of the EYFS framework
- DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one)
About Astro Education
At Astro Education, we’re transforming how schools and early years settings connect with talented professionals. Founded and led by experienced school leaders, we believe in ethical recruitment, transparency, and long-term support. When you join Astro, you’re not just taking an assignment, you’re joining a community that values and supports you.
We offer:
- Regular check-ins and feedback from our team
- Free professional development and mentoring
- Long-term partnerships with trusted nurseries and schools
- Our 12-week “temp-to-perm” model, helping you secure permanent roles with confidence
Why Apply Through Astro?
You’ll be fully supported by Darren Locke, our Recruitment & Educational Development Lead, who brings over 30 years of leadership experience in education. Darren and the team will ensure you’re confident, happy, and thriving in your role.
Interested? Let’s talk! Apply today or contact Darren Locke directly for an informal chat: Astro Education – Recruiting and retaining great educators across Cheshire, Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent.
Nursery Assistant / Practitioner in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Astro Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
Astro Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Assistant / Practitioner in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your friends, family, and former colleagues in the education sector. You never know who might have a lead on a Nursery Assistant role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow nurseries and educational organisations on social media. Engage with their posts and share your passion for early years education. This can help you get noticed and even lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years education. Think about how you’d support children’s learning and development, and be ready to share your experiences and ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly means you’ll be in the best position to get noticed by our team at Astro Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Assistant / Practitioner in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about giving children the best start in life, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your dedication.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your qualifications and experiences that align with what we’re looking for, especially your understanding of the EYFS framework and your experience with children aged 0-5.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our nurseries.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for all the exciting opportunities we have at Astro Education. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astro Education Ltd
✨Know Your EYFS
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understanding how it works and being able to discuss its principles will show that you're not just passionate about early years education, but also knowledgeable about the standards expected in a nursery setting.
✨Show Your Nurturing Side
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've supported children's learning and development in the past. Whether it's through play-based activities or building relationships with children and parents, demonstrating your nurturing approach will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a nursery environment. Think about situations where you've had to ensure safety, promote wellbeing, or engage children in learning, and prepare concise responses that highlight your experience and thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's approach to professional development or how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you.