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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and care for children, creating engaging learning activities.
- Company: Join a top-rated nursery with a community-driven ethos.
- Benefits: Generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with young children and a passion for early years education.
- Other info: Employee-owned company with strong values and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 26000 ÂŁ per year.
Job details
- Posting date: 17 October 2025
- Salary: ÂŁ12.36 per hour
- Hours: Full time
- Closing date: 16 November 2025
- Location: Winchester, SO22 5HT
- Remote working: On-site only
- Company: Childbase Partnership
- Job type: Permanent
- Job reference: DWP-UNP-WD-R2
Summary
Role: Nursery Assistant/Unqualified Nursery Practitioner.
Location: West Downs Day Nursery | Winchester | SO22 5HT.
Contract: Permanent | 22.5-40 hours/week | 52 weeks/year.
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30 | We can consider full-time and part-time hours.
Salary: ÂŁ25,708.80 per annum (pro-rata) | ÂŁ12.36 per hour.
We’ve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 43-day nurseries, Head Office, and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in “careers, not jobs”, supporting one another to grow and succeed.
Why join us?
- Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro-rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
- Work-life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive; take your leave or sell the days you accrue, tax‑free.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
- Exclusive partner benefits: Long‑service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will‑writing service.
- Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.
About us
We are employee‑owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax‑free dividend.
We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.
We are community‑driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.
We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.
About you
You are passionate about inspiring children: You have some experience of caring for babies and children aged five and under, ideally in an early years environment.
You are skilled in creating opportunities for learning: Your knowledge of child development, and ideally your EYFS knowledge, will enable you to work as a Key Person, planning and implementing high‑quality, engaging activities that promote learning through play; observing, assessing and recording children’s progress.
You are an advocate for safeguarding: You will ensure every child feels safe, valued, and happy and their well‑being is promoted.
You are collaborative: You enjoy working in partnership with others, and will effectively communicate with children, parents and colleagues, building strong and positive relationships.
We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required.
If you meet the essential criteria for this role, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step. Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.
Nursery Assistant employer: Childbase Partnership
Contact Detail:
Childbase Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or check out their website. Understanding their ethos and values will help you connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for childcare! When you’re in the interview, share specific examples of how you've inspired children in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to child development or team dynamics. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to engage with the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows your appreciation for the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences you have and why you love inspiring young minds. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your knowledge of child development and any experience in early years settings. This helps us see how you fit into our team.
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 understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Familiarise yourself with the nursery's ethos and values, as well as any recent news or initiatives they’ve been involved in. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your experience to their mission.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired or engaged children in learning activities. This will help demonstrate that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career where you can make a difference.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a top priority in any nursery setting. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices and how you would ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your care. This will show that you take this responsibility seriously.
✨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 staff well-being. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you.
