Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a fun, safe nursery environment.
- Company: Join the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust's vibrant workplace nursery.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff development, NHS pension, and free psychological support.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while having fun every day!
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in Childcare & Education and experience with under 5s required.
- Other info: Opportunities for further training and career progression available.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
First Steps Nursery is a purpose built NHS workplace nursery for staff working for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. A brand new build has been built onsite at the Conquest Hospital and opened in January 2022. The nursery provides full day care for 56 children a day aged 4 months to 8 years.
A Full‑time Nursery Assistant is needed to cover a maternity leave for up to one year. The successful candidate will hold a minimum NVQ level 2 in Childcare & Education (or equivalent) and have some work experience with children under 5 years.
Key Qualifications- NVQ level 2 in Childcare & Education (or equivalent) and experience with children under 5.
- Good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Effective communication skills.
- Flexibility to work varied hours within the week; shifts are given four weeks in advance.
- Assist the Management team in providing the highest quality Child care and Education in a safe, caring and stimulating environment.
- Look after and plan educational activities for children attending the full‑day care services, maintaining child‑to‑staff ratios and complying with Ofsted and Trust procedures and policies.
- Plan, execute and evaluate the education/play programme appropriate to the age of the child within the childcare provision (registered from 4 months to 8 years), following the national framework for Foundation Stage.
- Provide appropriate play opportunities and interact positively with the children.
- Communicate effectively to parents/carers, providing concise detail about each child’s day.
- Assist in setting out rooms with resources and arrange furniture to enable children to access them.
- Use the nursery’s behaviour management procedures when disciplining children.
- Additional child‑centred duties requested by the children, including:
- Be happy with a smiley face.
- Have lots of fun.
- Give good cuddles.
- Tell lots of stories (using different props).
- Do silly dances.
- Play lots of games.
- Play dressing up.
- Go on outdoor adventures.
- Like to get messy.
Further training will be offered, with the opportunity to progress to a Level 3 qualification with support.
Benefits- Staff development.
- Enrolment in the NHS pension scheme.
- Auto‑enrolment to the Temporary Workforce Service.
- Access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation.
- Free psychological support through the confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
- On‑site parking available for only £50 a year.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
This advert closes on Friday 6 Mar 2026.
Nursery Assistant - Maternity Cover | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in St Leonards employer: ESHT
Contact Detail:
ESHT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Assistant - Maternity Cover | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in St Leonards
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust's First Steps Nursery if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the vibe will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your experience! When chatting with the interviewers, highlight your past work with children under 5. Share specific stories or activities you've done that align with the nursery's focus on fun and educational play. This will help them see how you'd fit right in!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Brush up on your knowledge of EYFS principles and how they apply to planning activities for young children. This shows you're not just qualified but also passionate about providing quality care and education.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and gives you a better chance of landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Assistant - Maternity Cover | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in St Leonards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Childcare: When writing your application, let your love for working with children shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to providing a nurturing environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key qualifications mentioned in the job description. Highlight your NVQ level 2 in Childcare & Education and any relevant experience you have with children under 5.
Be Clear and Concise: Use straightforward language and keep your application clear. We want to understand your skills and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff. Remember, effective communication is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you can ensure that all your details are captured correctly and it helps us process your application more efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESHT
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage and any relevant childcare practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand what’s expected.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your love for childcare and how you engage with kids in a fun and educational way.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with children. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed behaviour or planned engaging activities, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions prepared about the nursery's approach to education or how they support staff development. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position and want to be part of their team.