At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's development and create a safe, happy learning environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking school dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and experience in a nursery or preschool setting.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth and support.
The predicted salary is between 16083 - 16336 £ per year.
Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery is seeking to appoint a dedicated, caring and ambitious Nursery Assistant who is able to support in making sure that our children are safe, happy and stimulated. We are searching for candidates who can also encourage children’s development, create a friendly and purposeful environment and has a minimum level 3 childcare qualification. This is a great opportunity to work alongside an early years team that shares your passion.
What You’ll Be Doing
- To work as part of a team in providing excellent quality childcare and early learning experiences for children, ensuring that the service we offer meets the needs of children and their families.
- To participate in and keep all evidence of planning, tracking and learning outcomes.
- To communicate sensitively and professionally with families and children at all times.
About You
- You will be someone who is caring, patient, imaginative, and creative, with strong communication and organisational skills.
- You should also be flexible, calm under pressure, passionate about child development, and dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children.
- Experience of working in a nursery or pre-school setting.
- Sound understanding of and ability to plan and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- First aid certificate.
- Food hygiene certificate.
- Experience of working with children under 2.
Why Join Inspiration Trust
At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.
We offer:
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions.
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs.
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts, and salary sacrifice options.
- Free parking at most sites.
- Personalised CPD and development programmes.
- A structured and specific induction programme.
About Us
Charles Darwin Primary School and Nursery is a free school located in the heart of Norwich which opened in September 2016 and inspected by Ofsted in April 2025. This is the first ungraded inspection since Ofsted judged the school to be outstanding for overall effectiveness in June 2019. Children who graduate from Charles Darwin are resilient, independent, and confident individuals who express themselves creatively and value their place in the world. They benefit from a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom, helping them stay happy, engaged, and inspired to learn. The school offers an innovative curriculum that encourages every child to thrive, combining a strong academic focus with a rich programme of cultural and sporting opportunities.
Although there is no on-site parking, the school and nursery are just a short walk from Norwich Train Station, served by several bus routes, with a range of paid parking options nearby. We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background.
Next Steps
Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the 'Planning your application' section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Claire Thacker, PA to Principal (ClaireThacker@inspirationtrust.org).
To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form. When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.
Closing date for applications: 12pm on Monday 9th March 2026.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Nursery Assistant in Norwich employer: Inspiration Trust
Contact Detail:
Inspiration Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Assistant in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery and its values! Before your interview, take a stroll around the school’s website and social media. This will help you understand their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Nursery Assistant, you'll need to connect with both kids and parents. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Bring along examples of activities or projects you've done in the past that demonstrate your ability to engage children. Whether it's a fun game or a learning activity, let your imagination shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Assistant in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a Nursery Assistant, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications we value.
Show Off Your Experience: When you’re filling out your application, highlight any relevant experience you have working with children. Whether it’s in a nursery or pre-school setting, let us know how your background aligns with what we need!
Be Personal and Professional: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional too. Use clear language and structure your application well, so it’s easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us safely. Plus, you’ll receive updates directly from our application provider, so keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder)!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Brush up on how it applies to your role as a Nursery Assistant, and be ready to discuss how you would implement it in practice.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for child development shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and well-being in previous roles or experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations in a nursery setting. Think about scenarios involving child safety, communication with parents, or managing challenging behaviour, and prepare your responses.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask about the nursery's approach to child development or team collaboration. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.