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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's development and create a safe, happy learning environment.
- Company: Join the innovative Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery within the Inspiration Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and access to health plans and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and experience in nursery or preschool settings.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to transforming education in Norfolk.
The predicted salary is between 16083 - 16336 ÂŁ per year.
Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery is seeking to appoint a dedicated, caring and ambitious Nursery Assistant (Maternity Cover) 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.
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.
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. Charles Darwin Primary has close links with the highly successful Jane Austen College and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, ensuring a strong educational pathway from early years through to post-16 education.
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.
Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding. The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.
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 16th 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 (Maternity Cover) in Norwich employer: Inspiration Trust
Contact Detail:
Inspiration Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Assistant (Maternity Cover) in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery and its values before your interview. Research Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery, and think about how your passion for child development aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with children and families, being able to express yourself clearly and warmly is key. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity during the interview! Think of fun activities or learning experiences you could bring to the nursery. This not only highlights your imagination but also demonstrates your commitment to creating a stimulating environment for the kids.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Assistant (Maternity Cover) in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. 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 needed.
Show Off Your Experience: When you’re filling out the application, highlight any relevant experience you have working with children, especially in a nursery or preschool setting. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do at Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery.
Be Personal and Professional: While it’s important to keep things professional, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone caring and imaginative, so share examples that showcase your passion for child development and creating a positive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website by clicking the Apply button. This way, you’ll get all the updates directly from us, and you won’t miss any important emails during the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage and how it applies to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of child development and be ready to discuss how you would implement learning outcomes in a nursery setting.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've encouraged children's development in previous roles or during your training. This will help demonstrate your commitment to creating a happy and stimulating environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations in the nursery. Think about scenarios involving child safety, communication with parents, or managing challenging behaviour. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, or how the nursery supports children’s individual needs. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.