Nursery Assistant

Nursery Assistant

Ipswich Full-Time No home office possible
O

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with children through play, reading, and activities to support their development.
  • Company: Join Ormiston Families, a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and families in the East of England.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, employee discounts, and mental health support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a fun, supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Must have a level 2 qualification in childcare and experience with young children.
  • Other info: Flexible hours available, including full-time and part-time options.

Ormiston Families, trading as Play Out Nursery, is one of the leading charities working with children, young people, and families in the East of England. We take early and preventative action to support families to be safe, healthy, and resilient.

At Play Out, a Nursery Assistant is involved in looking after all aspects of a young child’s development. You will play a vital role in helping children to grow socially and emotionally as well as supporting aspects of their physical and cognitive development. The role involves being hands on with the children in the setting (ranging from babies to pre-schoolers) and that means joining in with play activities, reading stories, singing songs and generally being a playmate for the children.

Responsibilities of a Nursery Assistant:
  • To provide all aspects of basic care for the babies/children within the nursery.
  • To assist in the planning and provision of age appropriate child and adult led activities within the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
  • To act as Key Person for allocated children, completing observations and maintaining learning journeys to record their progress and development.
  • To maintain relevant records and complete appropriate assessments for key children i.e. two year old progress checks and EYFS profiles.
  • To ensure the nursery provides a high quality, safe, stimulating and supportive environment in which children are recognised as unique, competent and active learners.
  • To undertake appropriate training and professional development activities as required.
  • To ensure the effective use of equipment and resources and routine cleaning of toys/equipment to maintain the hygiene and safety within the nursery.
  • To actively promote the provision with potential and existing parents and outside agencies.
  • To adhere to Safeguarding, including child protection, policy, procedures and practices.
  • To develop and maintain strong partnership and communication with parents/carers to facilitate day to day caring and early learning needs.
Skills and Experience of a Nursery Assistant:
  • Full and relevant level 2 qualification or equivalent (minimum).
  • Experience of working in an early years setting.
  • Baby/toddler room roles - experience of working with children under two/over two.
  • Baby/toddler room roles - training specifically related to the care of babies/toddlers.
  • Current paediatric first aid certificate.
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of the EYFS and ability to plan and evaluate age appropriate activities.
Benefits of a Nursery Assistant:
  • Company pension scheme.
  • Regular staff events.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Employee Discount Scheme.
  • We have trained Mental Health First Aiders who form our Wellbeing Team, promoting mental and physical health.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme.
  • Sick Pay.
  • Discount in local shops.
  • Hourly Rate: Β£12.60 per hour (FTE Β£24,570 - Real Living Wage).
  • We have a range of hours available including:
  • Full-time Permanent Post working 37.5 hours.
  • Part-time Permanent posts either working 8am to 1pm or 1pm to 6pm.
  • As & When (bank).

For further information and to apply please visit our Work With Us page via our Ormiston Families' website.

Ormiston Families is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. We are an equal opportunities employer; we value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Nursery Assistant employer: Ormiston Families

At Ormiston Families, trading as Play Out Nursery, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and nurturing employer dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our staff and the children we serve. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, with ample opportunities for professional development and training, ensuring that our Nursery Assistants can thrive in their roles. Located in the heart of the East of England, we offer competitive benefits including a company pension scheme, employee assistance programmes, and regular staff events, making us an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in early years education.
O

Contact Detail:

Ormiston Families Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Nursery Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understanding its principles will not only help you in your role but also show us that you're committed to providing high-quality care and education for children.

✨Tip Number 2

Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or shadowing in a nursery setting. This will give you practical insights into daily routines and activities, making you a more attractive candidate when you apply.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in early years education. Attend local workshops or community events to meet others in the field, which can lead to valuable connections and potential job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends and best practices in early childhood education. This knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your passion for the role when you come to interview with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Assistant

Child Development Knowledge
Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Experience in Early Years Settings
Paediatric First Aid Certification
Observation and Assessment Skills
Activity Planning and Evaluation
Communication Skills with Parents and Carers
Ability to Create a Safe and Stimulating Environment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Adaptability to Different Age Groups
Strong Interpersonal Skills
Commitment to Safeguarding and Child Protection
Creativity in Engaging Children
Basic Hygiene and Safety Practices

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for a Nursery Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, particularly in early years settings. Mention specific activities you have led or participated in that align with the role.

Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to include your full and relevant level 2 qualification or equivalent in your application. If you have additional certifications, such as a paediatric first aid certificate, be sure to mention these as well.

Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for working with children and your understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you can contribute to the nursery's environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Families

✨Show Your Passion for Childcare

Make sure to express your genuine love for working with children. Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to their development, whether it's through play, storytelling, or educational activities.

✨Familiarise Yourself with the EYFS

Since the role involves planning age-appropriate activities, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement this in your daily activities.

✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills

Working as a Nursery Assistant requires collaboration with other staff members. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, highlighting your communication skills and ability to support colleagues.

✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions

Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of child protection policies and procedures. You might be asked how you would handle specific situations, so think through your responses in advance.

Nursery Assistant
Ormiston Families
O
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>