At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Balham Nursery School, a beloved institution since 1935.
- Benefits: Earn £16.33 per hour with flexible casual hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 or 3 in early years education or equivalent required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to high-quality education and care.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 17 £ per hour.
About Us
Balham Nursery is a Wandsworth Maintained Nursery School, and it has been a truly unique place for children’s early education since 1935. For over 90 years, generations of our local families and those in neighbouring boroughs have been attending our school. High quality education, care and wellbeing remains paramount in our engagement with all our children, families and our community.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our enthusiastic and motivated team at our Nursery School. You should have a strong commitment to high quality early years education and care, with children at the heart of your thinking.
A Teaching Assistant is required to provide support as a key worker for children aged between 2 and 4 years old and should hold an NVQ level 2 or 3 or equivalent. You would be a member of a dedicated team that works in partnership with parents/carers to serve the best interests of each and every child.
Contract Term: Zero-Hour contract; No hours guaranteed, cover for leave and other absences
Casual Hours: Available to work as and when required (between 8.30am-5.45pm, Monday to Friday - Could include covering meal times, after school, etc)
Hourly Rate: £16.33 per hour - Scale 2 – spine point 4
Term Time Only
Required as soon as possible
For further information and to apply please download an application and details below. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact the school on 020 8673 4055.
When completing the form candidates should refer to the job description and person specification.
Closing date: 23 February 2026 (at noon)
Interviews: 02 March 2026
Candidates for interview will be advised shortly following shortlisting.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. CVs are not accepted.
The Wandsworth Federation of Maintained Nursery Schools
Job Reference: randw/TP/55/8971
Contract Type: Casual
Job Category: Schools / Academies - Support staff roles
Teaching Assistant – CASUAL - Balham Nursery School employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant – CASUAL - Balham Nursery School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your friends, family, and even former colleagues. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Teaching Assistant role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Visit our website regularly and check for any casual opportunities at Balham Nursery School. Sometimes, the best roles are filled before they even get advertised!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with the role of a Teaching Assistant. Show us your passion for early years education and how you can make a difference in children's lives!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant – CASUAL - Balham Nursery School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. We want to see how you fit into our team, so make sure you highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education: Let us know why you're excited about working with children aged 2 to 4 years old. Share any experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to high-quality early years education and care. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the nursery's ethos and values. Research Balham Nursery School and understand their commitment to high-quality early years education. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in the past, whether through previous roles or personal experiences. They want to see that you genuinely care about their development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with children. Think about scenarios like managing behaviour or supporting a child who is struggling. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.