At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in planning and delivering a fun, safe learning environment for preschool children.
- Company: Join a nurturing nursery dedicated to quality care and education.
- Benefits: Earn £13.50 per hour with flexible part-time hours and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Friendly team atmosphere with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in early years education.
- Qualifications: Passion for child development and previous experience with young children required.
Position Type: Early Years
Pay Range: £13.50 per hour
Position Start Date: 07/01/2026
Contract Type: Part-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 19/12/2025 Midnight
Date of Interviews: TBC
Responsibilities
- To assist with the planning of the curriculum using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum for guidance.
- To help to set up the Nursery interior and exterior to enable it to be a safe, secure, stimulating, and welcoming environment.
- To act as a key person to a small group of children, liaising closely and building an effective relationship with parents/carers and ensuring each child's needs are recognised and met.
- Work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members.
- To advise the Nursery Manager of any concerns e.g., over children, parents, or the safety of equipment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.
- To teach children, offering an appropriate level of support and stimulating play experiences, being aware and knowledgeable of the differing needs in relation to ages of children.
- To ensure that children are kept safe and that you understand when to follow child protection procedures.
- To support snack times within the setting, making it a sociable, productive, and useful tool for supporting children's learning and development.
- To actively participate at team meetings and appraisal meetings.
- To attend training courses as required.
- To keep completely confidential any information regarding the children, their families, or other staff, which is acquired as part of the job.
- To be aware of and adhere to all operational policies and procedures e.g. Safeguarding, health and safety, fire precautions, dropping off and collection of children, food safety, cleanliness of the setting etc.
- To ensure that clear, accurate records are kept and updated regularly and that Child 2 year progress checks are completed and talked about with parents.
- To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Manager, in accordance with the setting's business plan/objectives.
- To take an active role to develop and deliver a play based curriculum to meet the specific needs of two year olds.
- To be alert of issues of safeguarding child protection ensuring that the welfare and safety of children attending the nursery is promoted and safeguarded and to report any child protection concerns to the Manager.
- To monitor supplies of children's play materials and resources and to report any shortfalls to the room leader.
- To ensure the nursery is always kept clean and tidy.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager.
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Willingness to learn/ Energy and passionate about quality children's care and education.
- Previous experience of working with young children.
- Sound knowledge of child development for children from birth to five years.
- Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Knowledge of child protection procedures.
- Able to communicate clearly with adults and children using a variety of techniques (oral and in writing).
- An understanding of play-based approaches to children's learning and development.
- Commitment to equal opportunities.
- Commitment to working effectively with young children and families.
- Friendly and flexible approach at work which facilitates the development of effective relationships.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of Local Authority and Regulatory requirements and inspection processes.
- Working within policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to support and inspire nursery colleagues to achieve the highest standards of care and education.
- Ability to build trust and develop cohesive working relationships with colleagues.
- Able to manage workload and time effectively.
Qualifications
- Minimum Level 2/3 qualification, and a commitment to extend your training (Essential).
- Current First Aid at Work qualification desirable.
- Food Hygiene or equivalent training and compliance in food management (this can be completed as part of Induction).
- Relevant safeguarding/child protection training undertaken and a willingness to update training regularly (essential).
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
Terms and Conditions
Hours: Minimum 14.5, maximum 25.5 hours per week over 5 days.
Part-time Preschool/Nursery Assistant employer: St Teresa's
Tender Tots Childcare is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a nurturing environment for children. With a commitment to continuous professional development, flexible working hours, and a supportive team culture, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of Brentwood. Join us to make a meaningful impact on young lives while enjoying a rewarding career in early years education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-time Preschool/Nursery Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's vibe! Visit the place if you can, chat with staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or social media. They can give you insider tips about the nursery and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with children or parents. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and passion for early years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can make a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Part-time Preschool/Nursery Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about providing quality care and education.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your skills and experiences, as this will help us understand why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Teresa's
✨Know Your EYFS
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum before your interview. Being able to discuss how you would use it to plan engaging activities for children will show that you're serious about the role and understand the framework you'll be working within.
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to quality care and education. This will help the interviewer see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in children's lives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations involving children, parents, or safety concerns. Think of a few scenarios in advance and prepare your responses. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your understanding of child protection procedures.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's approach to play-based learning or how they support staff development. This shows that you’re engaged and interested in being part of their team, plus it gives you valuable insight into the workplace culture.
