Nursery Assistant; Maternity Cover

Category: Education Support (School Based)

Start Date: April 2026

Closing Date: Mon, Mar 16, 2026

Job Weeks: All Year Round

Hours: 24 hours per week

Type: Fixed Term , Part Time

Job Reference: MAR

Salary:
Support Staff Pay Scale C: £16,083 to £16,336 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£24,796 - £25,185 full time/full year equivalent)

Part Time: 24 hours per week / 3 days (Monday, Tuesday, Friday)

Fixed Term: until 12th March 2027

Working Weeks: 52 weeks

Start Date:
April 2026

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. This is a great opportunity to work alongside an early years team that shares your passion.

• 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

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

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 (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

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.

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.

Although there is no on-site parking, the school and…