Childcare Assistant

Childcare Assistant

The closing date is 09 March 2026

Are you looking for an amazing first role in your childcare career? Or maybe you want to move to a larger childcare setting where you'll make a real difference?

Due to expansion we’re looking for full and part‑time Level 2 or 3‑qualified Childcare Assistants to join our fantastic Sunshine Day Nursery teams at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

Offering year-round childcare to NHS and hospital staff, each site cares for up to 144 children and features dedicated baby, toddler, and pre‑school units, extended opening hours (6.30am to 7pm), alongside a school holiday club at the Northern General.

We pride ourselves on giving children the best start in life, and our great staff are committed to giving children a fun, social, stimulating, and safe environment for them to develop and thrive.

We're looking for people who share our enthusiasm, commitment, and high standards to delivering fantastic childcare. To apply, you'll need your Level 2/3 Early Years / Childcare qualification, and a sound knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards.

Being part of the NHS, you'll also have access to a wide range of rewards and benefits you won't find in the private sector - from pay progression, great annual leave and NHS pension, flexible hours, discounts with local and national shops and retailers, discounted travel, childcare with us, and more.

Providing an interesting and stimulating environment which is well organised and facilitates independence and resourcefulness for the children.

Developing quality activities and role play situations, inside and outside which provide an interesting, inclusive and stimulating environment.

Providing excellent care and educational opportunities for the children within your care.

Contributing to the organisation, preparation, and collection of resources in the nursery.

Planning and implementing activities and experiences which are appropriate for children of all ages and stages of development using the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and Ofsted guidelines.

Preparing children's work for display, ensuring that it is well presented and promotes self‑esteem.

Providing information displays for parents and carers.

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes a firm commitment to professional development of it's staff together with the provision of an excellent health and well‑being support service.

Sunshine Day Nurseries are part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Staff training and development is really important to us, and we offer the chance to do further childcare qualifications, including a Level 3 apprentice scheme, as well as a variety of regular in‑house and external courses.

Have any questions or want to find out more? Feel free to get in touch via the details below for an informal chat, or to arrange a visit to see our nurseries for yourself.

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

• Ability to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills to Level 2 as evidenced by: NVQ 2 in Childcare/Education or equivalent qualification
• General IT skills
• Safeguarding Certificate
• First Aid Certificate

• Relevant experience within a Day Care/Childcare setting
• Relevant experience in EYFS and curriculum planning
• An awareness of child development and Health & Hygiene
• Some knowledge on Safeguarding Children
• Patients First - An interest in working with children and their families within a childcare setting.
• Ability to provide good quality care with compassion, commitment and competence.
• Respectful - An understanding of the importance of effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of the needs of children and their families and providing care whilst maintaining…