Nursery Assistant - Maternity Cover | East Healthcare NHS Trust

Overview

First Steps Nursery is a purpose built NHS workplace nursery for staff working for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. A brand new build has been built onsite at the Conquest Hospital and opened in January 2022. The nursery provides full day care for 56 children a day aged 4 months to 8 years.

A Full‑time Nursery Assistant is needed to cover a maternity leave for up to one year. The successful candidate will hold a minimum NVQ level 2 in Childcare & Education (or equivalent) and have some work experience with children under 5 years.

• NVQ level 2 in Childcare & Education (or equivalent) and experience with children under 5.
• Good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Effective communication skills.
• Flexibility to work varied hours within the week; shifts are given four weeks in advance.

• Assist the Management team in providing the highest quality Child care and Education in a safe, caring and stimulating environment.
• Look after and plan educational activities for children attending the full‑day care services, maintaining child‑to‑staff ratios and complying with Ofsted and Trust procedures and policies.
• Plan, execute and evaluate the education/play programme appropriate to the age of the child within the childcare provision (registered from 4 months to 8 years), following the national framework for Foundation Stage.
• Provide appropriate play opportunities and interact positively with the children. Communicate effectively to parents/carers, providing concise detail about each child’s day.
• Assist in setting out rooms with resources and arrange furniture to enable children to access them.
• Use the nursery’s behaviour management procedures when disciplining children.
• Additional child‑centred duties requested by the children, including:
  • Be happy with a smiley face.
  • Have lots of fun.
  • Give good cuddles.
  • Tell lots of stories (using different props).
  • Do silly dances.
  • Play lots of games.
  • Play dressing up.
  • Go on outdoor adventures.
  • Like to get messy.

Further training will be offered, with the opportunity to progress to a Level 3 qualification with support.

• Staff development.
• Enrolment in the NHS pension scheme.
• Auto‑enrolment to the Temporary Workforce Service.
• Access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation.
• Free psychological support through the confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
• On‑site parking available for only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust – submit your application today.

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI‑generated content when applying. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective. Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete your applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI‑generated content may diminish your chance of success.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

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