Early Years Teaching Assistant - Federation of Crigglestone & Castle Nursery Schools

Kirklees Council are advertising this role on behalf of Crigglestone Nursery School

Help us build something special…

Crigglestone Nursery School has been awarded DfE School-Based Nursery funding to expand our provision for 2–3 year-olds — and something exciting is happening.

Our beautiful new space is already taking shape, with building work underway and doors set to open in September 2026.

Now we’re looking for something just as important as the environment itself…

At The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools, we believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, creativity, and wonder.

We are proud Curiosity Approach settings, where children are encouraged to explore, question, and discover. Our environments are thoughtfully designed to spark awe and fascination—helping children grow into confident thinkers, explorers, and problem-solvers.

• You believe learning begins with curiosity
• You love creating inspiring spaces and meaningful experiences
• You want to be part of a team that truly values Early Years practice

If so, we would love to hear from you.

We have high aspirations for every child. Our settings are safe, nurturing and inspiring places where children feel confident, valued and ready to explore.

Our approach focuses on:

• Inspiring curiosity and imagination
• Nurturing independent thinking
• Encouraging open-ended exploration and play
• Building strong foundations for lifelong learning

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support and monitor the development of your key children
• Create engaging experiences that support all areas of development
• Facilitate child-led play with thoughtful interaction
• Work as part of a supportive and passionate team
• Ensure the safety, wellbeing and happiness of every child
• Engage in ongoing professional development

We are seeking practitioners who:

• Hold a Full & Relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)
• Have PFA (Paediatric First Aid) or are willing to train
• Have experience in Early Years settings
• Are passionate about high-quality practice
• Are strong team players with great communication skills
• Bring warmth, creativity and enthusiasm every day
• Have knowledge of the Curiosity Approach (desirable, not essential)

Most importantly: you see the magic in childhood and want to nurture it.

When you join our federation, you become part of something truly special.

We offer:

• Wonderful children who will inspire you every day
• A warm, welcoming and supportive staff team
• A genuinely child-centred environment
• Opportunities for training and professional growth
• A community where everyone is valued.

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

All appointments are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS checks
• Medical clearance
• Satisfactory references

• These are federation roles and staff may work across either setting
• Hours:
  
  25 per week (8:45am – 3:30pm)
• Start Date:
  
  1st September 2026
• Pay Range: FTE £25,583 - £25,989 (Pay award pending) Actual Pay: £18,067 - £18,353 for 31.25 hours per week, term time only - Starting salary will depend on experience.
• Closing Date:
  Monday 1st June 2026. 12:00 Noon
• Interviews: TBC