Early Years Assistant

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave

Bank holidays & Christmas closure

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Careers coach

Job summary

Bright Horizons Brentwood Day Nursery & Preschool in Brentwood, CM14 4BN, is opening a new 88-place nursery in November 2026. As an Early Years Assistant, you will work in a team looking after babies and children up to age 5, supporting development through play and activities.

The role offers full-time hours (40 per week), a salary of £27,976 per year, and benefits including childcare discount, enhanced parental leave, and 20 days leave plus holidays.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children ideal but not essential

Responsibilities

• Look after babies and children up to age 5
• Support colleagues with each child’s development towards milestones
• Encourage learning through interactive play, activities and reading
• Help create a warm, welcoming environment for children and families

Skills

Experience with children

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Brentwood Day Nursery & Preschool, Coptfold Road, Brentwood, CM14 4BN

Salary – £27,976 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Hours - Full time, 40 hours, Monday - Friday

Location – Brentwood, CM14 4BN

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for an Early Years Assistant to join our brand-new 88-place nursery opening in November 2026 in central Brentwood, just a short distance from the Baytree Shopping Centre.

Currently undergoing extensive renovations, the setting is being thoughtfully designed to create a warm, welcoming environment where children can thrive.

The nursery will feature a wraparound garden, giving children the opportunity to access outdoor spaces throughout the day.

With onsite parking available and Brentwood station just a short walk away, this is an exciting opportunity join a new setting in a fantastic location.

Our Benefits

• £27,976 per annum
• Childcare discount of 40% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs*

The Role

As an Early Years Assistant, you will work as part of a team to look after babies and children up to the age of 5. You will have adventures with our children through interactive play, activities, reading, and encouraging their curious minds – supporting colleagues with each child’s development towards their key milestones.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience working with children ideal but not essential – Nursery Bank Staff, Nursery Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Nanny, Childminder or similar
• Passion for making learning fun and engaging for each child
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

We look forward to receiving your application!