Early Years Assistant

Bright Horizons UK; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Early Years Assistant to join their friendly team in Canterbury. This role involves working with children up to the age of 5, providing a nurturing environment, and engaging them through play and educational activities. The nursery is known for its supportive culture and commitment to child welfare, making it a great place for those who love to inspire young minds. With flexible working patterns and a focus on employee development, this opportunity is perfect for individuals eager to grow in their early years career while making a meaningful impact in children's lives.

Benefits

Above industry standard salary

40% discounted childcare for first child

Up to 33 days holiday per year

Smart Health access

Financial support for early access to wages

Development programme access

Future Leaders programme

Employee Appreciation events

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience with children is ideal but not essential.
• Ability to use various communication techniques with children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Support children’s development through interactive play and activities.
• Communicate daily with parents about their child’s activities.

Skills

Experience with children

Communication skills

Trust building

Understanding of child protection

Passion for learning

Education

Early Years Educator qualification

Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Nursery: Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary: £23,927 - £24,280 p/a (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location: Canterbury, Kent

We are looking for a full-time Early Years Assistant to join our Bright Horizons Canterbury. This nursery offers a friendly, experienced, long-serving team, easy access to local transport with plenty of parking available, flexible working patterns and an upcoming refurbishment!

What we can offer you:

Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Above industry standard salary, with annual salary reviews
• Discounted childcare of 40% for first child
• Up to 33 days holiday per year, with the option to buy additional days
• Smart Health access, including 24/7 access to Virtual GP appointments, fitness programmes and mental health support
• Financial support through early access to wages, low interest debt consolidation loans and a wide variety of discounts across high street brands, travel, utilities and days out
• Development programme access for every stage of your career, tailored to your individual journey, with opportunities across our network of nurseries
• Access to our Future Leaders programme, preparing you to step into a Room Leader position
• Employee Appreciation throughout the year including our annual Awards of Excellence gala’s
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Why Bright Horizons?

We are driven by our HEART values (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork). If your values align, you’d be a great fit to join one of our 300 nurseries across the UK. We’ve also been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006 - as well achieving Great Place for Wellbeing and Great Place for Women.

Did you know, Bright Horizons Foundation for Children charity has been established since 2005 supporting the lives of thousands of children and families in crisis, across almost 100 locations? Each Bright Horizons colleague is entitled to a paid volunteer day every year!

What you’ll be doing:

• Working as part of a nursery team looking after babies and children up to the age of 5.
• Having daily adventures with our children through interactive play, activities, reading and helping them with their curious minds through the learning curriculum.
• Communicating with parents daily on their child’s activities.
• Providing a caring and supportive environment where the children feel safe and looked after.

• Supporting colleagues to encourage the children’s development towards key milestones.
• Promoting and ensuring child welfare, protection, health and safety, and safeguarding.

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 build trust and strong working relationships with both colleagues and parents.
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults.
• Sound understanding of child protection and the safeguarding of children.

Bright Horizons is committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. 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!

If you experience any problems, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to help.