Level 3 Nursery Teaching Assistant

Smile Education; Manchester; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education is partnering with a welcoming primary school to recruit a Level 3 Nursery Teaching Assistant. You will support Early Years learners, engaging in play, observation and targeted activities to foster development.

Join a collaborative team, work closely with teachers, parents and external professionals, and uphold safeguarding, health and safety, and inclusive practice across all daily routines.

Qualifications

• Two professional references covering the past two years, preferably related to work with children or young people.
• Enhanced DBS certificate with Update Service, or willingness to apply for one through Smile Education.
• Complete safeguarding and compliance checks in line with safer recruitment practices.
• Legal right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, caring, and stimulating learning environment.
• Support children's learning through planned activities and child-led play.
• Work with individual pupils and small groups to promote development.
• Encourage children's communication, language, and vocabulary development.
• Support children's personal, social, and emotional wellbeing.
• Contribute to observations, assessments, and learning records.
• Deliver targeted interventions and additional support where required.
• Support children with SEND and additional learning needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, carers, and external professionals.
• Assist with personal care, eating, and toileting routines in a respectful and supportive manner.
• Promote positive behaviour through consistency, nurturing relationships, and clear expectations.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and professional conduct.

Skills

Child development

EYFS knowledge

Assessment skills

Communication

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Smile Education is working in partnership with a welcoming and inclusive primary school setting to recruit a dedicated and passionate. Level 3 Nursery Teaching Assistant.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Early Years practitioner who is committed to supporting young children during the most important stages of their development. You will join a supportive Early Years team, helping to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Working alongside experienced teachers and Early Years professionals, you will play a key role in supporting children's learning, development, wellbeing, and independence through engaging activities, purposeful play, and positive interactions.

Key Responsibilities

As a Level 3 Nursery Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide a safe, caring, and stimulating learning environment.
• Support children's learning through planned activities and child-led play opportunities.
• Work with individual pupils and small groups to promote development across all areas of learning.
• Encourage children's communication, language, and vocabulary development.
• Support children's personal, social, and emotional wellbeing.
• Contribute to observations, assessments, and learning records.
• Deliver targeted interventions and additional support where required.
• Support children with SEND and additional learning needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, carers, and external professionals.
• Assist with personal care, eating, and toileting routines in a respectful and supportive manner.
• Promote positive behaviour through consistency, nurturing relationships, and clear expectations.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and professional conduct.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a relevant recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Has experience working within a Nursery, Preschool, or Reception setting.
• Demonstrates a strong knowledge and understanding of child development and the EYFS Framework.
• Understands how to support children's prime and specific areas of learning.
• Has experience supporting early reading, writing, communication, language, and mathematical development.
• Builds positive, secure, and trusting relationships with children.
• Has high expectations for every child and a commitment to inclusion.
• Can effectively use observations and assessments to support individual progress.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a large professional team.
• Communicates professionally with colleagues, parents, carers, and external agencies.
• Is flexible, proactive, reliable, and able to work independently when required.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality.

Compliance Requirements

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Provide a minimum of two professional references covering the past two years, preferably relating to work with children or young people.
• Have a valid Enhanced DBS certificate registered with the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one through Smile Education.
• Complete all necessary safeguarding and compliance checks in line with safer recruitment practices.
• Have the legal right to work in the UK.

What We Offer

• A welcoming and supportive Early Years environment.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in children's early development.
• A collaborative and committed staff team.
• A positive culture built around inclusion, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Support from a dedicated Smile Education consultant throughout your placement and recruitment journey.

REF-SM1ENQ

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.