Nursery Assistant

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A university in the UK is looking for a Nursery Assistant to care for children aged 0-5 years at their nursery. The successful candidate will provide high-quality care, ensuring children's safety and well-being, and will need a relevant qualification and experience. This full-time role offers a generous benefits package, including 40 days of paid holiday and training opportunities.

Benefits

40 days paid holiday

Paid volunteering day

Paid staff training days

Occupational sick pay

Discounted gym membership

Staff discount on childcare

Qualifications

• Hold a full and relevant childcare and education qualification to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent.
• Experience in working with children from birth to 5 years and positive behaviour management.
• Understanding of Child Protection procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, positive care for children through interaction and guidance.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of children.
• Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child’s progress.

Skills

Experience with children 0-5 years

Positive behaviour management

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Childcare and Education

GCSE English Language and Maths

Job description

Position Details

Nurseries

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £23,764 to £24,855

Grade: 2

Part Time (21 hours per week)

Permanent

Closing date: 26th October 2025

Background

The role of the Nursery Assistant is to ensure that all children attending The Elms Day Nursery receive high quality care, are kept safe, and receive rich and stimulating play experiences which meet their individual needs and support all aspects and components of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

At the Elms we work with children, parents, external agencies and the community to ensure the welfare and safety of children to give them the very best start in life. Children have the right to be treated with respect, be helped to thrive and be safe from any abuse in whatever form.

Pre-appointment checks

In line with recommendations and regulations relating to Early Years safeguarding and recruitment, please note that for this role:

• The University will seek references from at least one referee prior to interview. Candidates must therefore provide at least one referee whom we can contact immediately. The remaining referees will usually only be contacted if you are offered appointment.
• Candidates invited to interview will be asked to disclose all past names, for the sole purpose of verifying identity for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and safeguarding checks.
• Candidates will be asked to bring documents to verify their identity (e.g. birth/adoption certificate and any evidence of name changes).
• All successful candidates will be required to undergo a DBS check covering all names used.

Role Summary

This role will be working with various age groups from 6 weeks-4 years supporting both the children and colleagues and entail light domestic duties as and when required in the playrooms.

This role as a Nursery Assistant is working up to 35 hours per week for a private early years day nursery based in leafy Edgbaston, next to the University of Birmingham campus offering excellent public transport links. You will receive a generous package of benefits including:

• 40 days paid holiday a year (depending on working hours)
• 1 paid day a year for volunteering
• 2 paid staff training days
• Occupational sick pay
• Discounted gym membership at the new sports centre
• Recognition scheme
• Staff discount on childcare
• An in-depth induction to the nursery including EYFS
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Main Duties

• Provide high quality, positive care for children through social, emotional, educational, and practical interaction, nurturing, and guidance.
• Make sure the children are kept safe, are well, and that Child Protection Procedures are followed.
• Contribute towards observations and keep recording of the activities and progress of children.
• Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child’s day and progress.
• Organise, maintain and ensure a clean, tidy, hygienic, safe, child-friendly environment.
• Help to supervise activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, reading, music, and outdoor and physical activities.
• Maintain toys and equipment.
• Feed babies and ensure the nutritional needs of children are met, complying with Food Safety Regulations.
• Change nappies and help children with potty/toilet training.
• Help children to learn social, emotional, numeracy, language, and practical skills.
• Work with staff within the nursery to provide a high quality nursery service.
• Work with outside professional bodies or agencies as appropriate.
• Implement the daily routine of the nursery.
• Participate in meetings out of hours annual staff meeting.
• Follow the nursery’s practices, processes, and procedures. E.g. positive behaviour management techniques.
• Learn about developments in childcare and undertake training as required.
• Ensure the health and safety of colleagues and children, complying with all Health and Safety requirements.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect, support equality, and value diversity.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Hold a full and relevant childcare and education qualification to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent.
• Where possible GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above.
• Experience in working with children from birth to 5 years and positive behaviour management.
• Knowledge of developments in early years of education and willingness to undertake training.
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, inspection criteria, and curriculum relevant to Early Years.
• Understanding of how to ensure health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting.
• Understanding of and commitment to Child Protection procedures.
• Suitability and ability to care for children, including the ability to deal with challenging behaviours.
• Ability to communicate well and work well with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable.
• Punctual.
• Ability to write legibly and present information well.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect early years’ childcare.
• Ability and willingness to take on duties as required.
• DBS required.
• The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries

Selina Hunt, email: [e-mail]

Sarah Perrott, email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

View our staff values and behaviours here