Nursery Assistant

Leeds City Council; Leeds; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council is looking for a nursery assistant to deliver high-quality care and education for children at Little Owls nurseries in Leeds. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring children's development, liaising with parents, and ensuring their safety and wellbeing. A Level 2 qualification in childcare is essential. This role offers opportunities for career advancement and continuous professional development, contributing to a thriving childcare environment. Applicants must also meet the right to work requirements in the UK.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Career development opportunities

Training support

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2 qualification in childcare.
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality care and education for all children.
• Monitor children’s development and contribute to reports.
• Liaise with parents and health professionals.

Skills

Communication

Child safeguarding

Teamwork

Report writing

Observation

Cultural sensitivity

Flexibility

Education

Minimum Level 2 qualification in childcare

GCSE Maths and English or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

As a nursery assistant based in one of our Little Owls nurseries you will be part of a great team and will deliver a high standard of care which meets the individual needs of the children. It is rewarding work, as well as energetic and at times challenging.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality care and education for all children and support families.
• Observe and monitor children’s development and contribute to reports of their progress.
• Liaise with and provide professional advice to parents, social workers and health visitors.
• Under the general direction of the Manager and senior staff, work as part of a team to deliver a high standard of care which meets the individual needs of the children.
• Create and maintain a customer‑focused attitude and approach at all times that promotes positive relationships and generates a culture of openness and trust.
• Deliver efficient, effective and quality services by way of flexible working.
• Work together with colleagues from other service areas and organisations to provide and maintain a safe, secure and learning environment that promotes the safety and welfare of children.
• Foster, maintain and support pro‑social behaviour, a restorative and solution‑focused approach with children and colleagues.
• Provide a broad and balanced Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum that meets national and local standards.
• Establish and deliver Individual Education Programmes (IEPs) and the Early Support Programme for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Liaise with local primary schools and prepare reports that support the child’s transition into school.
• Report any injury or accident, ensuring the health and safety of the individual is maintained.
• Operate policies and procedures for the administration of medication, including accurately recording and verifying drug sheets.
• Report suspicious or suspected non‑accidental injury to follow and comply with Departmental Child Protection Procedures in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures.
• Support student placements by helping prepare and present accurate, concise reports to the Manager and/or college tutors.
• Provide educational visits for children and families, observing Health and Safety policies and making risk assessments as required.
• Support parents and families where necessary in the successful admission and transition of their children.
• Take responsibility for a group of children during any building evacuation.
• Participate in and provide training and development activities to ensure up‑to‑date knowledge and skills.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required by the Service.
• Comply with all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
• Actively promote and support Leeds City Council's Policies on Equal Opportunities and work in an anti‑oppressive manner.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum Level 2 qualification in childcare.
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list.

Essential Requirements

• Able to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels.
• Ability to safeguard children and support their resilience, motivate them through positive role‑modelling and sustain their interest in play activities.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Able to listen and accept instructions.
• Able to write reports and plans documenting children’s learning, development and wellbeing to the required standard.
• Able to observe, record and monitor children’s development as they progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Able to work in partnership with parents and carers to support their children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Able to support children and families in a culturally sensitive, positive and non‑judgemental way.
• Able to support the development of children with special educational needs and disabilities in an inclusive setting.
• Able to complete risk assessments.
• Able to effectively use the EYFS to plan and evaluate activities to aid children’s learning.
• Able to supervise students and apprentices.
• Able to use ICT packages, including Word and Excel.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts as required.
• Ability to work with staff at all levels, contribute to team cohesion and liaise with other professionals.

Knowledge Required

• Minimum relevant Level 2 qualification as defined in the qualifications section.
• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
• Relevant and current Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid certificate (or commitment to achieve within 3 months).
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation, policy and guidance relating to Sure Start Children’s Centres, the 2004 Children Act, the 2006 Childcare Act, Ofsted inspection framework, the EYFS, SEN Code of Practice and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.
• Knowledge of factors that create stress for children and families and awareness of protective factors.
• Current knowledge of best practices to safeguard children and understanding of responsibilities in protecting children and promoting their wellbeing.
• Understanding of guidance documents supporting the development of young children’s learning (EYFS).

Experience Required

• Experience working with children and/or families.
• Experience in a nursery or childcare environment.
• Experience of teamwork.
• Experience planning and organising play experiences for children.

Behavioural and Other Characteristics

• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Carry out all duties in line with the council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.

Equality and Diversity

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.

Right to Work

This role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. A minimum Level 2 qualification as defined by the Sector Skills Council for Childcare, the Children’s Workforce Development Council, as listed on their website Early Years Qualifications Finder (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-qualifications-finder) is an essential requirement.

Career Development & Benefits

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
• If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your eligibility for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you’ll usually need to be paid at least £41,700 per year or meet other criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Are you interested in a career in childcare? Little Owls nurseries are currently recruiting for nursery assistants. Little Owls is a great place to progress in your childcare career and many of our nursery assistants move on to become managers. We support staff to learn and progress by offering regular training. We are committed to the ambition of Child Friendly Leeds. We want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.