Nursery Assistant

Furzefield Primary Academy; Merstham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Furzefield Primary Academy in Merstham invites applications for a Nursery Assistant to join our early years team. The role is term-time, 32.5 hours per week, with a fixed pattern of Monday to Friday 11:00–18:00.

You will support children with phonics, counting and daily routines, work closely with the nursery leaders, and contribute to a safe, nurturing environment that helps every child thrive. A proven track record with children and strong communication and patience are valued, and NVQ Level 2

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in early years settings.
• Excellent communication and a patient, positive attitude.
• NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Education or Childcare is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support children with phonics, counting, and early maths.
• Assist nursery room leaders and supervise daily routines.
• Lead small group interventions and ensure a safe, nurturing environment.

Skills

Early years experience

Communication skills

Patience

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Education or Childcare

Job description

Nursery Assistant - Furzefield

Start date: 02 November 2026

Weekly Hours: 32.5 hours, term time only

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday 11:00 - 18:00 with 30 minute unpaid break

Are you a brilliant and enthusiastic Nursery Assistant looking for a fresh, rewarding challenge? We’re on the hunt for a passionate, hands-on professional to join our vibrant early years team at Furzefield and make a real difference. If you have a knack for bringing out the best in our youngest learners and want to work in an environment that truly values its staff, we want to hear from you.

The Role

You will be getting hands-on with the children, helping them master everything from their first phonics sounds to counting and early maths, whilst providing top-notch, reliable support to the nursery room leaders. Every day will be different, from leading small group play interventions to supporting children with their daily routines, ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive and succeed in a safe, nurturing environment.

What You Will Bring

• A proven track record of working effectively with children in an early years educational setting.
• Excellent communication skills, endless patience, and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Relevant early years qualifications are desirable but not essential (e.g., NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Education or Childcare).
• A deep commitment to keeping children safe and promoting their welfare in all aspects of your work.

Why choose LEO Academy Trust?

• LEO Academy Trust champions continuous professional development and delivers a programme of in house CPD.
• We also work with a range of partners to offer accessible training for all staff including e-learning and face to face workshops.
• We believe in the importance of succession planning, and that we are well placed to support you in your next challenge.
• We offer opportunities to work across different academies within the Trust, and a commitment to promotion opportunities, encouraging ‘home grown’ talent.
• Extensive benefits and a comprehensive health and wellbeing package for all staff.
• Discounted staff rates for wraparound care.

The Small Print (Statutory Safeguarding & Vetting)

To keep our children safe, all offers of employment are strictly conditional upon the satisfactory completion of mandatory pre-employment checks, you will be required to:

• Obtain and present a satisfactory Enhanced DBS certificate.
• Provide documentation to confirm your identity and your legal right to work in the UK.
• Undergo appropriate overseas criminal records checks if you have lived or worked outside the UK.
• Provide original certificates to verify your professional qualifications.
• Supply at least two satisfactory references, covering at least the last two years and explaining any gaps in employment.
• Please note that as part of our rigorous due diligence, we will carry out online searches—including social media footprint checks—on all shortlisted candidates to verify suitability to work with children.

LEO Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and Trust treat visitors, volunteers, contractors and former staff members.

Reasonable adjustments

Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment team to tell us what changes or help you might need.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities / Other Information

LEO Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please read about our commitment to safeguarding as well as other important information in the Applicant guide on our website.