Nursery Assistant

Inspiration Trust; Norwich; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

A reputable educational institution in Norwich is looking for a dedicated Nursery Assistant for maternity cover. The successful candidate will work part-time (24 hours/week) and must have a minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare. Responsibilities include providing excellent childcare experiences, planning learning activities, and communicating effectively with families. The role comes with a competitive salary ranging from £16,083 to £16,336 pro-rata per annum, alongside various employee benefits such as generous leave and development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Health Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Retail discounts

Free parking where applicable

Personalised CPD programmes

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 childcare qualification required.
• Experience of working in a nursery or preschool setting.
• Sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent quality childcare and early learning experiences.
• Participate in planning and tracking learning outcomes.
• Communicate sensitively with families and children.

Skills

Caring

Communication

Organisational skills

Patience

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale C: £16,083 to £16,336 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£24,796 - £25,185 full time/full year equivalent)

Part Time: 24 hours per week / 3 days (Monday, Tuesday, Friday)

Fixed Term: until 12th March 2027

Working Weeks: 52 weeks

Start Date: March 2026

Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery is seeking to appoint a dedicated, caring and ambitious Nursery Assistant (Maternity Cover) who is able to support in making sure that our children are safe, happy and stimulated. We are searching for candidates who can also encourage children’s development, create a friendly and purposeful environment and has a minimum level 3 childcare qualification. This is a great opportunity to work alongside an early years team that shares your passion.

What You’ll Be Doing

• To work as part of a team in providing excellent quality childcare and early learning experiences for children, ensuring that the service we offer meets the needs of children and their families
• To participate in and keep all evidence of planning, tracking and learning outcomes
• To communicate sensitively and professionally with families and children at all times

About You

You will be someone who is caring, patient, imaginative, and creative, with strong communication and organisational skills. You should also be flexible, calm under pressure, passionate about child development, and dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of children.

Essential

• Relevant Level 3 childcare qualifications
• Experience of working in a nursery or pre school setting
• Sound understanding of and ability to plan and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• First aid certificate
• Food hygiene certificate
• Experience of working with children under 2

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward‑thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim‑back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Charles Darwin Primary School and Nursery is a free school located in the heart of Norwich which opened in September 2016 and inspected by Ofsted in April 2025. This is the first ungraded inspection since Ofsted judged the school to be outstanding for overall effectiveness in June 2019. Children who graduate from Charles Darwin are resilient, independent, and confident individuals who express themselves creatively and value their place in the world. They benefit from a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom, helping them stay happy, engaged, and inspired to learn.

The school offers an innovative curriculum that encourages every child to thrive, combining a strong academic focus with a rich programme of cultural and sporting opportunities. Charles Darwin Primary has close links with the highly successful Jane Austen College and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, ensuring a strong educational pathway from early years through to post‑16 education. Although there is no on‑site parking, the school and nursery are just a short walk from Norwich Train Station, served by several bus routes, with a range of paid parking options nearby.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding. The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Claire Thacker, PA to Principal ([e-mail]).

Closing date for applications: 12pm on Monday 19th January 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 28th January 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.