Nursery Assistant & Nursery Practitioner - Ad Hoc Work

TeacherActive; Colchester; On-site; GBP 1,963,000 - 2,204,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated consultants 24/7

Guaranteed payment scheme

CPD courses & certificates

Market-leading rates of pay

Referral scheme – up to £100

Job summary

TeacherActive is recruiting Nursery Assistants and Nursery Practitioners for ad hoc work across Colchester. This role offers flexible shifts in diverse Early Years settings, ideal if you are balancing study, family life or other work commitments.

You choose when you’re available, and you’ll be supported by a dedicated Early Years consultant. The role starts from £14.25 per hour with higher rates for additional qualifications, and safeguarding, DBS checks and compliance are part of the process.

Qualifications

• Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years qualifications are required or considered if relevant experience is present.
• Unqualified applicants can be considered if they have relevant experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Supporting children's learning and development through play and activities
• Providing a high standard of care and supervision
• Supporting daily routines such as meals, activities and personal care
• Creating a safe, positive and stimulating environment
• Building positive relationships with children and staff
• Following safeguarding procedures and nursery policies
• Supporting the wider nursery team when required

Education

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator

Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Childcare qualifications

Level 3 Technical Certificate in Early Years Education

Other recognised Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years and Childcare qualifications

Job description

Nursery Assistant & Nursery Practitioner - Ad Hoc Work

South East/ contract / £14.25 - 16.00 per hour

Nursery Assistant & Nursery Practitioner – Ad Hoc Work – Colchester

Looking for flexible Early Years work in Colchester?

TeacherActive is currently recruiting Nursery Assistants and Nursery Practitioners to support a range of local Early Years settings across Colchester. This is an ideal opportunity if you're looking for ad hoc work that can fit around your existing commitments, studies, family life or other employment.

You choose when you're available, and I can support you in finding suitable shifts around your availability.

Whether you're looking to work one day a week or several days, there are opportunities available for reliable and enthusiastic Early Years professionals.

What you can expect:

• Flexible, ad hoc shifts across Colchester
• Opportunities for both part-time and occasional work
• Minimum pay of £14.25 per hour
• Higher rates available depending on qualifications and experience
• Immediate opportunities available
• The ability to work around your existing commitments
• Opportunities within a variety of Early Years settings
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Early Years consultant

Who can apply?

I am looking for both qualified and experienced unqualified candidates.

• Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
• Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
• Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education
• CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Childcare qualifications
• Level 3 Technical Certificate in Early Years Education
• Other recognised Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years and Childcare qualifications

Unqualified applicants can also be considered if they have relevant experience working with children.

This could include previous experience as a Nursery Assistant, Childcare Assistant, Early Years Assistant, Playworker, Teaching Assistant or another role where you have gained hands‑on experience working with young children.

Previous experience within a nursery or Early Years setting is beneficial, particularly experience working with children aged 0–5.

What you will be doing:

• Supporting children's learning and development through play and activities
• Providing a high standard of care and supervision
• Supporting daily routines such as meals, activities and personal care
• Creating a safe, positive and stimulating environment
• Building positive relationships with children and staff
• Following safeguarding procedures and nursery policies
• Supporting the wider nursery team when required

How the TeacherActive process works:

Before you can start accepting shifts, I will complete a pre-screening interview with you to discuss your experience, qualifications and availability.

I will then make sure all of your required compliance documents are in place as part of the TeacherActive registration process.

Once you are fully registered, I can discuss available shifts with you and put you forward for suitable opportunities.

In return, you can expect to receive:

• A dedicated team of consultants available 24/7 to support you through the easy onboarding process
• Guaranteed Payment Scheme (Terms and Conditions apply)
• CPD courses and certificates through the My-Progression channel
• Market-leading rates of pay
• TeacherActive Referral Scheme – Receive up to £100 when you refer a friend (Terms and Conditions apply)
• All staff are paid on a PAYE basis, ensuring you pay the correct level of Tax and National Insurance, with no hidden admin charges or admin fees

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.