Part Time / Term Time Preschool Nursery Assistant (Level 3 or Level 2 Qualified)

Essex County Council; Colchester; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a part-time or full-time Preschool Nursery Assistant. The ideal candidate must hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification and have experience in an Early Years setting. Responsibilities include supporting children's learning, planning engaging activities, and maintaining partnerships with parents. The position offers competitive pay at £13.00 per hour, opportunities for career development, and training in First Aid and Safeguarding.

Benefits

Further qualifications and career development opportunities

Friendly, inclusive team environment

Paediatric First Aid and safeguarding training provided

Qualifications

• Must have a Level 3 or Level 2 Early Years qualification or equivalent.
• Experience working in an Early Years setting is essential.
• GCSE English at RQF Level 2 is required.

Responsibilities

• Support children’s learning and development as a Key Person.
• Plan and lead activities to encourage children's growth.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and ensure safeguarding.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to plan engaging activities

Experience in an Early Years setting

Education

Level 3 or Level 2 Early Years qualification

GCSE English (RQF Level 2)

Job description

Part Time / Term Time Preschool Nursery Assistant (Level 3 or Level 2 Qualified)

Permanent, Term Time

£13.00 per hour, equal to £25,081 per annum, full time equivalent

Location: Colchester

Working Style:

Closing Date: Thursday 4th December 2025 at 11.59pm

Start Date: January 2026

Hours: Full time - 1 role

• 32.5 hours per week (Mon–Fri, 8:45am – 3:45pm)

OR

Part-time - 2 roles:

• Morning: 8:45am – 12:00pm (16.25 hrs / week)
• Afternoon: 12:00pm – 3:45pm (16.25 hrs / week)

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a warm, supportive environment, helping children learn, grow, and thrive. You’ll be part of a team that values creativity, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

Our nursery is Ofsted registered and part of Adult Community Learning (ACL) – Essex County Council’s provider of lifelong learning. ACL offers qualifications and courses that make a real difference to people’s lives, and our childcare facilities play a key role in supporting families and communities.

What You’ll Do

• Be a Key Person, supporting children’s learning and development.
• Create rich indoor and outdoor play experiences tailored to individual needs.
• Show enthusiasm for learning and professional growth, with a positive attitude toward gaining further qualifications.
• Plan, lead, and review activities that encourage emotional, physical, social, and intellectual growth.
• Confidently observe, support, and extend children’s learning, helping them reach their full potential through engaging activities and experiences.
• Maintain accurate records (handwritten and online).
• Build strong partnerships with parents and carers.
• Ensure safeguarding and follow child protection procedures.
• Promote inclusion and positive attitudes to diversity.
• Share responsibility for health, safety, and cleanliness.
• Take part in team meetings, appraisals, and ongoing professional development.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Level 3 or Level 2 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
• GCSE English (RQF Level 2).
• Experience in an Early Years setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to plan engaging activities that support holistic development.

Desirable

• Paediatric First Aid & Safeguarding training (we provide if needed).
• Ability to adapt and work effectively under different circumstances.

What We Offer

• Paediatric First Aid and safeguarding training provided.
• Opportunities for further qualifications and career development.
• A friendly, inclusive team environment.
• The chance to make a real difference in children’s lives.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about [link] on our careers site.

Legal and Equality Statements

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the standards throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.