Preschool Nursery Assistant

Essex County Counci; Chelmsford; On-site; Part time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a part-time Preschool Nursery Assistant in Chelmsford. This role involves managing children's play and learning in a nurturing environment, requiring a Level 3 qualification in childcare and experience in early years education. Join a dynamic team committed to providing enriching experiences for children.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Support for unpaid carers

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 qualification or equivalent in childcare.
• English and Maths Skills at Level 2.
• Experience working in an Early Years setting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide high standards of quality care within the nursery/pre-school.
• Observe, support, and extend children's learning.
• Ensure children are kept safe and understand safeguarding.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Planning and providing activities

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years childcare

Job description

Preschool Nursery Assistant

Permanent, Part Time

£13.00 per hour

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Fixed-base worker

Please note this role is being offered as a Part Time opportunity, working 19.5 hours per week, term time only (38 weeks per year), covering the following shifts:

Tuesday: 9am to 3.30pm

Thursday: 9am to 3.30pm

Friday: 9am to 3.30pm

To apply, you must hold a Level 3 or above accredited qualification in Early Years childcare and education and have experience working in an Early Years setting.

Adult Community Learning (ACL) is ECC’s provider of lifelong learning experiences for Essex residents. ACL offers childcare facilities to help parents move nearer to, enter, or progress within the workplace or gain skills to enhance life chances. The Nursery/Pre-school is registered with Ofsted and is also open to community children whose parents/carers are not attending ACL.

Responsibilities

The Nursery/Pre-school Assistant will be part of a team and will be expected to provide high standards of quality care within the nursery/pre-school, with responsibilities encompassing the environment, resources, and experiences offered to children and their families.

They must:

• Ensure rich and diverse indoor and outdoor play experiences are offered, taking regard of the EYFS and the individual needs of children.
• Be a key person, carrying out all related responsibilities.
• Observe, support, and extend children's learning.
• Maintain accurate and effective children’s records.
• Work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members.
• Ensure that children are kept safe, understand safeguarding, and follow Child Protection Procedures when necessary.
• Demonstrate good practice with regard to special needs and inclusion.
• Promote positive attitudes to race, culture, gender, religion, and abilities.
• Undertake shared responsibility for health, safety, and cleanliness throughout the nursery/pre-school.
• Participate in all self-development activities, including appraisals, supervision meetings, and team meetings.

The Experience You Will Bring

Essential:

• Level 3 qualification or equivalent by experience in childcare.
• English and Maths Skills at Level 2.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with both children and adults.
• The ability to plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children’s emotional, physical, social, and intellectual capabilities.

Desirable:

• The ability to work effectively under various circumstances and develop skills within the role.
• First Aid training.
• Level 3 qualification or equivalent by experience in childcare.

To read more about us, please visit: ACL Essex - https://aclessex.com and/or Economy, Investment and Public Health

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 Everyone's Essex. 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 devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

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

Once employed within Essex County Council, you will receive many employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles. Your adherence helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace.

As part of employment, if your role requires a DBS check, you will need to register with the DBS update service. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

If you wish to stay informed about other opportunities, please join The Essex Talent Community.

For queries or further information, please email [e-mail].

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. More details are available on our careers page.

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