Qualified Nursery Assistant

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-respected educational institution is seeking a full-time Qualified Nursery Assistant to join their outstanding team in Ipswich. The role involves delivering the EYFS curriculum and ensuring the highest standard of care for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Offering a starting salary of up to £25,057 per annum, along with generous benefits, this position provides a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday + additional days

Attractive pension scheme

Wellbeing scheme offering 24/7 support

Free access to swimming pool and gym

Free lunches provided

Limited free parking available

Generous school fee remission after three years

Qualifications

• You must hold a Level 3 qualification in childcare.
• Experience working with children 3 months to 5 years is essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the EYFS curriculum to ensure high-quality care.
• Create a safe and stimulating environment for children.
• Work in a team to maintain staffing ratios.

Skills

Knowledge of EYFS curriculum

Strong communication

Teamwork

Emotional intelligence

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Description

• Ipswich School
• Address: Ipswich Suffolk IP1 3SG
• Salary: 24,277 - 25,057 per annum
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
• Contract: Permanent, required from December 2025 / January 2026
• Reference: 0416

We currently have a vacancy for a full‑time Qualified Nursery Assistant to join our outstanding team of professional staff in our caring, supportive setting.

We offer exceptional childcare provision for children aged 3 months to 5 years in the centre of Ipswich. We were rated Outstanding in our most recent Ofsted inspection (September 2022).

About You

As an important member of our nursery team you will help us to deliver the EYFS curriculum, ensuring a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children attending our nursery. You will work closely with other staff to provide a stimulating, safe and caring learning environment appropriate to the needs of the children in our care.

Your Working Hours

You will work for 37.5 hours each week on Mondays and Fridays throughout the year on a rota to maintain our staffing ratios during the nursery opening hours.

Your Salary and Benefits

• Your starting salary will be between 24,277 and 25,057 per annum if you are Level 3 qualified; it will depend on your skills, qualifications and experience.
• All appointments are subject to the satisfactory completion of a 6‑month probationary period.
• You will have 28 days paid holiday each year (including bank holidays) plus an additional 5 days paid time off when the nursery is closed in August (1 day) and at Christmas (4 days). This gives a total of 33 days paid time off each year.
• We offer an attractive pension scheme with life cover.
• You will also join Smart Health, a wellbeing scheme for staff providing 24/7 online GP and mental health support.
• Access to the school's swimming pool and fitness gym is free of charge.
• We offer a free, freshly prepared lunch each day at school.
• Limited free parking is available for staff.
• You may be entitled to generous school fee remission after three years with us.

To find out more

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Hayley List, Nursery Manager, on or email.

How to apply

To apply, please download and complete the application form on our website.

Completed application forms should be returned by noon on Monday 20 October 2025 to the Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SG. You can also email your application to.

We are unable to accept CVs in place of a fully completed application form for this role.

Closing date: 1 pm 20 October 2025.

Interview date: 27 October 2025.

Candidates may be contacted or invited to interview prior to the closing date and we may close this vacancy early if suitable candidates apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised as soon as possible.

Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format, please contact us.

Please note

Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the job, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.