Early Years Assistant Level 2

Sunderland City Council; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education authority in the United Kingdom is seeking an Early Years Assistant (Level 2) for a full-time role at Ryhope Infant School. The position requires a DfE validated Early Years qualification and experience in an Early Years setting. The successful applicant will be passionate about supporting young children and their learning. This is a fixed-term contract until 31st July 2026, with the possibility of becoming permanent if the need arises. The school offers a supportive and professional environment.

Qualifications

• DfE validated qualification for Early Years (Level 2) required.
• Experience in an Early Years setting essential.
• Passion for working with young children and learning.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of teaching and learning including child-initiated learning.
• Relate well to staff, parents, and children.
• Be involved in the wider life of the school.

Skills

Child development understanding

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Flexibility and resourcefulness

Education

Level 2 Early Years qualification

Job description

Overview

Role: Early Years Assistant – Level 2 (Minimum)

Contract Type: Fixed Term to 31st July 2026 (initially with potential of permanent if numbers continue to increase)

Working Pattern: Full Time (37 hours per week) and Term Time Only including 2 Inset Days

Salary: NJC £24,796 per annum (Pro-rata)

Advert Start Date: Monday 19th January 2026

Required from: As soon as possible

Qualifications and Experience

• Have a full and relevant (DfE validated) qualification for Early Years (Level 2)
• Have experience in working within an Early Years setting
• Be passionate about working with young children and their learning
• Have an ability to relate well to staff, parents and children
• Demonstrate a good understanding of child development, the importance of nurturing and the impact it has on the outcomes for children
• Be an outstanding practitioner with high expectations for all children
• Be proficient in supporting the delivery of all aspects of teaching and learning including child-initiated learning
• Be an effective communicator and be able to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Be flexible and resourceful whilst always putting the needs of the child first
• Have a commitment to their own professional development
• Be prepared to be involved in the wider life of the school

Application Information

Completed application forms should be returned to Mandy Henderson by email to: [e-mail]. CV applications will not be accepted.

Closing date for applications: Friday 27th February 2026 @ 12 noon

Shortlisting: Week commencing 2nd March 2026

Interviews: To be scheduled week commencing 9th March 2026

Safeguarding

Ryhope Infant School Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to be fully committed to our safeguarding policies and procedures, in accordance with Sunderland Local Safeguarding Board Procedures. In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates. Pre-employment checks and references will be sought before interview and the successful candidate will need to undertake an enhanced DBS check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Legal Disclosures

Pre-employment checks and references will be sought before interview and the successful candidate will need to undertake an enhanced DBS check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.