Trust Nurseries Early Years Educator

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust Nurseries; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust Nurseries seeks a qualified Early Years practitioner to join our hospital-based nurseries at Butterfly Nursery, Hove, and Hilltop Nursery, Brighton.

We provide high-quality care and education for children aged 9 months to 5 years while their parents and carers work for the NHS, emergency services or in the local community. You will contribute to a warm, safe, and stimulating environment, supporting development and safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Qualified Early Years practitioner with relevant qualification.
• GCSE English & Maths at least grade C/4.
• Paediatric First Aid certificate or willingness to obtain within six months.
• Strong safeguarding/child protection knowledge.
• Food hygiene certificate.
• Experience in an early years setting (0–5 years).
• Ability to observe, record development and communicate findings (digital platforms).
• Good knowledge of risk assessments, hygiene, and a safe environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care and education for children aged 9 months to 5 years.
• Observe and record child development and milestones, using appropriate methods (including digital platforms).
• Maintain a safe, clean, and stimulating environment respecting safeguarding policies.
• Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies as needed to support children's well-being.

Skills

Observation skills

Verbal & written communication

Safeguarding knowledge

Flexibility

Confidentiality

Empathy and caring

Education

Early Years qualification (NVQ Level 3, CACHE Level 3 or equivalent)

GCSE English & Maths (or Functional Skills Level 2)

Paediatric First Aid certificate

Food Hygiene certificate

Safeguarding/Child Protection training

Job description

Company: Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust Nurseries

Butterfly Nursery, Hove and Hilltop Nursery, Brighton.

Looking for a Qualified Early Years role with real purpose?

Our hospital-based Trust Nurseries provide high-quality care and education for children aged 9 months to 5 years while their parents and carers work for the NHS, emergency services or in the local community.

By working with us, you aren’t just shaping young minds—you’re directly supporting the NHS heroes who keep our community safe.

If you are a passionate, kind and qualified practitioner, we want to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Early Years Qualification: (e.g., NVQ Level 3, CACHE Level 3, or equivalent or above)
• English and Maths: GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or Functional Skills Level 2).
• Paediatric First Aid: A current, valid certificate (or a commitment to obtain one within the six-month probation period).
• Strong knowledge of Safeguarding/Child Protection training.
• Food Hygiene certificate.
• Experience in an early years childcare setting 0 – 5 years,
• Child Development: An understanding of how children learn and the expected milestones of physical, social, and emotional development.
• The ability to observe children and record in different ways, e.g. digital platforms
• Good knowledge of risk assessments, hygiene practices, and maintaining a safe environment.
• Strong verbal and written skills for liaising with parents, colleagues, and external agencies
• Flexible approach to changing routines or covering different rooms within a setting.
• Ability to take initiative within the scope of the post.
• A warm, caring nature and a genuine passion for working with young children.
• To understand work-related boundaries and the ability to refer matters of importance to a senior colleague.
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality.
• An understanding of equal opportunities in relation to childcare, parents, and staff.
• The job is physically demanding; practitioners must be prepared to be active and spend time outdoors in all weathers.