Early Years Assistant Practitioner

Join York Campus Nursery, a setting committed to fostering a safe, happy, and multicultural environment for children aged three months to school age. We nurture and encourage every child’s diversity and potential, providing a secure, caring, and stimulating place for them to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Our modern, purpose-built premises on Kimberlow Lane, Heslington, provide care for up to 94 children across dedicated rooms for infants, toddlers, and pre-school.

We are looking for a passionate and driven Early Years Assistant to become part of our skilled and encouraging nursery team. In this role, you will immerse yourself in a vibrant, ever-changing setting, providing you with the chance to play a significant and essential part in supporting children’s growth.

Role and Responsibilities

As a key member of our childcare team, the Early Years Assistant is responsible for working across the nursery providing a warm, safe, and stimulating environment for children aged 0 and 5 years and 11 months.

The role involves supporting children’s development socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) and the Nursery’s core principles: quality and consistency, secure foundations, partnership working, equality of opportunity, and anti-discriminatory practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Early Years Practitioner and Room Leader with the day-to-day running of the room.
• Caring for children and maintaining a high-quality, stimulating learning environment that offers a wide range of activities in line with EYFS.
• Assisting with the security and safekeeping of the Nursery premises and materials.
• Assisting with assessments of children and contributing to learning journals.
• Being vigilant to protect children from harm and abuse, reporting any concerns immediately in accordance with child protection and whistleblowing policies.

Essential Requirements

• A publicly recognised Level 2 or above qualification in childcare.
• Relevant experience of working with the 0-5 age range is essential.
• Ability to work sympathetically with children, parents, and colleagues.
• An awareness of equal opportunity issues.

Role Details

• Salary: £13.65 per hour
• Hours of work: 45 per week (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday).
• A job share may be considered

Benefits of Working for YCL

• Generous Annual Leave: 38 days including 8 bank holidays (pro rata) and two weeks off at Christmas.
• Enhanced Benefits: Enhanced company sick pay, maternity and paternity pay, and workplace pension schemes.
• Professional Development: Free training, with attendance paid.
• Wellbeing & Discounts: Free and confidential 24/7 wellbeing support, concession rates at York Sport Village and Centre, and discounts at campus outlets, local/national retailers, and attractions.
• Work Perks: Affordable on-site parking, DBS application cost covered, and salary sacrifice schemes (including Cycle to Work and campus nursery).