Nursery Assistant - Nurseries at University of Birmingham

Role Summary

This role will be working with various age groups from 6 weeks-4 years supporting both the children and colleagues and entail light domestic duties as and when required in the playrooms.

This role as a Nursery Assistant is working up to 35 hours per week for a private early years day nursery based in leafy Edgbaston, next to the University of Birmingham campus offering excellent public transport links. You will receive a generous package of benefits including:

• 40 days paid holiday a year (depending on working hours)
• 1 paid day a year for volunteering
• 2 paid staff training days
• Occupational sick pay
• Discounted gym membership at the new sports centre
• Recognition scheme
• Staff discount on childcare
• An in-depth induction to the nursery including EYFS
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Main Duties

• Provide high quality, positive care for children through social, emotional, educational, and practical interaction, nurturing, and guidance.
• Make sure the children are kept safe, are well, and that Child Protection Procedures are followed.
• Contribute towards observations and keep recording of the activities and progress of children.
• Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child’s day and progress.
• Organise, maintain and ensure a clean, tidy, hygienic, safe, child-friendly environment.
• Help to supervise activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, reading, music, and outdoor and physical activities.
• Maintain toys and equipment.
• Feed babies and ensure the nutritional needs of children are met, complying with Food Safety Regulations.
• Change nappies and help children with potty/toilet training.
• Help children to learn social, emotional, numeracy, language, and practical skills.
• Work with staff within the nursery to provide a high quality nursery service.
• Work with outside professional bodies or agencies as appropriate.
• Implement the daily routine of the nursery.
• Participate in meetings out of hours annual staff meeting
• Follow the nursery’s practices, processes, and procedures. E.g. positive behaviour management techniques.
• Learn about developments in childcare and undertake training as required.
• Ensure the health and safety of colleagues and children, complying with all Health and Safety requirements.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect, support equality, and value diversity.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Hold a full and relevant childcare and education qualification to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent.
• Where possible GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above.
• Experience in working with children from birth to 5 years and positive behaviour management.
• Knowledge of developments in early years of education and willingness to undertake training.
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, inspection criteria, and curriculum relevant to Early Years.
• Understanding of how to ensure health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting.
• Understanding of and commitment to Child Protection procedures.
• Suitability and ability to care for children, including the ability to deal with challenging behaviours.
• Ability to communicate well and work well with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable. 
• Punctual. 
• Ability to write legibly and present information well.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect early years’ childcare.
• Ability and willingness to take on duties as required.