Nursery Assistant

Job Description
Job summary
Nursery Assistant
Fixed Term - Maternity Cover
Who are we:
We are Jack in the Box Day Nursery located within Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. We pride ourselves on nurturing a positive and supportive environment for our children, and we are looking for a Nursery Assistant, Level 2 qualified to join us on a full-time basis.
Working hours:
We are open Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 6:00pm, closed on Bank Holidays and during the Christmas and New Year period. Our team works on a rota basis, covering 37.5 hours per week typically 7.5 hours per day.
Your role:
As a Level 2 Nursery Assistant, you will support the team in caring for and engaging a group of children, providing daily care and activities, while also assisting with developmental reviews. We offer care and education for children aged 6 months through to their transition to reception. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of care and creating learning opportunities in a safe, stimulating environment, all while supporting the Early Years Foundation Stage.
What we need:
You must hold a minimum of a full and relevant Level 2 qualification in Childcare. A good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection, is essential.
Applications for this role will be considered on a first come first serve basis and we may close the vacancy early if the right candidate is found.
Main duties of the job
- To provide the best possible care and stimulation for the children of the nursery meeting their physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs in a non-discriminatory manner.
- To work in partnership with parents and encourage their involvement in the aims of the nursery and in all aspects of their child's care.
- To provide and maintain records as necessary and appropriate, in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework.
- To attend training courses, to ensure that modern, innovated and forward looking practices are maintained and to allow for personal career development.
- To assist in the daily domestic management of the nursery; ensuring that the nursery is kept safe, secure and clean at all times.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
- Caring for and about you is our top priority
- Committed to providing good quality, safe services
- Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities
- 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
- Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
- Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
- Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
- Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
- Free parking across Trust sites
Job responsibilities
The must haves for this role:
- NVQ 2 in childcare or equivalent qualification in line with those listed on the qualification finder section of www.education.gov.uk
- An understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage
- A knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Carly Byrne, Nursery Manager on carly.byrne@berkshire.nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training
Essential
- NVQ 2 in childcare or equivalent qualification in line with those listed on the 'qualification finder' section of www.education.gov.uk
- An understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage
Continuous Professional Development
Essential
- As stated in the EYFS, a good standard of written and spoken English. Also able to read and understand English such as to follow instructions or interpret a policy
- A knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection and appropriate protocol
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
Desirable
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate
- Food Hygiene Certificate
- Working towards an NVQ 3 in childcare or equivalent qualification in line with those listed on the 'qualification finder' section of www.education.gov.uk
Previous Experience
Essential
- Experience of any work which demonstrates the skills required for the post
- Experience of team work
- Previous relevant work in childcare
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills
- An understanding of the role of the Key Person
- Knowledge of inclusive practice
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Flexible approach to hours which includes a willingness to attend meetings, training and nursery events as appropriate
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address
Upton Hospital
Jack in The Box Nursery
Slough
SL1 2BJ
Employer's website
https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)