Nursery Assistant (Level 3) (part-time or full-time)

Job Title:      Nursery Assistant

Reports to:   Nursery Manager / Deputy Nursery Manager

Welcome Incentives

• £750 welcome bonus upon successful completion of probation
• £250 refer a friend bonus upon successful completion of probation

Key Responsibilities

• To contribute to a programme of Early Years activities with the nursery and outdoors environment to support children’s learning.
• To work with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework that meet the individual needs and interests of children.
• To act as a key person to a small group of children and being the first point of contact for their families.
• To take ownership in being responsible for maintaining children’s learning journals and monitoring/reporting on their developmental milestones.
• To build strong working relationships with parents and family members, alongside management and other colleagues.
• To assist with daily, weekly and monthly checks around the nursery and assisting in ensuring the nursery is always clean and safe.
• To be committed to the safeguarding of all children in the nursery as well as those in direct care.

Person Specification

A qualified Nursery Assistant professional (Level 3 or above) with a keen interest in developing knowledge and practice of Little Lancing’s approach.

Skills and Qualifications

• Hold a Level 3 up to Level 6 Early Years qualification or equivalent.
• Experience of working with children between the ages of 0-5.
• Good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
• Ideally have an up-to-date Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Hygiene certificate.
• Strong IT skills including use of tablets.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Working knowledge of relevant Health & Safety legislation.

Personal Characteristics

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Passionate about creating a caring and nurturing environment for children.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the nursery team.
• Resilient and demonstrates the ability to work well under pressure.
• Positive attitude to all aspects of Nursery and Forest School life.
• Committed to continuous personal and professional development.

Desirable Criteria

• Possess up-to-date Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Hygiene certificates or willing to attend training for this.
• Experience with or knowledge of Children’s Act and OFSTED requirements.
• Live within a comfortable commuting distance from the nursery.
• Valid driving licence and access to own car due to rural location.

Terms and Conditions

• Salary £13.91 per hour.
• This role is available on a part‑time or full‑time basis, with 27–40 hours per week worked over 3–5 days. Working patterns will be agreed upon appointment, with flexibility on both sides.
• The School currently operates a Group Personal Pension subject to scheme rules which may vary from time to time. The School shall initially pay a sum equivalent to 5% of your basic Salary into the pension scheme subject to contribution by you of at least 5%. You can alternatively opt to make a contribution of 7.5% and the School will match this. Minimum contributions may vary to reflect the prevailing legislative requirements.
• The employment is subject to a probationary period of twelve months. During the probationary period, one months’ notice will be required on either side after which two months’ notice will be required.

Application Procedure: 

Applications should be made using the application form. Candidates are asked to add a covering letter setting out, as succinctly as possible, their reasons for applying for the position at Lancing.

Application forms are available from the College website www.lancingcollege.org.uk.

Please send any emails to recruitment@lancing.org.uk

A full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a minimum of two referees, one of whom should be the candidate’s current or most recent employer should be included with the application.

Informal conversations about the post may be arranged with Jovita Opio, Nursery Manager, at jopio@lancing.org.uk

Closing date: Friday 8 May 2026

The Nursery reserves the right to call individuals to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for applications.