Job Title: Nursery Assistant
Location: Barnes, SW London
Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
Salary: £27-29k
Qualification Required: Level 3 in Childcare (or equivalent)




About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Nursery Practitioner with NVQ Level 3 in Childcare (or equivalent) to join our highly regarded early years team. You will work directly with children from birth to school-age, supporting their care, development and learning in a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment. As a permanent member of the team, you will play an integral role in delivering high-quality provision that enables children to thrive and families to feel confident. The successful candidate will join a supportive setting where training and continued professional development are encouraged and valued.


Key Responsibilities
*Provide high-quality day-to-day care and support for children within your room / key-group, under the guidance of the Room Leader/Deputy Manager.
*Build positive, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues; be warm, welcoming and respectful of diversity.
*Support children’s learning and development through purposeful play and planned activities, aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
*Observe children’s progress and learning, record these observations and work with the team to plan next-steps that support each child’s individual needs.
*Contribute to the preparation, implementation and maintenance of the room environment, ensuring it is well-organised, welcoming, safe and stimulating.
*Promote children’s independence, self-confidence and positive behaviour by encouraging appropriate routines, social skills and self-help.
*Ensure that children’s health, safety and welfare are maintained at all times: carry out risk assessments, maintain hygiene standards, comply with safeguarding protocols and work in line with the setting’s policies and procedures.
*Communicate effectively with parents/carers: greet families, share information about children’s daily experiences, progress and development, and respond to queries or concerns professionally and sensitively.
*Work collaboratively as part of the nursery team: attend staff meetings, training and supervision sessions; support other practitioners as required; contribute ideas and feedback to improve the service.
*Support transitions for children entering the nursery, moving between rooms or preparing for school, helping to ensure continuity in care and development.
*Participate in continuous improvement and setting-wide quality initiatives: reflect on your practice, seek feedback, and engage in professional development to enhance your skills.


Person Specification / Required Skills & Attributes
*Qualification: NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Early Years Practitioner or equivalent recognised qualification.
*A genuine passion for working with young children, combined with warmth, patience and the ability to engage and enthuse children in a variety of activities.
*Good understanding of children’s development from birth to five years, and the ability to respond to varying stages and individual needs.
*Effective communication skills – able to build positive relationships with children, colleagues and families; confident in talking about children’s progress and everyday matters.
*Ability to work as part of a team, while also using your initiative when appropriate; flexible and adaptable in responding to the changing needs of children and the nursery environment.
*Strong organisational skills – able to maintain a safe, tidy, well-resourced environment; keep records accurately, complete observations and support planning and routines.
*Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare, health and safety; knowledge of relevant legislation, best practice and safe working practices in early years.
*Strong work ethic: reliable, punctual, professional appearance, positive attitude and willingness to contribute to the wider setting.
*Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training, and to share learning with colleagues.
*Desirable: experience in a nursery or early years setting; an understanding of the EYFS; first-aid qualification; an enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).


What We Offer
*A welcoming and stimulating early years environment where each child is valued and supported to flourish.
*Ongoing professional development and training opportunities to help you refine your skills and progress your career within early years.
*Supportive leadership and a strong team culture with room to contribute ideas and grow.
*A permanent contract offering stability, and the chance to become an integral part of the nursery and wider organisation.
*Opportunities to be involved in meaningful, rewarding work: making a real difference to children’s early years experiences and laying the foundations for their future learning.


How to Apply
If you are looking for a fulfilling role where you can support children’s growth, development and wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you. Candidates will need to undergo an enhanced DBS check, provide references, and demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.