Early Years Practitioners (Nursery Assistants & Level 3 TAs) – Newcastle & North Tyneside
Contract: Full-time / Part-time / Long-term supply
Start Date: Ongoing – flexible starts available
Hours: Typically 8:30am–3:30pm, Monday–Friday
Pay: £–£100 per day (PAYE)
We’re looking for experienced Early Years Practitioners, Nursery Assistants, and Level 3 Teaching Assistants to work across schools in Newcastle and North Tyneside, supporting children in Nursery and Reception.
Whether you’ve worked in a school nursery, private setting, or Early Years unit, you’ll know the unique pace and purpose of early education, where curiosity, patience, and a good sense of humour go a long way.
The Role
You’ll be joining schools where Early Years education is valued and well-resourced. Working closely with class teachers and Early Years Leads, you’ll play a key role in supporting children aged 3–5 as they develop socially, emotionally, and academically.
Typical responsibilities include:
1. Supporting play-based learning and continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors.
2. Assisting with phonics, early writing, and number activities.
3. Observing and recording progress in line with the EYFS framework.
4. Encouraging language development and early communication through modelling and conversation.
5. Supporting pupils with additional needs or developmental delays under the guidance of the SENCO.
6. Promoting positive behaviour, kindness, and cooperation in the classroom and playground.
7. Working collaboratively with colleagues to prepare and adapt resources.
You’ll be placed in schools that suit your experience, from small village primaries in North Tyneside to larger urban schools in Newcastle with established Early Years teams.
About You
We’re looking for practitioners who bring both skill and warmth to their work. You’ll already have a good understanding of child development and know how to build children’s confidence through calm, consistent interaction.
You should have:
8. A Level 3 TA qualification or equivalent OR experience supporting children aged 3–5 in a nursery or school environment.
9. Knowledge of the EYFS framework and experience contributing to observations or learning journeys.
10. A flexible, proactive approach, able to adapt to different school environments.
11. A genuine commitment to children’s wellbeing, inclusion, and safety.
Additional experience supporting children with speech and language needs, autism, or delayed development would be highly valued.
Why Work with Protocol Education
We work closely with schools across Newcastle, Heaton, Gosforth, North Shields, Wallsend, and Whitley Bay, helping them find reliable, confident Early Years staff who fit their ethos.
With us, you’ll get:
12. Weekly pay through PAYE (no umbrella companies or admin fees)
13. Free access to our Educator CPD Academy, including Early Years and SEN courses
14. Local consultant support, our Newcastle team are based nearby and know each school personally
15. A variety of placements that match your availability and experience
We’ll listen to what you’re looking for and match you with schools where you’ll feel comfortable, valued, and supported.
Safeguarding Statement
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references before starting work.
If you’re an experienced Early Years professional ready for a new challenge, or looking for flexible work that makes use of your skills, click Apply Now or get in touch with our Newcastle team for a chat.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
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