Job summary
First Steps Nursery is a purpose built NHS workplacenursery for staff working for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. A brand new build has been built onsite at the Conquest Hospital and opened in January 2022. The nursery provides full day care for 56 children a day aged 4 months to 8 years.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, motivated Full time Nursery Assistant to join our team.The successful candidate will need to hold a minimum NVQ level 2 in Childcare & Education (or equivalent) & have had some work experience with children under the age of 5 years.
The successful candidate also will need to demonstrate they have a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, be an effective communicator and show flexibility in working hours during a week so that we can continue to provide flexibility within our service. Shifts are given 4 weeks in advance
In addition and asrequested by the children within our nursery, they would like the successful candidate to:
- be happy with a smiley face
- have lots of fun with us
- give good cuddles
- tell lots of stories (we like using lots of different props)
- do silly dances
- play lots of games with us
- play dressing up with us
- go on our outdoor adventures with us
- like to get messy
In addition further training will be offered and the opportunity to progress with support to a level 3 qualification
Main duties of the job
To assist the Management team in providing the highest quality Childcare and Education, in a safe, caring and stimulating environment.
To look after and plan Educational Activities for the children attending the full day care services. To maintain child to staff ratios and work within and follow the Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) and Trust procedures and policies.
To plan and execute and evaluate the education / play programme appropriate to age of child within the childcare provision (registered from 4 months 8 yrs.) following the national framework for foundation stage.
Provide appropriate play opportunities and interact in a positive manner with the child/ren whilst in our care.
Assist in setting out rooms with resources and arrange furniture to enable children to access them.
Communicate effectively and with added detail to enhance child's language and learning opportunities on one to one basis or within a group.
Communicate effectively to parents/carers and with concise detail about their child's day ensuring good practice of shared information, which will benefit the child and parents/carers
Work within the framework of the nurseries behaviour management procedures when needing to discipline children.
About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Details
Date posted
11 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
£24,465 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
374-LVB0425-B
Job locations
Conquest Hospital
First Steps Nursery
St Leonards on sea
TN37 7RD
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Good general level of education including Maths and English
* NVQ level 2 in Childcare and Education
Desirable
* Level 3 in childcare & Education
Experience
Essential
* Previous experience working in a setting with the under 5's age group.
Desirable
* Experience working with babies
* Experience working with children at holiday clubs
* Experience of working with children with additional needs
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Essential
* Understanding of the Early Years Goals and Foundation stage
* Good organisational skills.
* Effective communication skills both verbal and non-verbal
Desirable
* Safeguarding training
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Good general level of education including Maths and English
* NVQ level 2 in Childcare and Education
Desirable
* Level 3 in childcare & Education
Experience
Essential
* Previous experience working in a setting with the under 5's age group.
Desirable
* Experience working with babies
* Experience working with children at holiday clubs
* Experience of working with children with additional needs
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Essential
* Understanding of the Early Years Goals and Foundation stage
* Good organisational skills.
* Effective communication skills both verbal and non-verbal
Desirable
* Safeguarding training
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Conquest Hospital
First Steps Nursery
St Leonards on sea
TN37 7RD
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Conquest Hospital
First Steps Nursery
St Leonards on sea
TN37 7RD
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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