Job overview
Early Years Assistant - NHS Workplace Nursery (Haywards Heath)
Qualification Level 1-3 in EY Care & Education or relevant experience if unqualified.
Maternity Cover only (14mths Fix Term Contract)
Monday & Tuesday 8.5hrs (working shifts between 6:45-18:15)
We are looking for someone who has childcare experience and wanting the opportunity to be in a workplace that has flexibility to work around studying or home-life. A childcare qualification is desirable however experience of working with young children is essential.
Wanting to work in the NHS? Looking for a flexible and interesting role in childcare? Ofsted rated 'Good' January 2024.
The Wendy House Nursery, based in The Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath is a NHS workplace that has a team of highly professional workforce, where the needs of children come first.
This is a Fix Term position, covering maternity leave working a full day on a Monday and Tuesday. There is the scope to work additional hours throughout the week when required to cover annual leave or sickness.
The nursery works on rota shift basis covering the hours of 7:00- 18:00.
Wendy House provides care and education for up to 51 children of NHS employees.
We are looking for someone who is motivated, flexible, and passionate about the care and learning of children under the age of 5 years.
Being adaptable, with strong teamwork attributes is important for this role.
Excellent NHS Pension &Annual Leave Entitlement
Main duties of the job
As an Early Years Assistant the role is to cover all four playrooms when full time staff have a rota day off / annual leave / sickness. This will provide variety and fun to each working day with the opportunity to interact with all children and staff.
This post is an unqualified position, however it is important that you have had experience working with young children with a good sense of the importance of high standards of care.
You must show flexibility and adaptability as each day can be very different but equally enjoyable and imaginative. Being able to retain information, and use initiative is a must for this post.
The role will involve spending time in the outdoor environment and providing lots of learning opportunities for children through creative and sensory play.
You will be supported by highly qualified and experienced staff .
*Candidates must have appropriate VISA's to work in the UK. We unfortunately are not able to offer sponsorship for this position
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
If you do not meet the sponsorship requirements, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. To assist colleagues in creating a happy environment and encourage play, creative learning and educational activities.
2. Support colleagues with midday mealtime, providing bottle feeds and solid foods for children of various ages.
3. Prepare suitable foods for children’s breakfast, snack and teatime.
4. Help with the monitoring of children to ensure that they continue to develop and achieve milestones.
5. To ensure that each child is treated as an individual, ensuring their developmental needs are to be met.
6. To respect the confidentiality of the nursery children, parents/carers and staff.
7. To have a understanding of Paediatric First Aid and basic knowledge of Child Development.
8. To carry out the post in regarding University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Equal Opportunities Policy.
9. To be aware of Health and Safety Regulations and ensure that they are adhered to
Person specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
10. Experience working with children of Primary school age an under
11. Experience with Toddlers and Babies (Under 5yrs)
12. Experience with Parent Partnership Working
13. Experience working within a Team environment
14. Knowledge of Early Years Milestones
15. Knowledge of Safeguarding and Child Protection
16. Understanding of Diversity and Equality Practice for Children, Families and Staff
17. Awareness of Health, Hygiene and Safety procedures in the workplace
Desirable criteria
18. NVQ Childcare or Health & Social Certificate
19. Paediatric First Aid Certificate
20. Food Hygiene Certificate
21. Experience of working in other Early Years settings
22. Awareness of Special Educational needs and requirements
23. Demonstrate Excellent Verbal and Good Written skills
Skills
Essential criteria
24. Ability to communicate well with young children and parents
25. Demonstrate Excellent Verbal and Good Written skills Able to time manage and prioritise tasks
26. Able to work well in a team
Desirable criteria
27. Basic Knowledge of I.T
28. Knowledge, understanding of ‘Risk, Health and Safety’ in a nursery setting
29. Desire to continue with professional development
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
30. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
31. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications