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Main area Early Years Grade Band 3 Contract 10 months (Fixed Term/Secondment) Hours
* Full time
* Part time
* Flexible working
37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday working 9 day fortnight rota) Job ref 279-7907001-MAY26-A
Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Wendy House Nursery, Princess Royal Hospital Town Haywards Heath Salary £25,760 - £27,476 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 15/06/2026 23:59
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard‑working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. 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, including where possible, flexible working to support work‑life balance – 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.
Job overview
MAT Leave Cover: Early Years Educator (minimum Level 2 qualification in Early Years Care & Education)
10 months fixed term contract
Full Time Post: 37.5hrs over a 9 day fortnight – Mon to Fri
Must hold the relevant qualifications or experience
Are you passionate about supporting young children to learn, grow, and thrive? We are looking for a caring and enthusiastic Early Years Educator to join our friendly nursery team on a maternity cover basis.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a nurturing, child‑centred environment where every day brings new opportunities to make a difference.
Our NHS nursery is based at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath with a team of highly experienced staff nursery.
The post holder will be required to have a full and relevant Level 2/3 Diploma in Early Years with experience of working in an EYFS setting.
Inspected by Ofsted in January 2024, achieving a grade 'Good' we value the importance of excellent parent partnership and flexible childcare in a NHS workplace nursery.
Excellent Annual leave Entitlement
Excellent NHS Pension
We are looking for someone who is motivated, flexible, and passionate about the care and learning of children under the age of 5 years.
The Wendy House Nursery cares for babies and young children of NHS employees. We are open from 7:00 to 18:00 with staff working a variety of shifts. It is essential to be flexible and able to travel to Haywards Heath to work various shifts.
Main duties of the job
You will be based in our young toddler & baby room, supporting children aged approximately 0–2 years, providing a safe, loving, and stimulating environment where they can explore, develop, and thrive.
Working with the under 2s is based on building strong attachments, delivering sensory and age‑appropriate activities, working closely with parents to ensure continuity of care and routines and maintaining a safe, clean, and nurturing environment.
This is a qualified position, and the post holder will be required to support a 'Key Group' of children supporting their care and educational needs.
Good knowledge and experience of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is essential as you will be planning and undertaking activities, carrying out observations and individual assessments.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* To work alongside colleagues to provide a high‑quality childcare service by creating a safe and stimulating atmosphere for children to play, learn and develop.
* To work alongside colleagues in the delivery of an effective EYFS curriculum that supports the children's interest and stage of development.
* To work with the nursery daily routine; working within the indoors/outdoors learning areas and local community.
* To engage with children in creative and sensory play.
* To be a 'Key Worker' to a small group of children support and develop their care and educational needs.
* Provide caring support and good communication with parents/carers and children, understanding and appreciating diversity.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK as this role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules.
If you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can't be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval, you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
Person specification
Knowledge and Experience
* Childcare Qualification NVQ Level 2 or 3
* Experience working with children under the age of 5 years
* Experience with Young Toddlers and Babies
* Experience with Parent Partnership Working
* Experience working within a Team environment
* Knowledge of Early Years Milestones
* Knowledge of Safeguarding and Child Protection
* Understanding of Diversity and Equality Practice for Children, Families and Staff
* Awareness of Health, Hygiene and Safety procedures in the workplace
* Experience of being a Key Worker to a group of children
* Paediatric First Aid Certificate
* Experience of working in other Early Years settings
* Experience of Special Educational needs and requirements
* Demonstrate Excellent Verbal and Good Written skills
Equality and Diversity
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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