Early Years Assistant

University of Essex - UECS - Day Nursery

Placed On: 20th March 2026
Closes: 20th May 2026
Job Ref: REQ09920

Department
Set in the peaceful surroundings of Wivenhoe Park on our Colchester Campus the Day Nursery offers high quality care and education to children from 3 months to 5 years. We are open to the general public, university staff and students.

Duties of the Role
Responsibilities of the role will include;

• To be able to support and implement learning opportunities for children aged 0-5 years
• To care, value and respect children.
• To work as a team with other professionals to achieve the best outcomes for children.
• To speak confidently to parents about the nursery and the children in the nursery.
• To follow instruction from Room Seniors in relation to Ofsted requirements and health and safety guidelines at all times.
• To have an understanding about the safeguarding procedures and be willing to undertake training in this.
• To have a passion for outdoor learning.
• To attend other training to keep up to date with best practice.

Skills and qualifications required
Skills and qualifications required are;

• NVQ in childcare (or equivalent) is desirable.
• Paediatric first aid and safeguarding training is desirable and will be offered if appointed.
• Basic ICT skills to complete any online training and answer emails is essential
• Experience working within early years
• An understanding of how children’s development is monitored
• Good communication skills

Due to the nature of the work, applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an Enhanced DBS before the appointment is confirmed.

Please note that this vacancy is being advertised on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed weekly, and interviews scheduled on a regular basis whilst the role continues to be advertised. Potential applicants should be aware that the University reserves the right to withdraw this role at short notice if the position is filled early

At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.

To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.