Nursery Assistant

From the advert

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale C: £25,614 to £26,016 (full time/full year equivalent);

• 35 hours: £21,190 - £21,522 pro-rata per annum (Actual)
• 24 hours: £14,530 - £14,758 pro-rata per annum (Actual)

Part Time: 24 hours per week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) or 35 hours per week (Monday-Friday)

Working Weeks: 39 weeks

Start Date: January 2027 with the possibility to start earlier

There are two positions available for this role, please specify at the start of your cover letter the number of hours you are interested in.

Charles Darwin Primary and Nursery is seeking to appoint a dedicated, caring and ambitious Nursery Assistant who is able to support in making sure that our children are safe, happy and stimulated. We are searching for someone who can also encourage children’s development, create a friendly and purposeful environment and has a minimum level 3 childcare qualification. This post is a great opportunity to work alongside an early years team that shares your passion.

What You’ll Be Doing

• To work as part of a team in providing excellent quality childcare and early learning experiences for children, ensuring that the service we offer meets the needs of children and their families
• To participate in and keep all evidence of planning, tracking and learning outcomes
• To communicate sensitively and professionally with families and children at all times

About You:

You will be someone who is caring, patient, imaginative, and creative, with strong communication and organisational skills. You should also be flexible, calm under pressure, passionate about child development, and dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children.

Essential:

• Relevant Level 3 childcare qualifications
• Experience of working in a nursery or pre school setting
• Sound understanding of and ability to plan and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desirable:

• First aid certificate
• Food hygiene certificate
• Experience of working with children under 2

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Charles Darwin Primary School and Nursery is a free school located in the heart of Norwich which opened in September 2016. The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted in June 2019 for overall effectiveness and has maintained success in their first ungraded inspection in April 2025. Children who graduate from Charles Darwin are resilient, independent, and confident individuals who express themselves creatively and value their place in the world. They benefit from a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom, helping them stay happy, engaged, and inspired to learn.

The school offers an innovative curriculum that encourages every child to thrive, combining a strong academic focus with a rich programme of cultural and sporting opportunities.

Charles Darwin Primary has close links with the highly successful Jane Austen College and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form College, ensuring a strong educational pathway from early years through to post-16 education.

Although there is no on-site parking, the school and nursery are just a short walk from Norwich Train Station, served by several bus routes, with a range of paid parking options nearby.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

For information on what it is like to live and work in Norwich, click here .

Next Steps

Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Planning your application” section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Claire Thacker, PA to Principal ([email protected]).

To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form.

When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.

Closing date for applications: 12noon on Friday 30th October 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 10th November 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.