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How to Write a Nursery Assistant Job Description

Not sure how to advertise that nursery assistant job? We’re here to help out.

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When you’re looking to hire a nursery assistant, you need to be sure that you are advertising the right qualities. It’s important that your job advertisement is appealing to potential employees so that you end up with your pick of the best applicants. If you’re struggling to figure out what you need to include in your nursery assistant job description then we’re here to help you.

Your checklist








Clearly show the basic job information

When you start out writing your job description, make sure that you have all of the basic information at your disposal. 

Employees are going to be less interested in positions with vague details about things like pay, working hours, and contract length so you should ensure that you’re communicating everything you possibly can to potential employees. If any of these aspects of the job aren’t known then make it clear at what stage they will be decided and what options potential employees have.

Ensure that the location of the position is clearly advertised, otherwise you could end up with confused applicants applying to jobs that they don’t have the capability of even getting to, wasting both yours and their time.

When you’re advertising for a position in a school it’s a good idea to include some information about the school in your advertisement. Try to get across what type of candidate the school is looking for and who would best suit both the position and your school’s environment.

Detail the experience you're looking for

As you’re writing your job advertisement, think about the level of experience that you need for the position and ensure that you mention it early. You could start off by saying something along the lines of “We are looking for an experienced nursery assistant” which would discourage applicants that don’t have the level of experience you’re looking for.

It’s going to vary for every position how much experience your candidates will need, so just make sure that you’re asking for the right amount. No one wants to see an entry level position requiring 2+ years of experience.

Alongside experience, you should list what kind of qualifications you’ll be looking for in the position. This is going to depend on your school and your own requirements for the position, as nursery assistants don’t require any qualifications but need at least a level 3 qualification in childcare or early years

Talk about what the job involves

This is an important aspect of the job description you’ll be posting and should make up the bulk of your advertisement. Ensure the responsibilities of the job are clear as well as workable, as people won’t be applying for a position where they would be overwhelmed, but this shouldn’t be an issue as long as you keep it reasonable and to the recognised standards of the job.

 

For a nursery assistant position you might list things like:

  •  Using play to help children learn and develop
  •  Ensuring children are safe and nurtured
  • Setting up and running nursery sessions
  •  Plan and supervise activities
  • Take children on outings
  • Ensure all children are fed and hydrated
  • To promote and support the safeguarding of children and young people in the workplace
  • Work alongside parents/carers of special needs children to provide details of progress
  • Clean and change children when necessary

Which institutions usually employ nursery assistants?

Nursery nurses are usually employed at private nurseries or those attached to schools but they can also be employed in other institutions such as family centres or hospitals, though no matter what type of organisation you are hiring for, nursery nurses tend to be still dealing with a lot of the same responsibilities. The positions can either be part time or full time.

Sometimes the position can be specifically hired to focus on children with special educational needs. If a certain specialism is required at your organisation make sure you advertise it well, otherwise you won’t get the right applicants.

Key qualities of a nursery assistant

  • Patient, caring and calm nature
  • Imagination and creativity
  • A passion for working with children
  • Sense of responsibility
  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude
  • Good communication skills
  • Good organisation, record keeping and planning skills

Example nursery assistant job description:

This is an example of what your nursery assistant job description could look like. Keep in mind this may vary depending on the role itself. 

Nursery assistant 

Barnsley – £18,000

Eastside Nursery are looking to recruit experienced nursery assistants to join our team in Barnsley. We are looking for someone who is passionate about working with children aged 0-5 years old and making a difference.

Our ideal candidate is someone who has good communication skills, is willing to work flexibly and available full time.

Responsibilities: 

 

  • Completing observations and planning activities for children  

  • Build a solid and strong relationship with children, parents and staff members

  • Report any accidents to the relevant member of staff

  • Monitoring, assessing and recording children’s progress

  • Ensure all health and safety and safeguarding procedures are being followed

  • Help children to learn numeracy and language skills through games

  • Feed and change babies

    Qualifications and requirements:

  •  Experience working with children (Required)
  • Have a Level 3 award in childcare (Required)
  • Able to communicate effectively with other staff members and build positive relationships (Required)
  •  Recent First Aid Certificate (Desired)
  • GCSE Maths and English A*-C or equivalent (Desired)


(35 – 40 hours per week) with shifts covering early starts and late finishes, e.g. between the hours of 8am-6pm or 7am-7pm

In summary

When putting together a nursery assistant job description make sure to include the information mentioned above, as well as anything else that would be relevant to the position. Think of it from a prospective employees’ perspective and what you would want to know about a job you’re applying for.

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