Early Years Educator

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Early Years Educator

The closing date is 07 December 2025

Experience Early Years Educator (Level 2/3 in Early Years)

Full Time Post: 37.5 hrs over a 9 day fortnight - Mon to Fri

Are you an experienced nursery practitioner that is motivated and enthusiastic and wants to be part of an NHS nursery?

Do you want to be part of a fun, friendly and highly experienced team working in Brighton?

The post holder will be required to have a full and relevant Level 2/3 in Early Years with experience of working with children under 3 years old in an EYFS setting.

Sussex House Nursery, is an NHS workplace nursery that has a team of highly professional, workforce where the needs of children come first.

Inspected by Ofsted in February 2024, achieving a grade 'Good' we see the importance of having a fun, nurturing environment with excellent teamwork and great partnership working.

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.

You will be working with highly skilled and dedicated staff who understand the importance of providing excellent childcare for working families.

The post is to work full time 37.5 hours per week on a 9 day fortnight shift rota.

Sussex House Nursery cares for babies and young children. We are open from 7am-6pm. It is essential to be flexible and able to travel to Brighton to work various shifts.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be working in our young toddler room however we are flexible and this can be reviewed if a suitable candidate has experience or preference in another playroom.

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 and providing lots of learning opportunities for children through creative and sensory play.

With the support of highly qualified and experienced staff there will be the opportunity to undertake further learning opportunities and training.

Please note that 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 authorization 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.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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, 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.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job 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.

- 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.

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).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata

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