Nursery Assistant: Childcare Career

Job Overview: Flexible Nursery Assistant

TimePlan Education is seeking both qualified and unqualified Nursery Assistants for flexible placements across Leeds and surrounding areas. This role is designed for individuals looking to build a career in childcare by gaining diverse experience across various nursery settings.

As a Nursery Assistant, you serve as a “Developmental Supporter”—assisting senior staff in executing daily activities and ensuring that every child in your care feels safe, nurtured, and engaged.

Key Responsibilities & Nursery Support

Daily Engagement

• Activity Assistance: Support nursery leads in delivering creative play, storytelling, and educational activities tailored to early years development.

• Nurturing Environment: Maintain a warm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages children to explore and interact safely.

• Supervision: Provide constant, attentive supervision during indoor and outdoor play, meal times, and rest periods.

Operational Coordination

• Team Collaboration: Work effectively within a friendly, established team to maintain high standards of care and hygiene.

• Routine Adherence: Follow each specific nursery’s schedule for feeding, changing, and learning to ensure consistency for the children.

• Communication: Maintain professional interactions with colleagues and provide positive feedback to parents regarding their child’s day.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Criteria

• Experience: Previous experience working with children (in a professional, voluntary, or placement capacity) is highly valued.

• Compliance: Candidates must undergo an Enhanced DBS check and provide professional references.

• Reliability: A proactive and dependable approach to flexible shift work.

Preferred Assets

• Qualifications: Level 2 or Level 3 in Childcare/Early Years is beneficial but not always required for unqualified entry-level roles.

• Disposition: A genuine passion for childcare and a desire for continuous professional development.

Compensation & Employee Benefits

• Pay Rate: Competitive hourly rates based on experience and qualification level.

• Flexibility: Choose shifts that fit your personal schedule, allowing for a better work-life balance.

• Professional Growth: Access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work in various high-quality nursery environments.

• Support: Work with a dedicated consultant from TimePlan Education to find the best placements for your career goals.

  The Organization & Culture In 2026, TimePlan Education holds the distinction of being the UK’s first teaching agency, with a legacy spanning over 35 years since its founding in 1989. The culture is built on the philosophy that “Teaching is a Calling, Not Just a Job.” As a pioneer in the sector, TimePlan maintains a “family” atmosphere, emphasizing long-term career advocacy over simple shift-filling. For educators, the environment is one of high support and “World Class” vetting standards (REC Gold Standard). The 2026 culture is increasingly focused on “Digital Integration,” using AI-enhanced matching to ensure teachers are placed in environments where their specific “Semantic DNA”—their unique teaching style and subject expertise—can flourish.

  The Leeds Presence: West Yorkshire’s Education Hub The Leeds branch serves as the strategic center for West Yorkshire, providing a critical link between talented educators and the region’s diverse school landscape:

  • The “City-to-Valley” Reach: From its central Leeds base, the agency services primary, secondary, and SEN (Special Educational Needs) schools across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, and Huddersfield.

  • NQT/ECT Specialist Focus: In 2026, the Leeds office is a primary hub for Early Career Teachers (ECTs), providing structured induction support and transitional roles for recent graduates from local institutions like Leeds Beckett and the University of Leeds.

  • International Talent Gateway: Leeds acts as a key landing point for overseas teachers from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, with the branch providing localized “UK Classroom” orientations and relocation assistance.