Early Years Educator; School activity assistant – Nationwide IKEA CRECHE

Job Overview: School Holiday Activity Assistant (IKEA Creche)

My Ohana, the official operator of IKEA Creches across the UK and Ireland, is seeking flexible and enthusiastic Activity Assistants for the upcoming school holiday periods. This is a high-energy, “stage-smile” role designed for those who love creating imaginative adventures for children while their parents shop.

As part of the My Ohana family, you’ll be responsible for turning a shopping trip into a highlight of a child’s day through crafts, physical games, and creative play in a safe, supervised environment.

Key Responsibilities & Creche Operations

Active Play & Engagement

• Imaginative Adventures: Lead children (aged 3 to 11) through creative storytelling, ball pool games, and physical activities.

• Artistic Inspiration: Facilitate craft sessions to inspire “the next Van Gogh,” managing supplies and encouraging children’s artistic expression.

• Sports & Games: Organize and supervise physical games to keep energy levels high and children entertained.

Customer Experience & Safety

• Atmosphere Management: Create a welcoming, safe, and vibrant environment for all families entering the creche.

• Communication: Maintain professional and friendly interactions with parents, fellow IKEA colleagues, and the children.

• Administrative Duties: Complete necessary “paperwork here and there” to ensure compliance with safety and registration standards.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Skills

• Experience: Proven history of working with children within the 3 to 11 years age bracket.

• Creativity: Ability to contribute to “fun every day” by helping plan and execute unique activities.

• Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within a fast-paced, collaborative team.

Compliance

• Right to Work: Must show proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

• Background Checks: Successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, professional references, and social media screening.

  The Organization & Culture In 2026, My Ohana is a leading provider of “Exceptional Childcare,” operating with the core philosophy that “everyone—big and small—deserves to feel good about childcare.” The culture is deeply rooted in its name—Ohana (Hawaiian for “family”)—emphasizing a nurturing, inclusive environment where children are treated as part of an extended family. The workplace culture is defined by a “Child-Led Ethos,” where “playful experts” deliver a science-based curriculum focused on building resilient thinkers. In 2026, the organization is noted for its “Human-Centric” approach, prioritizing employee wellbeing and professional development to ensure staff are “extraordinary people” capable of nurturing inquisitive minds.

  The Leeds Presence: Retail & Community Childcare While My Ohana has a significant national footprint, its primary presence in the Leeds area is a strategic partnership focused on supporting both shoppers and local families:

  • The IKEA Leeds Hub: My Ohana operates the dedicated Sessional Day Care (Crèche) within the IKEA Leeds (Birstall, Batley) store. This facility is a vital part of the West Yorkshire Retail Park, offering high-quality, short-term care that allows parents to shop while children engage in stimulated play.

  • Workplace Nursery Integration: In 2026, My Ohana is a major player in Workplace Childcare across the North. They partner with large organizations (such as David Lloyd) to provide managed nursery services that help regional employers attract and retain talent by solving the “childcare challenge.”

  • Regional Connectivity: Through their nearby York Nursery (located at the David Lloyd Club), My Ohana serves the wider Yorkshire commuter belt, providing a “unique solution” for active families that combines sports facilities with high-standard early years education.

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  Workplace & Strategic Highlights (2026)

  • Strategic 2026 Vision: “Nurturing Resilient Thinkers”

    • Holistic Curriculum: The 2026 curriculum is structured around three pillars: Mind (independent thinking), Body (healthy habits), and World (curious exploration).

    • The “Science of Play”: My Ohana has moved away from traditional “sit-and-learn” models in favor of a science-based approach where children achieve milestones at their own pace through carefully thought-out, child-led activities.

  • 2026 Compensation & Salaries (Regional Estimates):

    • Nursery Practitioners: In the Yorkshire region, qualified practitioners earn between £26,624 and £27,040 annually, with some “Senior” roles reaching up to £30,500.

    • Crèche Assistants: Sessional and “Bank” roles (common in the Leeds IKEA branch) typically offer hourly rates around £12.21 to £13.00.

    • Nursery Managers: Strategic leadership roles in the region command salaries between £33,000 and £41,000.

  • Comprehensive 2026 Employee Benefits:

    • Wage Access: A popular 2026 feature is the ability for staff to access up to 80% of their earned wages before payday, providing significant financial flexibility.

    • Career Pathways: The company offers structured “Support and Development” for operations teams, allowing crèche assistants to grow into management or senior educator roles.

    • Mental Health & Wellbeing: As part of their “Feel Good” mission, employees have access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and dedicated mental health resources.

  Strategic Values: “Mind, Body, and World”

  • Sustainable Growth: In 2026, My Ohana is expanding its “Theodore’s House” and “Shire House” models, focusing on “Urgency to Intent”—a shift toward more intentional, long-term childcare partnerships with corporate clients.

  • Transparency: The organization prides itself on being “open and honest,” using platforms like the Famly app to provide parents with real-time updates and weekly online journals of their child’s progress.

  • Diversity & Inclusion: A major 2026 strategic pillar is “Embracing Individuality.” This includes training management teams on inclusivity to ensure the “Ohana” family remains a welcoming space for all backgrounds and abilities.