Early Years Practitioner (Nursery Assistant)

About the Role

This role will require a Enhanced DBS Check with child's barred list. If you are included on a child barred list, you will be breaking the law by applying for this role.

As a member of the university nursery team, you will play an essential role in supporting the children and nursery staff over the lunch time and staff breaks.

Working from 12.00noon to 2.00pm Monday to Friday, you will work closely with the children to assist them with their lunchtime meal, including helping babies and young children to feed themselves. You will also help the children after lunch to get ready for their afternoon nap, which could include personal care routines, as well as playing with any children who are not napping.

This post is for 52 weeks of the year with 26 days annual leave.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

Safeguarding babies and young children in our care is our paramount concern so you will have an understanding of Safeguarding within the Early Years sector and know that Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Professional childcare qualifications are not essential, although applicants with these would be very welcome. You must have a genuine interest in working with young children and babies. You must have a strong team working instinct and be able to be flexible in your approach.

Strong, robust Safeguarding policies and procedures exist across the setting to provide a safe environment for all babies and young children, keeping them safe from harm, as well as all adults using the setting.

About the Department

The university nursery has a long history of providing excellence in Early Years Care and Education, having been judged as outstanding by OFSTED three times since 2011.

The nursery provides full day care for babies and young children aged between 3 months and 5 years and is open all year round, except for the period between Christmas and the new year when we are closed.

The nursery is in a beautiful area of the main campus beside the lake in the Lakeside Village. We have a purpose-built nursery which can accommodate up to 78 children. We employ 36 staff including apprentices, Early Years practitioners, admin staff and support staff. You will be joining a well-established team and be part of a supportive organisation.

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by the closing date and time stated.

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience and education history.

Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.   

The interviews will be held on 8 November 2026.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.

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