Job Description

Nursery Assistant

Guildford, Surrey | Full-time | Long-term Temporary Contract
Start Date: October 2026 | Duration: Long-term cover assignment, expected end date December 2027
Are you an experienced Nursery Assistant looking for a rewarding role supporting young children during the most important stages of their development? Tradewind Recruitment is recruiting for a full-time Nursery Assistant to work within welcoming nursery and children's centre settings across Guildford.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates with experience supporting children aged 1-3 years and a passion for helping young learners develop through play, communication and structured early years activities.

About the Role

Working within an Early Years environment, you will help create a safe, engaging and nurturing setting where children can learn, develop and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support children aged 1-3 years in nursery and children's centre settings
  • Deliver engaging play-based learning activities
  • Encourage early communication, language and social development
  • Provide individual and small-group support where required
  • Support children with SEND and additional learning needs
  • Assist with daily nursery routines and learning activities
  • Prepare learning resources and activity areas
  • Work collaboratively with Early Years practitioners, SENCOs and support staff
  • Monitor children's engagement and wellbeing
  • Follow safeguarding procedures at all times

Candidate Requirements

To be considered, you will have:
  • Recent experience working within a nursery, children's centre, childcare, education, care or SEND setting
  • Experience supporting children aged approximately 1-3 years
  • A good understanding of child development in the Early Years
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • A patient, caring and adaptable approach
  • The ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's wellbeing

Desirable Qualifications

  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (CACHE)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care, Learning and Development (CCLD)
  • Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development
  • Level 3 Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy
  • Level 3 Award or Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
Experience supporting children with SEND on a 1:1 basis is highly desirable.

Pay and Progression

£93 per day PAYE
  • For candidates with a minimum of 3 months' experience supporting children or young people within education, childcare, care or SEND settings.
Up to £100 per day PAYE
  • For candidates who hold a relevant Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification and have more than 12 months' experience supporting children, including experience supporting SEND, personal care requirements or additional learning needs.

Why Apply?

School and Setting Benefits

  • Long-term opportunity within established Early Years settings
  • Supportive and collaborative teams
  • Valuable experience working with children during a key developmental stage

Role Benefits

  • Develop specialist Early Years and SEND experience
  • Opportunity to support learning through play and communication
  • Make a genuine difference to children's development and confidence

Tradewind Recruitment Benefits

  • Weekly PAYE pay
  • No umbrella company deductions
  • Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement

Free National College CPD Access

As a Tradewind Recruitment candidate, you'll receive a free National College subscription with access to over 2,500 CPD courses.
Recommended courses for this role include:
  • Early Years Child Development
  • Supporting Children with SEND
  • Early Communication and Language Development

Required Vetting

Successful applicants will complete standard vetting checks including:
  • An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one
  • Professional references
  • Verification of relevant qualifications
  • Right to work checks

Apply Today

To apply for this Nursery Assistant opportunity in Guildford, please contact:
Lauren Joyner
Tradewind Recruitment
lauren.joyner@twrecruitment.com
Call Tradewind Recruitment today and discover why thousands of educators have trusted us for over 20 years to help them find the right opportunities, in the right schools, with the support they deserve.