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University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Early Years Educator

The closing date is 10 December 2025

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Job summary

**Previous applicants need not to apply**

Early Years Educator (minimum Level 2 in Early Years)

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

Older Toddler Playroom: 2-3 year old

Do you have a passion for early years education and hold a full and relevant childcare qualification.

We are looking for an Early Years Educator who is motivated, enthusiastic and full of fun and wants to be part of an NHS nursery?

Our nursery is based at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath with a team of highly experienced staff nursery .

The post holder will be required to have a full and relevant Level 2/3 Diploma in Early Yearswith experience of working with in an EYFS setting.

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

Inspected by Ofsted in January 2024, achieving a grade 'Good' we value the importance of excellent parent partnership and flexible childcare in a NHS workplace nursery.

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.

The Wendy House Nursery cares for babies and young children of NHS employees. We are open from 7:00 to 18:00 with staff working a variety of shifts. It is essential to be flexible and able to travel to Haywards Heath to work various shifts..

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a practitioner who really enjoys working with older toddlers. The 2 - 3 year olds has a broad developmental skills and abilities, so the ideal practitioner should have good knowledge of child milestones. It is a playroom where children's personalities are developing quickly and where building confidence and forming friendships begins. Being part of this play room is giving a fun, nurturing and guiding approach.

Experience with SEND children would be useful.

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.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Date posted

26 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

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

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

279-7380434-NOV25

Job locations

Wendy House Nursery, Princess Royal Hospital

Lewes Road

Haywards Heath

RH16 4EX

Job description

Job responsibilities

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 childrens 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

Job description

Job responsibilities

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 childrens 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

Essential

Childcare Qualification NVQ Level 2 or 3
Experience working with children under the age of 5 years
Experience with 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

Desirable

Experience of being a Key Worker to a group of children
Paediatric First Aid Certificate
Food Hygiene 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

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Childcare Qualification NVQ Level 2 or 3
Experience working with children under the age of 5 years
Experience with 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

Desirable

Experience of being a Key Worker to a group of children
Paediatric First Aid Certificate
Food Hygiene 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

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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 details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Wendy House Nursery, Princess Royal Hospital

Lewes Road

Haywards Heath

RH16 4EX

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Wendy House Nursery, Princess Royal Hospital

Lewes Road

Haywards Heath

RH16 4EX

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)