Nursery Assistant
Job description
Original text imported from Reed
Job Title: Nursery Assistant - Supply / Flexible Hours (January 2026 Start)
Location: Selby and Surrounding Areas
Are you passionate about supporting young children's growth and learning, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN)? We're looking for enthusiastic and reliable Nursery Assistants to join our supply team across Selby and nearby areas. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who enjoy variety, flexibility, and making a positive impact in early years settings.
About the Role
As a Supply Nursery Assistant, you'll play an essential part in helping children aged 0-5 learn, grow, and thrive in safe, nurturing environments. You'll support nurseries, including nursery classes within primary schools, bringing energy, creativity, and care to every setting you work in. You may also have opportunities to work directly with children who have additional needs, supporting SEN provision and inclusive practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Support children's development through engaging activities and play-based learning
* Assist with daily routines, including meals, toileting, and outdoor play
* Create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment
* Support children with Special Educational Needs, adapting activities when required and promoting inclusive participation
* Follow safeguarding, health, and safety policies at all times
* Work collaboratively with permanent staff to ensure continuity of care and learning
Requirements
- Experience working with young children in a nursery or early years environment
* A caring, patient, and adaptable approach, with sensitivity towards SEN support
* Willingness and ability to travel to different settings in and around Selby
* Level 2 or 3 Childcare qualification (desirable but not essential)
* Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one
What We Offer
- Flexible working hours to fit around your lifestyle
* Opportunities to gain experience across a range of early years settings, including primary school nursery units
* Ongoing professional support and development opportunities, including SEN training
* Competitive daily rates
Key skills
AI-extracted from the job advert
Application advice
5 AI-generated recommendations to maximise your chances.
⭐ Highlight your SEN experience prominently as the advert specifically mentions supporting children with additional needs
📊 Quantify your childcare experience: "Supported 15 children aged 2-4 across 3 different nursery settings"
🌐 Emphasise your flexibility and willingness to travel to different settings around Selby
🎯 Mention your Enhanced DBS status or willingness to obtain one as this is essential for the role
🤝 Showcase examples of collaborative work with permanent staff to demonstrate continuity of care
Suggested CV bullets
3 bullets our AI drafted for this specific advert, mirroring its ATS keywords.
Add these 3 bullets under your most recent experience:
- •Supported 12 children with SEN across 4 nursery settings, adapting EYFS activities to promote inclusive participation and development
- •Implemented play-based learning programmes for children aged 0-5, maintaining safeguarding standards across 6 different early years environments
- •Collaborated with permanent nursery staff to ensure continuity of care for 25 children, covering absence periods averaging 3 days per week
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Letter preview — tailored to Academics
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Supply Nursery Assistant position with Academics in Selby. Having worked extensively with children aged 0-5 and supported SEN provision, I am particularly drawn to your emphasis on inclusive practices and flexible working across multiple early years settings.
My background in early years education includes hands-on experience with play-based learning, safeguarding procedures, and adapting activities for children with additional needs. I hold an Enhanced DBS and am comfortable travelling to different nursery settings to provide continuity of care.
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Interview questions
10 questions generated from this advert.
Technical
- ›How would you adapt a play-based learning activity for a child with special educational needs?
- ›What safeguarding procedures would you follow if you had concerns about a child's welfare?
- ›How do you implement EYFS principles in your daily practice with children aged 0-5?
- ›Describe your experience working with children who have additional needs in early years settings
- ›How would you support a child's development through outdoor play activities?
Behavioural
- ›Tell me about a time when you had to adapt quickly to a new nursery environment
- ›Describe a situation where you had to work with a challenging child and how you handled it
- ›Give an example of how you've supported a child with special educational needs
- ›Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with permanent staff in an unfamiliar setting
- ›Describe how you would handle a situation where a child was upset and wouldn't participate in activities
STAR answer examples
Model answers using the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework. Adapt to your own experience.
Tell me about a time when you had to adapt quickly to a new nursery environment
Give an example of how you've supported a child with special educational needs