University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Early Years Educator

The closing date is 13 January 2026

Job summary

Experience Early Years Educator (Level 2/3 in Early Years

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

Are you an experienced nursery practitioner that is motivated and enthusiastic and wants to be part of an NHS nursery?

Do you want to be part of a fun, friendly and highly experienced team working in Brighton?

The post holder will be required to have a full and relevant Level 2/3 in Early Years with experience of working with children under 3 years old in an EYFS setting.

Sussex 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 February 2024, achieving a grade 'Good' we see the importance of having a fun, nurturing environment with excellent team work and great partnership working.

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.

You will be working with highly skilled and dedicated staff who understand the importance of providing excellent childcare for working families.

The post is to work full time 37.5 hours per week on a 9 day fortnight shift rota..

Sussex House Nursery cares for babies and young children. We are open from 7am- 6pm. It is essential to be flexible and able to travel to Brighton to work various shifts..

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be working in our young toddler room however we are flexible and this can be reviewed if a suitable candidate has experience or preference in another playroom.

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 and providing lots of learning opportunities for children through creative and sensory play.

With the support of highly qualified and experienced staff there will be the opportunity to undertake further learning opportunities and training.

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as asecondmentopportunity, before applying you must seek agreement andauthorisationfrom your current Trust/Manager.Secondmentscan't be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.

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 Pack

Date posted

30 December 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

279-7544155-DEC25

Job locations

Sussex House Nursery

Abbey Road

Brighton

BN2 1ES

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

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

Sussex House Nursery

Abbey Road

Brighton

BN2 1ES

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

Sussex House Nursery

Abbey Road

Brighton

BN2 1ES

Employer's website

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