Nursery Support Operative - Nurseries - 107880 - Grade 2
University of Birmingham · United Kingdom
Position Details
Nurseries, Campus Services
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £24,097 to £24,505, with potential progression once in post to £25,203
Grade: 2
Please note we are advertising 2 roles.
1 x Full time working 35 hours per week, permanent.
1 x Part time working 28.5 hours per week, FTC until 30/09/2027.
Closing date: 25th April 2027
This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.
We will be shortlisting and interviewing candidates throughout the duration of this advert and reserves the right to close the post early if we make an appointment. You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do.
The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide-range of functions in Edgbaston and in our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.
The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.
Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham
Background
Pre-appointment checks
In line with recommendations and regulations relating to Early Years safeguarding and recruitment, please note that for this role:
- The University will seek references from at least one referee prior to interview. Candidates must therefore provide at least one referee whom we can contact immediately. The remaining referees will usually only be contacted if you are offered appointment. Please indicate clearly on your application form which referee(s) we may contact prior to interview.
- Candidates invited to interview will be asked to disclose all past names, for the sole purpose of verifying identity for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and safeguarding checks. Candidates will be asked to bring documents to verify their identity (e.g. birth/adoption certificate and any evidence of name changes).
- All successful candidates will be required to undergo a DBS check covering all names used.
Join the award-winning team at Birmingham Day Nurseries - the perfect place to learn and grow.
The University operates 3 successful day nurseries – The Elms and The Maples (both in Edgbaston), and The Oaks (in Selly Oak) – providing high quality childcare for over 330 children belonging to University staff, students and local families. You will be joining a dedicated and supportive team of over 120 nursery professionals with many years of experience, in a warm and welcoming environment where you will be encouraged to develop and thrive.
This role will primarily be based at The Elms with flexibility expected to support our other nurseries when required. The Elms supports children from babies to pre-school ages 3-5, with impressive outside space and a sensory room.
Find out more about our Day Nurseries: Our nurseries · University of Birmingham Day Nurseries and what it is like to work here: Staff experience · University of Birmingham Day Nurseries
Please ensure to carefully read the information regarding pre-appointment checks and essential qualifications before applying.
Role Summary
In this role, you will provide high quality care, learning and development for all children of various age groups attending the Nursery. You will ensure that children are safe, happy and receive stimulating play experiences with their individual needs met, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). You will also carry out light domestic duties as and when required in the playrooms.
Birmingham Day Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As such we have stringent safeguarding policies and procedures in place across each of our nurseries. We expect all staff and volunteers to share our commitment, understand their responsibilities towards safeguarding and to uphold all policies and procedures. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, and safer recruitment vetting checks.
Main Duties
- Provide high quality, positive care for babies and children from 6 weeks old to 5 years through social, emotional, educational and practical interaction, nurturing and guidance.
- Promote all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework.
- Make sure children are kept safe, are well, and that Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures are followed.
- Contribute towards observations and keep recordings of the activities and progress of children.
- Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child’s day and progress.
- Support the wider team in creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment that enables children to participate in a range of adult and child-led learning and development experiences, whilst building confidence and independence.
- Ensure the nutritional needs of babies and children are met throughout every stage of their development, adhering to Food Safety Regulations, NHS Guidance and Department For Education Nutritional Standards.
- Attend to children’s basic care needs, including changing nappies and helping children with potty/toilet training.
- Work as part of a team to provide a high-quality nursery service in line with the setting ethos, implementing the setting’s policies, procedures, routines and contributing ideas and strategies for ongoing development.
- Work with outside professional bodies or agencies as appropriate.
- Ensure the health and safety of Nursery users through implementation of the settings health and safety procedures and ensuring the completion of ongoing risk assessments.
- Undertake other duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
Essential
- Hold a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 2 Childcare and Education or equivalent
- GCSE English Language and Maths or equivalent Level 1 qualifications
- Basic Literacy in English
- Knowledge of developments in early years education and willingness to undertake training
- Sound knowledge of legislation, regulations, Ofsted requirements, inspection criteria and the Early Years Foundation Stage
- Und