Early Years Assistant

Nursery Assistant (Unqualified / Trainee Early Years Role)

Location: Little Pearls Nursery, Exeter

Contract: Full-time or Part-time, Permanent (all year round, not school hours)

Salary: Dependent on age and experience

We're Growing Join Our Team at Little Pearls Nursery

Due to continued growth and team progression, we are excited to offer a new opportunity for someone looking to begin their Early Years career with us at Little Pearls Nursery. This role is perfect for anyone who is kind, caring, and passionate about working with young children, even if you don't yet hold a childcare qualification.

Our setting has proudly served our community for over eight years, and our natural, child-centred approach has earned us a strong local reputation — with many families returning year after year. We've recently expanded our nursery, allowing us to welcome more children and more wonderful staff to our growing team.

Learn more about us at

About the Role

As a Nursery Assistant, you'll work alongside our qualified Early Years Practitioners to provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for children aged 0–5 years. This is an entry-level role designed to support someone who wants to take their first step into Early Years education.

No previous experience or formal qualifications are required — full training and mentoring will be provided.

Key Responsibilities (training will be given):

• Support the daily care and learning of children aged 0–5 years
• Help create and maintain a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment
• Join in with play and learning activities that promote children's development
• Build warm, positive relationships with children, families, and your team
• Follow all nursery policies, health & safety, and safeguarding procedures
• Support key person routines and contribute to children's progress records
• Help with routines such as meals, nappy changes, and tidy-up time

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is:

• Genuinely passionate about working with children
• Kind, patient, and caring, with a positive, can-do attitude
• Reliable and a great team player
• Willing to learn, reflect on practice, and grow professionally

Previous childcare experience is helpful but not essential — what matters most is your enthusiasm and commitment to supporting children's learning and wellbeing.

Why Join Little Pearls?

We truly value our team and offer a generous range of benefits:

• Competitive pay, reviewed after probation and annually
• All-year-round contract with flexibility around school holidays
• High-quality training and qualifications fully supported
• Free hot lunch each day and Nespresso coffee on site
• Free enhanced DBS check
• 28 days of annual leave, including bank holidays and Christmas week off
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free counselling, wellbeing support, and staff discounts
• 50% childcare discount on non-funded hours (conditions apply)
• Career progression and opportunities for promotion
• Long service awards, birthday gifts, and regular team socials
• Free staff parking nearby
• Supportive, inclusive workplace culture with a focus on wellbeing

Safeguarding Statement

At Little Pearls Nursery Ltd, safeguarding is of paramount importance. We are fully committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. We follow safer recruitment procedures, including enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, and thorough vetting, to ensure all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children. Our team receives regular safeguarding training and follows clear policies and procedures in line with statutory guidance. We maintain a culture of vigilance and accountability, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and supported.

How to Apply

If you are enthusiastic about working with young children and think you'd be a great fit for our team, we would love to hear from you Please apply via Indeed or contact us via our email address:

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £24,420.00-£25,500.00 per year

Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Health & wellbeing programme

Language:

• fluent English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person