EYFS Practitioners, York

Early Years Teaching Assistant / Nursery Practitioner / Nursery Nurse

Help little minds grow, learn and thrive? Do you have the creativity, patience and enthusiasm to make a real difference to children at the very start of their educational journey?

We’re looking for passionate Early Years practitioners to join our supply team and work across a fantastic range of primary schools, nurseries and Early Years settings throughout York and surrounding areas.

Whether you’re an experienced Nursery Nurse, Early Years Practitioner or Teaching Assistant, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the variety of supply work while becoming part of supportive and welcoming educational communities.

Every day in Early Years is different — from joining in with imaginative play and discovering new interests to helping children develop their confidence, independence and social skills. If you’re someone who can bring energy, warmth and creativity into the classroom, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing?
You’ll become an important part of the Early Years team, helping to create an environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn.
Your role could involve:

• Getting involved in fun, creative and purposeful play-based activities.
• Supporting children as they develop their communication, confidence and independence.
• Working with individuals and small groups to encourage learning and progress.
• Assisting teachers and Early Years staff with day-to-day classroom activities.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with children and the wider school community.
• Supporting personal care routines where appropriate.
• Helping to create an inviting, stimulating and well-organised learning environment.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and ensuring every child feels included.
• Preparing resources and activities that capture children's imagination.
• Following all safeguarding, health and safety and school procedures.

What the schools are looking for?
We’re keen to hear from Early Years professionals who are reliable, caring and confident and who genuinely enjoy helping young children reach their potential.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience in an Early Years, nursery or primary school environment.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years or Teaching Assistance.
• A UK qualification recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) as full and relevant for Early Years practice and EYFS staffing ratios.
• A good understanding of how young children learn and develop through play.
• The confidence to get involved, take initiative and make activities engaging.
• Experience supporting small groups and, where required, contributing to whole-class activities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships quickly.
• A positive, professional and flexible attitude.
• A genuine enthusiasm for working with children in the Early Years.
• Availability for full-time work and an interest in longer-term placements where available.
• A dependable approach, with excellent punctuality and professionalism.
• Recent professional references covering relevant childcare, education or employment experience.
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.

Why Work With Us?
Supply work doesn’t have to mean feeling like just another name on a rota.
When you join our team, you’ll have a dedicated consultant on hand to support you, understand what you’re looking for and help you find placements that suit your experience and ambitions.

You can expect:

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Access to a variety of Early Years settings across Wakefield and the surrounding areas.
• Opportunities to broaden your experience and develop your professional skills.
• A dedicated consultant who will support you throughout your placements.
• Friendly, responsive support from a team that understands education.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to children's early learning experiences.
• Recommend a Friend Scheme.

Ready for Your Next Early Years Opportunity? If you’re ready to bring your skills, personality and passion into a new Early Years setting, we’d love to hear from you.

Click ‘Apply Now’ to get started, or contact our Primary Team at our Leeds office on 0113 390 1000 for more information.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Our policies, including our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, are available on our website.

Academic Appointments Limited acts as an employment agency and employment business, supporting schools and education professionals across Yorkshire for over 20 years.