Early Years Teaching

Early Years Teaching Assistant – 2-Year-Old Provision

Employer: The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools
Salary: £18,959 – £19,261 actual salary per year (£26,847 – £27,274 FTE)
Location: Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools, Wakefield
Job Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Term Time Only
Hours: 31.25 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8:45am–3:30pm
Reference: REQ010170
Closing Date: 4 December 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible
Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert.

Job Overview

The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools is recruiting a passionate and enthusiastic Early Years Teaching Assistant to support its provision for two-year-old children.

The successful candidate will help create a warm, welcoming and stimulating learning environment where young children can explore, develop their skills and build confidence through play and meaningful interactions.

The federation is looking for someone who understands early childhood development, values curiosity and enjoys supporting children during their earliest learning experiences.

The nursery schools are accredited under the Curiosity Approach, which promotes exploration, imagination, independence and meaningful relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the learning, development and wellbeing of children aged two and three.
• Build warm, secure and positive relationships with children.
• Encourage learning through play, exploration and discovery.
• Support children’s development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Recognise children’s individual interests, needs and developmental progress.
• Create opportunities for children to develop independence, creativity and confidence.
• Promote inclusion and ensure every child feels valued and supported.
• Work positively with parents, families and colleagues.
• Provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment.

Requirements and Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Experience working in an Early Years setting.
• An understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• A genuine interest in supporting children aged two and three.

The following qualities and experience are desirable:

• Recent experience working with two- and three-year-old children.
• Knowledge of play-based learning and child development.
• Experience of the Curiosity Approach, although this is not essential.
• Warmth, patience, creativity and enthusiasm.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to inclusion and children’s wellbeing.

Salary and Working Hours

• Full-time equivalent salary: £26,847 – £27,274 per year.
• Actual salary: £18,959 – £19,261 per year.
• Hours: 31.25 hours per week.
• Working days: Monday to Friday.
• Working hours: 8:45am – 3:30pm.
• Contract: Permanent, term time only.

Starting salary will depend on experience.

Benefits of Joining the Federation

Successful candidates will join a supportive team offering:

• A warm and welcoming working environment.
• Beautiful curiosity-inspired nursery settings.
• A nurturing and inclusive approach to early childhood education.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Supportive colleagues who value Early Years expertise.
• Opportunities to make a meaningful difference in children’s early development.

Location and Work Arrangements

The appointment covers Crigglestone Nursery School and The Castle Nursery School in Wakefield.

The successful candidate will initially be based at The Castle Nursery School.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants should email Recruitment@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk to request an application form and the full job specification.

Please clearly state the position you are applying for: Early Years Teaching Assistant – 2-Year-Old Provision.

• Closing date: 4 December 2026.
• Interview date: To be confirmed.
• Start date: As soon as possible.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Suitable candidates may be invited for interview before the closing date, and the vacancy may close early. Early applications are therefore encouraged.