Early Years Teaching Assistant (Maintained Nursery School)

Job title and organisation: Early Years Teaching Assistant (Maintained Nursery School) - Crigglestone & The Castle Nursery Schools, Wakefield
Salary: FTE £26,847 - £27,274, Actual Pay £18,959 - £19,261 for 31.25 hours per week, Term Time Only
Hours: 31.25
Contract: Permanent
Location: Crigglestone & The Castle Nursery Schools, Wakefield. Initially based at The Castle Nursery School
Closing Date and Time: Friday 4th November 2026

Little Children. Big Discoveries. An Extraordinary Opportunity.

We're Recruiting!

Early Years Teaching Assistant - 2-Year-Old Provision

Do you believe the smallest moments can make the biggest difference?

Do you love the wonder of working with two-year-olds? The excitement of discovering something new, the pride of mastering a new skill, or the joy of a muddy puddle, an interesting stick or a cardboard box that becomes something magical?

Do you understand that a reassuring smile, a thoughtful conversation or simply getting down on the floor to play can make all the difference to a young child's day?

If this sounds like you, we would love to meet you!

At The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools, we believe the earliest years are some of the most important in a child's life.

We are looking for a warm, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and truly passionate Early Years Teaching Assistant who understands 2- and 3-year-olds, delights in how they learn and genuinely loves being part of their earliest experiences.

A Little Bit About Us

As Curiosity Approach accredited nursery schools, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, exploration, meaningful relationships and opportunities to discover.

Our environments are thoughtfully created to inspire curiosity, independence and imagination. But we know exceptional Early Years practice isn't just about beautiful spaces or exciting resources.

It's about the people.

The adults who notice. Who listen. Who connect. Who know when to join children's play, when to extend their thinking and when to stand back and let the magic happen.

And that's where you come in!

Could You Be the Person We're Looking For?

We're looking for someone who:

• Absolutely loves working with 2- and 3-year-olds and understands their unique developmental needs.
• Sees the magic in everyday moments, turning ordinary experiences into wonderful opportunities for learning.
• Believes in the power of play, exploration, curiosity and high-quality adult interactions.
• Builds warm, secure relationships, helping every child feel safe, valued and understood.
• Understands child development and the EYFS, recognising children's interests, needs and next steps.
• Champions inclusion, ensuring every child has the opportunity to belong, participate and thrive.
• Isn't afraid to get messy! Whether that's mud, water, paint or outdoor adventures.
• Brings warmth, patience, creativity and enthusiasm, working positively with children, families and colleagues.

You'll need a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above, experience of working in Early Years and, ideally, strong recent experience with 2- and 3-year-olds. Curiosity Approach experience is desirable but not essential.

It's the Little Things That Matter Most...

It's noticing the child who needs reassurance. Celebrating the first independently fastened coat. Recognising the learning in filling, pouring, climbing and investigating.

It's knowing that sometimes the most powerful teaching happens through a shared smile, a gentle conversation or five uninterrupted minutes of play.

Because to us, Early Years education isn't simply preparation for what comes next. Childhood matters right now.

Why Join Our Federation?

You'll become part of a warm, welcoming and supportive team who genuinely care about children and one another. We offer wonderful children, beautiful curiosity-inspired environments, a nurturing and inclusive ethos, opportunities for professional development and a federation where Early Years expertise is understood, celebrated and valued.

The Important Details

Location: Crigglestone Nursery School and The Castle Nursery School, Wakefield (federation appointment)

Hours: 31.25 hours per week | Monday-Friday, 8:45am-3:30pm

Contract: Term Time Only

Pay Range: FTE £26,847 - £27,274,
Actual Pay: £18,959 - £19,261 for 31.25 hours per week, term time only - Starting salary will depend on experience.

Start Date: ASAP

Closing Date: 4th December 2026*

Interviews: TBC*

Please email Recruitment@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.ukfor an application form and full job specification. Please clearly state the role that you are applying for

*Whilst the closing date for applications is 4 December 2026, we will review applications as they are received. Strong candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date and, in such circumstances, the vacancy may close early. Early application is therefore encouraged.

Come and Grow With Us!

If you're the kind of practitioner who comes home with paint on their sleeves, a little mud on their shoes and a heart full of stories about the children they've spent their day with...

We would absolutely love to hear from you!

The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools

Safeguarding: Our federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare. All appointments are subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and medical clearance. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates who share our commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.

The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.
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