Senior Early Years Educator

Company: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
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Job Overview

Maternity Cover – 15 months

Senior Early Years Educator – NHS Grade Band 4 (Baby Room)

Location: Sussex House Nursery, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9 day fortnight rota). Contract: 15 months fixed term secondment. Salary: £28,392 – £31,157 per annum. Closing date: 01/07/2026.

Benefits

  • Excellent NHS Pension
  • Excellent Annual leave

Main Duties of the Job

Your role is to oversee the day‑to‑day running of the playroom, ensuring care, educational and welfare requirements are met by the staff.

  • Create a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children aged 0‑5 years.
  • Deliver the Early Years Curriculum (EYFS) and support Ofsted outcomes.
  • Build and maintain strong parent partnership working.
  • Retain information, use initiative and delegate duties effectively.
  • Support staff, students and volunteers with daily routines.
  • Engage with other Health, Education and Safeguarding professionals.
  • Conduct 1:1 supervision of newly appointed junior staff, students and volunteers.
  • Support students on placement to cover relevant learning criteria.
  • Develop playroom action plans and contribute to department planned actions.
  • Provide daily routine support in the absence of Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.
  • Support shared‑care learning with other settings.

Detailed Job Description & Main Responsibilities

This role is a fixed‑term maternity cover. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and no UK work visa sponsorship will be provided.

Key responsibilities:

  • Role model Best Practice and ensure the room delivers the best possible curriculum.
  • Meet regularly with Nursery Manager/Deputy Manager to discuss performance development and playroom needs.
  • Be responsible for a key group of children and support their all‑round development.
  • Encourage all areas of children’s development with appropriate learning and play opportunities.
  • Oversee day‑to‑day practise within the playroom.
  • Support staff, students and volunteers with the daily routine.
  • Engage with other Health, Education and Safeguarding professionals.

Person Specification

Knowledge

  • NVQ / NNEB / CACHE / City & Guilds / BTEC – Minimum Level 3 in Childcare.
  • Knowledge of milestone development for children under 5.
  • Knowledge of Safeguarding young children.
  • Knowledge of planning and implementing an early years curriculum (EYFS).
  • Knowledge of Ofsted inspection outcomes.
  • Knowledge of early childhood illnesses, allergies and care needs.
  • Level 4 qualification in Early Years (desirable).
  • Full Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
  • SEND related training.

Experience and Skills

  • Substantial post‑qualifying experience in childcare.
  • Substantial experience as a key carer.Substantial experience working in a team.Substantial experience in partnership working with parents/professionals.Experience implementing activities appropriate for the development and interests of individuals and groups.Experience conducting 1:1 supervision of junior staff, students and volunteers.Experience with health, education and safeguarding concerns.Experience conducting parent evenings / school visits.Good IT skills (Word, Doc).

    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

    • Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles.
    • Evidence of undertaking development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

    EEO Statement

    We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We value compassion, inclusion and respect and are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment.

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Posted: June 12th, 2026