Nursery Assistant

Role overview

Daydream Nursery, part of Grandir UK, is hiring a warm, enthusiastic Nursery Assistant for its Woking setting. This is a full-time position with a pay rate of £12.71 per hour. The nursery is looking for someone who will help care for, encourage and motivate children so they can build curiosity, confidence and independence.

About the nursery

Daydream Nursery follows a child-led approach, combining In the Moment Planning with the Curiosity Approach. Children are supported to explore their own interests and learn through hands-on discovery. The nursery is located in a peaceful residential area on the edge of Horsell Village in Woking, close to the train station and local bus routes.

The nursery is run by a committed team that includes a nursery manager, SENCo lead and an in-house chef. The setting is based in a converted three-storey family home and includes four age-based playrooms plus a large enclosed garden with a mud kitchen and woodland space for Forest School activities. Children also take part in activities such as Boogie Mites, Make and Bake, Sow and Grow, and Move and Groove, all designed around their interests.

Family engagement is an important part of the nursery’s culture. Parents stay involved through a nursery app, stay-and-play sessions, a lending library and family events. The setting is rated Good by Ofsted across all areas.

What you will do

• Help maintain high standards across the nursery environment and day-to-day care.
• Support room staff with their daily responsibilities and help ensure smooth routines.
• Assist in placing staff where they are needed so each room meets expected standards.
• Support the effective use of key carer systems and help allocate children appropriately.
• Make sure practice across the nursery aligns with EYFS requirements.
• Share clear, professional updates with parents and carers about their child’s progress.
• Help promote the nursery to existing families and prospective parents.
• Build respectful, open and positive relationships with colleagues.
• Support staff in maintaining friendly, professional communication with families.

Benefits

• 33 days of annual leave including bank holidays, with 3 of those days taken during the Christmas closure.
• Christmas and New Year shutdown.
• Flexible working arrangements available.
• Substantial childcare discount.
• £500 refer-a-friend reward.
• Pension plan with employer contributions.
• Statutory Sick Pay available from the first day.
• Life assurance cover for employees aged 18 to 65.
• Recognition as a Great Place to Work, based on colleague votes.
• Enhanced family leave, including maternity and adoption pay at 100% for the first 12 weeks.
• Paternity leave paid at 100% for 4 weeks.
• Paid parental bereavement leave of up to 4 weeks.
• Paid compassionate leave of up to 2 weeks.
• Paid miscarriage leave of up to 2 weeks.
• An extra Wellbeing Day off.
• The Grand Event benefit, offering up to one additional week of leave for an important life event after 2 years of service.
• Access to a benefits portal with retail discounts across brands such as ASOS, gym memberships, cinema, M&S and major supermarkets.
• 24/7 remote GP appointments.
• Medical cashback for dental care, physiotherapy and alternative therapies.
• Regular recognition activities, team rewards and celebrations throughout the year, with May set aside to celebrate the teams.
• In-house training tailored to the role and clear progression opportunities.
• A sustainability-focused workplace with Carbon Literacy trained teams and Eco Schools accreditation.

Additional information

Grandir UK is committed to safeguarding children and young people. This position requires an enhanced DBS check. The employer is an equal opportunity organisation and selects candidates on merit. AI-assisted tools may be used during recruitment support tasks such as application screening and reference checks, but final hiring decisions are made by the team. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close early if suitable candidates are found.

Pay

The wage for this role is £12.71 per hour.