Agency Nursery Practitioner / Early Years Bank Staff (Flexible Shifts)

About the Role

Action Staffing Ltd is recruiting reliable, energetic, and qualified Temporary Nursery Practitioners (Level 2 or Level 3) and Early Years Assistants for immediate, flexible agency bookings across Ofsted-registered day nurseries and pre-schools in Croydon and South London (covering East Croydon, West Croydon, South Croydon, Purley, Coulsdon, and Thornton Heath).

This role provides total rota freedom: choose the days and hours you want to work each week, whether you require 1 to 2 ad-hoc days to fit around study/family commitments or consistent full-time 40-hour agency weeks covering sickness, annual leave, and seasonal nursery cover.

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Pay & Shift Details

• Hourly Pay Rate: £13.75 – £16.00 per hour (dependent on qualification level, role setting, and experience; weekly pay with accrued holiday pay)
• Shift Patterns:
  • Full Days (08:00 – 18:00 / 07:30 – 18:30)
  • Morning Shifts (08:00 – 13:00)
  • Afternoon Shifts (13:00 – 18:00)
  • Short-notice same-day morning calls available for priority bonus rates
• Contract Type: Temporary / Locum / Flexible Bank Staff
• Start Date: Immediate starts available once compliance vetting is completed

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Key Responsibilities

• Providing attentive, warm daily care and supervision to babies, toddlers, and pre-school children (ages 3 months to 5 years).
• Supporting room routines, indoor exploration, and outdoor play activities aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
• Maintaining mandatory child-to-adult ratios across baby, toddler, and pre-school rooms.
• Assisting permanent nursery practitioners with mealtimes, rest times, and personal hygiene/nappy-changing routines.
• Upholding robust safeguarding procedures, reporting any concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and maintaining strict room safety.
• Greeting parents and guardians warmly during morning drop-offs and evening collections, ensuring positive daily feedback.
• Adapting quickly and seamlessly into diverse nursery teams across different settings.

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Candidate Requirements

• Qualifications: CACHE, NVQ, or BTEC Level 2 or Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning & Development / Early Years, or a minimum of 6 months verified paid UK nursery experience for unqualified Nursery Assistant roles.
• Compliance Checks:
  • Enhanced DBS certificate registered on the DBS Update Service (Child Workforce), or willingness to process an application via Action Staffing Ltd.
  • Verified Right to Work in the UK (we cannot offer visa sponsorship for temporary agency bookings).
  • 2 satisfactory professional references (one must be from your most recent childcare or educational setting).
  • 5-year checkable work and education history.
• Key Skills: Punctual, adaptable, proactive team player with clear English communication skills.
• Desirable: Valid 12-hour Paediatric First Aid certificate, Food Hygiene Level 2, and Safeguarding certification.

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What We Offer

• Complete control over your working schedule—work only when you choose.
• Fast-track digital registration and rapid reference turnaround.
• Weekly agency payroll with transparent, prompt electronic payments.
• Opportunities to work across premier private day nurseries, Montessori settings, and community pre-schools in Croydon.

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Search & Industry Keywords

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