Job summary
You should have a NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Child Care together with knowledge and understanding of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and be able to implement it through observations and planning with a key group of children.Our staff are encouraged to try and further their skills and qualifications whenever possible. There are plenty of training opportunities in this post relating to child care both from internal Trust courses and courses given by Manchester Council.
First Steps Day Nursery offers a safe and stimulating environment for children aged 6 months to 5 years. All the children’s rooms are fully equipped to cater for all their learning and development needs, including their own changing facilities, toilets and cloakrooms.The day nursery is presently located within the grounds of the Oxford Road Campus. It is open to children of employees of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The nursery accommodates 89 children and is Ofsted Registered and inspected regularly. Copies of the inspection reports are available from the nursery manager.
The nursery is a purpose built site specifically tailored to the child care services we provide. There is a large outside play area, with a special section where children are encouraged to grow plants. The aim of the nursery is to provide a safe, happy and stimulating atmosphere which reflects the child’s home life. We try to make the nursery as homely as possible.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an individual who has a caring and sensitive nature to cater for the children’s needs. You should be able to help and encourage the children to explore activities by giving them opportunities and choices to further develop their experiences. A friendly and supportive approach is needed. You will work as part of the nursery team providing care for the individual child and groups of children in accordance with the current nursery policies. You will also provide each child with affection, stability and security and will help the nursery nurses provide a happy, stimulating atmosphere that will enable the child to achieve his/her potential.
The post holder will be required to care and educate the children in your care. To be knowledgeable about and promote learning of the curriculum of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe – a great place to shape your career.
With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.
Behind every patient cared for are people like you – keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.
At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you’re part of something bigger from day one.
Job description
Job responsibilities
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:
Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.
Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.
The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.
For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december
DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 2 in Childcare, or equivalent
Desirable
- Willing to undertake NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential
- 12 Months recent experience of work in a nursery in a similar role
Desirable
- Recent experience of working in a hospital based nursery
- Experience of the key person system
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Good verbal communication skills
- Effective customer care skills.
- Understanding of the importance of equal opportunities in the workplace.
Desirable
- Familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
- Record of good attendance and timekeeping
- Appropriate appearance.
- Commitment and ability to act in a professional manner
Desirable
Work Based Assessment
Essential
- Experience of planning activities
Desirable
- Ability to plan and implement effective activities and evaluate them.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
