Class Recruit are committed to finding the very best nursery agency work in Bristol for all of our candidates, which is why they stay with us for many years.
One of our long-standing Assistant Practitioner candidates Simon Chilcott (39) has been gaining consistent nursery jobs across Bristol with us since 2012.
He wanted to be a case study for our News section, to highlight his own experiences with our leading Early Years Recruitment Agency and to chat about the various nursery agency work in Bristol we've found for him.
How and why did you come across Class Recruit?
"A friend of mine was working for Class Recruit and knew that I was looking for back-up work to supplement my ongoing career in dance, tv and film. I'd been a dance teacher for nearly 15 years, and was used to working with children in dance theatres. I also wanted to do work that had less of an impact on my body compared to professional dance teaching."
When did you start your first nursery agency job in Bristol?
"I was interviewed by Karen and started my first placement in 2012. I was given so much support and a huge amount of flexibility from the very start."
Have you worked in a variety of Early Years settings since 2012?
"I've worked within nursery settings in NHS Trusts such as at Southmead Hospital, as well as supporting teenagers with special needs at Filton College and also helping youngsters at the Sports College there with the psychology of the body and nutritional planning for sport."
What was your experience of Early Years recruitment agencies prior to this?
"I'd had no experience of any other Early Years recruitment agencies in Bristol, so my time with Class Recruit has been my sole indicator of the sector. They are incredibly supportive of me, and I feel very lucky."
How flexible have the nursery agency jobs been from Class Recruit?
"Karen and the team at Class Recruit understand the short notice nature of the dance, film and tv work I do, and have always accommodated me. I'm not sure other Early Years recruitment agencies would be so flexible."
Have you learnt additional skills and attended any training courses?
"I've learnt sign language, health & safety, safeguarding, as well as being able to teach kids about nutrition, stretch and growth exercises, sport, music and dance and movement for children. It's always been varied and interesting."
How have Class Recruit helped you to maintain a decade of nursery work?
"They've ensured that I always have nursery work in place, and are dedicated to making sure Assistant Practitioners such as myself can enjoy a flexible but stable working pattern of varied and enjoyable nursery work across Bristol."
What was the impact of Covid-19 on nursery agency work in Bristol?
"The NHS nursery setting I worked in at Southmead closed for a fortnight at one stage after a rise in cases there, plus I also had to take some time away to support and care for my mum who was vulnerable. Karen, Lucy and the team were there to support and put me in a number of different settings when I felt comfortable to return to Early Years.
Are you paid regularly with set shifts so you can plan your finances?
"Yes. I get paid weekly and work a guaranteed number of shifts. it's a well-organised weekly rota and although I'm not entitled to any Sick Pay but there is Holiday Pay. I get treated like a permanent employee not a temp."
Why have you stayed with Class Recruit for nearly a decade?
"Class Recruit have given me amazing flexibility, they know my background and understand the short notice nature of a performing career and that I have to respond quickly to acting, choreography and film work as it arises."
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
"Class Recruit have placed me with the best nursery agency work in Bristol for nearly 10 years."
To find out about our candidates' journey with the team of Early Years recruitment specialists at Class Recruit, please visit here.
If you're considering a temporary job in nursery work, please see our latest vacancies for candidates here.
Those who have relevant industry experience and qualifications, and who are looking for permanent nursery jobs in Bristol, Bath, Somerset or Wiltshire, please visit here.
We are always available to have an informal chat with new or experienced nursery job candidates, and can be reached on 0117 930 4000 or by visiting here.