Early Years Practitioner

Our vibrant and friendly Highwood Nursery is looking for a fun, motivated and enthusiastic qualified Early Years Practitioner to join our dedicated team, on a permanent full-time contract working 37 hours a week. The right candidate is someone who is committed to delivering exceptional care to children. You will have knowledge of how to provide opportunities for children to learn through play experiences and support children to develop at their own pace. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £23,764 - £24,464 per annum DOE.

Highwood Nursery is located in the New Forest and close to the village centre. There are places for babies, toddlers and children up to the age of five years. Highwood Nursery is rated ‘Good' by Ofsted and we are on the journey to outstanding, so this is an exciting time to join us. You will work as part of a team to deliver high-quality standards of childcare across the nursery, promoting partnerships with families and ensuring every child thrives in a safe and secure setting, providing sound foundations for life. The whole team is committed to providing an excellent standard of care which makes the children feel confident, secure and motivated.

The Role

As our Early Years Practitioner, you will assist with the organisation of the College Childcare facilities and premises.

Responsibilities

• Ensure and support the implementation of all relevant regulations and criteria within the statutory framework are adhered to at all times.
• Assist in the provision of a high-quality environment that meets the needs of individual children from differing cultures and religious backgrounds and stages of development.
• Ensure and support the implementation of all Nursery policies, procedures, health and safety and relevant legislation at all times.
• Share in the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children within the nursery, adhering to the College's Safeguarding and Whistleblowing policies.
• Assist and support in the organisation, preparation and planning of continuous provision ensuring it is of an appropriate nature relevant to individual needs of participating children.
• Ensure children's personal development records, learning journeys reflect appropriate developmental targets for your key children and support other staff when necessary.
• Be aware of the high profile of the nursery and uphold its standards at all times.
• Assist with mentoring and coordinating volunteers, students and apprentices who are undertaking any placements within our setting.
• Assist with identifying own and others training and staff development needs and request relevant training through senior staff and Nursery Training Coordinator.
• Ensure and support with day-to-day operational matters, ensuring the nursery is kept safe, secure and clean at all times taking responsibility in the absence of any senior members of staff.
• Be flexible to work in all areas of Highwood as and when required.
• Assist with the provision of meal/snack preparation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and individual dietary needs, encouraging a healthy balanced diet.
• Liaise with parents and ensure appropriate communication, encourage their involvement in the aims of the nursery and in all aspects of their children's care.
• Respect the confidentiality of any information received.
• Take responsibility for opening the facilities as and when required.
• Undertake such other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post, which may be reasonably allocated.

As Our Early Years Practitioner, You'll Ideally Have

• A full and relevant level 3 childcare qualification (eg NNEB NVQ 3, CCLD or CYPW in Childcare).
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• A good level of experience in childcare gained either through paid or voluntary work.
• Able to demonstrate a professional approach with parents, staff and children.
• Able to demonstrate comprehensive understanding of childcare, development and behaviour.
• Able to demonstrate good practice in relation to equality and diversity.
• Ability to support Nursery Assistant and student team members.
• Enjoyment of being with children aged 3 months – 5 years.

Benefits You Will Receive

• 25 days leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time staff).
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme provided externally to the College.
• On-site Nursery offers childcare at superb rates all year round.
• Enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Free eye care vouchers for DSE users.
• Free secure onsite parking.
• Access to a range of discounts including shopping, travel and healthcare.
• Access to onsite Gym, Tennis/Badminton courts, Football pitches (indoor & out).
• Weekly staff football.

If this is you, then we want you to join our team! We can offer you a welcoming and supportive environment to develop your professional skills and knowledge. We are committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

As part of the role, you will understand the need for confidentiality and follow safeguarding procedures. Early applications are advised as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

Closing Date: 21st May 2025

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks which includes an enhanced DBS check as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK.