Early Childhood Practitioner

Key responsibilities include contributing to the development and maintenance of developmentally appropriate, child-centred, play-based provision for young children which provides the nurturing environment needed to promote children's emotional stability, independence, autonomy and creativity. Foster positive relationships and close working links with a range of professionals throughout the early childhood structure to promote access to wider integrated services for all families and children and support a multi-disciplinary team around the child and family approach. This includes completing and using Early Help Assessments (EHA) and participating in Team around the Child (TAC) meetings where appropriate.

Develop and maintain a partnership with parents that values their contributions and involves them in their child's education, including support for the home learning environment. Provide each child with appropriate care throughout their time in the outreach services, in partnership with their parent/carers:

• Develop a strong relationship with each child and parent.
• Help each child to become familiar with and confident in the setting.
• Build relationships with parents, ensuring there are regular opportunities to share information on the child's development at home and in the stay and plays.
• Support children's development through observation, assessment and planning in partnership with parents/carers and other colleagues.
• Develop and maintain appropriate positive behaviour strategies with children.

Attend and participate in relevant CPD, share the knowledge and ideas gained with colleagues in the setting and lead on further development in this area if required. Also willing to keep up to date with best early years practice, local and national policy. Uphold the principles of good practice in inclusion and equal opportunities in all aspects of the role, supporting early identification and intervention strategies at all times.

Maintain and contribute to the development and consistent use of systems particularly IT systems for planning, observation, assessment and record-keeping. Contribute to the development of relevant policies and procedures. Draw on the expertise of colleagues within the setting, and outside agencies to meet the needs of individual children. Safeguard children through adherence to local and national safeguarding procedures and engagement with early identification and preventative services. Undertake other duties commensurate to the grade of the post. Work during times that will promote direct work with families and the community, including morning, afternoon, evening and weekend work as required.

Person specification: Educated to at least GCSE or equivalent with C or above in English language. Minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare/early years practice with suitable practice placements (e.g. NNEB Certificate, NVQ Level 3 - Childcare/Early Years Care, BTEC Nationals in Childhood Studies or equivalent). Substantial post-qualifying experience of working with children under 5 in an early year setting. Secure knowledge of early childhood development and the importance of early identification and intervention including the range of factors that can inhibit children's learning and development.

Understand and deliver flexible, accessible local and community services for children under 5 and their families. Demonstrate a knowledge of current developments and issues in the education and care of young children, including those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. Promote an inclusive, stimulating environment that supports children's learning and well-being, including those with SEND, using effective strategies to meet all areas of development particularly prime areas.

Demonstrate the ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and provide a safe learning environment and recognise when a child is in danger or at risk of abuse. Work and communicate effectively with multi-agency teams, contributing to integrated reviews, early help assessments, and support plans such as SEND short-term plans, while supporting policy development. Demonstrate the ability to effectively contribute and support staff with the observation, assessment, tracking and planning systems in place.

Demonstrate the ability to develop effective relationships with parents/carers and support them in promoting their children's learning and development in the home. To have relevant IT skills, be willing to develop these skills as necessary and be familiar with relevant software. Demonstrate the ability to relate easily and communicate effectively with children aged birth to 5, listening and responding sensitively. High level of written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrate the ability to analyse data and identify future actions for development. Demonstrate the ability to be a role model, lead, develop and support staff and services.