At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a fun, nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Essex County Council's dynamic team dedicated to lifelong learning.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, term time only, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to safeguarding and supporting all employees.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years childcare required.
Please note this role is being offered as a Part Time opportunity, working 19.5 hours per week, term time only (38 weeks per year) covering the following shifts:
- Tuesday: 9am to 3.30pm
- Thursday: 9am to 3.30pm
- Friday: 9am to 3.30pm
To apply you must hold a level 3 or above accredited qualification in Early years childcare and education and have experience of working in an Early Years setting.
Adult Community Learning (ACL) is ECC\'s provider of lifelong learning experiences for Essex residents. ACL offers childcare facilities for parents to help them move nearer to, enter or progress within the workplace or gain skills to enhance life chances. The Nursery/Pre-school is registered with Ofsted and is also open to community children whose parents/carers are not attending ACL.
Responsibilities
The Nursery/Pre-school Assistant will be part of a team and will be expected to provide high standards of quality care within the nursery/pre-school with responsibilities encompassing the environment, resources and experiences offered to children and their families.
- Ensure rich and diverse indoor and outdoor play experiences are offered taking regard of the EYFS and the individual needs of children.
- Be a key person carrying out all related responsibilities.
- Observe, support and extend children\'s learning.
- Maintain accurate and effective children\'s records.
- Work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members.
- Ensure that children are kept safe and understand safeguarding, and when necessary follow Child Protection Procedures.
- Demonstrate good practice with regard to special needs and inclusion.
- Promote positive attitudes to race, culture, gender, religion and abilities.
- Undertake a shared responsibility for health, safety and cleanliness throughout the nursery/pre-school.
- Be responsible for participating in all self-development activities including appraisals and supervision meetings, team meetings etc.
Qualifications
- Level 3 qualification or equivalent by experience in childcare.
- English and Maths Skills at level 2.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with both children and adults.
- The ability to plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children\'s emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.
Desirable
- The ability to work effectively under a variety of circumstances and develop skill within the role.
- First Aid training
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We\'re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We\'re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified (Chelmsford) employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council (ECC) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As a Preschool Nursery Assistant in Chelmsford, you will benefit from flexible part-time hours during term time, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. ECC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, providing opportunities for growth, and ensuring that all employees are valued and supported in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified (Chelmsford)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's vibe! Visit the place if you can, chat with staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your EYFS knowledge! Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, as it’s crucial for the role. Being able to discuss how you’d implement it in practice will impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your interpersonal skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've built relationships with children and parents in past roles. This is key in a nursery setting, so let your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified (Chelmsford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:Make sure to highlight your Level 3 qualification in Early Years childcare and education right at the start. We want to see that you meet the essential criteria, so don’t be shy about showcasing your credentials!
Share Your Experience:Talk about your previous roles in Early Years settings. We love hearing about how you've supported children's learning and development, so give us some examples of your hands-on experience!
Be Personable:Since this role involves working closely with children and families, let your personality shine through! Use a friendly tone and show us how you build rapport with both kids and adults in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your EYFS
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understand how it shapes the learning and development of children in your care. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented EYFS principles in your previous roles will show that you're not just qualified, but also experienced.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
As a Preschool Nursery Assistant, building rapport with both children and adults is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with parents or supported children's emotional needs. This will demonstrate your ability to create a nurturing environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like handling a child’s behaviour or working with parents. Think through your responses ahead of time, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a top priority in any childcare role. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. Share any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to keeping children safe and promoting their welfare.
