Level 2/3 Early Years practitioner

Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning of the curriculum using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum for guidance.
• Help to set up the Nursery interior and exterior to enable it to be a safe, secure, stimulating, and welcoming environment.
• Act as a key person to a small group of children, liaising closely and building an effective relationship with parents/carers and ensuring each child's needs are recognised and met.
• Work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members.
• Advise the Nursery Manager of any concerns e.g., over children, parents, or the safety of equipment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.
• Teach children, offering an appropriate level of support and stimulating play experiences, being aware and knowledgeable of the differing needs in relation to ages of children.
• Ensure that children are kept safe and that you understand when to follow child protection procedures.
• Support snack times within the setting, making it a sociable, productive, and useful tool for supporting children's learning and development.
• Actively participate at team meetings and appraisal meetings.
• Attend training courses as required.
• Keep completely confidential any information regarding the children, their families, or other staff, which is acquired as part of the job.
• Be aware of and adhere to all operational policies and procedures e.g. Safeguarding, health and safety, fire precautions, dropping off and collection of children, food safety, cleanliness of the setting etc.
• Ensure that clear, accurate records are kept and updated regularly and that Child 2 year progress checks are completed and talked about with parents.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Manager, in accordance with the setting's business plan/objectives.
• Take an active role to develop and deliver a play based curriculum to meet the specific needs of two year olds.
• Be alert of issues of safeguarding child protection ensuring that the welfare and safety of children attending the nursery is promoted and safeguarded and to report any child protection concerns to the Manager.
• Monitor supplies of children's play materials and resources and report any shortfalls to the room leader.
• Ensure the nursery is always kept clean and tidy.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Willingness to learn/ Energy and passionate about quality children’s care and education.
• Previous experience of working with young children.
• Sound knowledge of child development for children from birth to five years.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Knowledge of child protection procedures.
• Able to communicate clearly with adults and children using a variety of techniques (oral and in writing).
• An understanding of play-based approaches to children’s learning and development.
• Commitment to equal opportunities.
• Commitment to working effectively with young children and families.
• Friendly and flexible approach at work which facilitates the development of effective relationships.

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of Local Authority and Regulatory requirements and inspection processes.
• Working within policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to support and inspire nursery colleagues to achieve the highest standards of care and education.
• Ability to build trust and develop cohesive working relationships with colleagues.
• Able to manage workload and time effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2/3 qualification, and a commitment to extend your training (Essential).
• Current First Aid at Work qualification desirable.
• Food Hygiene or equivalent training and compliance in food management (this can be completed as part of Induction).
• Relevant safeguarding/child protection training undertaken and a willingness to update training regularly (essential).
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Terms and conditions

• Hours: Minimum 14.5, maximum 25.5 hours per week over 5 days.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a criminal records check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.
• References would be obtained prior to commencement of employment.
• All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.