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- Tasks: Create a fun and safe learning environment for children while engaging with parents.
- Company: Join Paint Pots, a not-for-profit charity dedicated to nurturing joy and learning in children.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted childcare, extra birthday leave, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and friendly team.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification and good communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible full-time and part-time positions available across multiple locations in Southampton.
The predicted salary is between 22726 - 22726 £ per year.
Salary: Depending on qualification and experience (Up to £26,726)
Hours: Both Full-time and Part-time positions available
Location: Southampton West End SO30 3HN, Harefield SO18 5NZ, Portswood SO17 2FZ, St Josephs SO14 2AH
About the nursery: Since 2000, Paint Pots has grown to include 6 nurseries and 7 pre-schools across Southampton and Hampshire. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, warm, and homely atmosphere that is safe, secure, and stimulating for all children. As a not-for-profit charity, our mission is centred around core values that focus on fostering joy, care, and friendship in an environment filled with love, laughter, and learning. We believe in treating all our team members with kindness, ensuring they have a positive experience with us. Our commitment to staff development is strong, with many promotions offered to our existing employees. We are currently seeking caring and passionate individuals to join our wonderful team and help us continue to make a difference in the lives of children within our community.
Benefits for a Childcare Practitioner:
- Heavily discounted childcare
- Employee assistance programme including counselling
- Financial and wellbeing support
- Additional day off for your birthday
- On-going CPD programme
- Christmas period off
- Closed for bank holidays
- Company pension
- Wellbeing champion based at each nursery
Role/Responsibilities/Duties of a Childcare Practitioner:
- To establish positive relationships and involve parents and carers in their children's progress and learning.
- Planning activities and provocations to inspire children's learning and development in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Engaging and teaching children during planned and unplanned activities.
- To be a key person and be able to provide a safe, caring, stimulating educational environment, both indoors and outdoors, at all times.
- To comply with all relevant procedures covering safeguarding, special educational needs, disabilities and equal opportunities.
- To ensure records are properly maintained, e.g. daily attendance register, accident and incident records, risk assessments and Tapestry.
Essential Criteria of a Childcare Practitioner:
- Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification
- Good communication skills
- Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation stage
Childcare Practitioner employer: Paint Pots Nurseries and Pre-schools
Contact Detail:
Paint Pots Nurseries and Pre-schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Understanding its principles and how they apply to your role will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to providing quality care and education.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for childcare by sharing personal experiences or anecdotes during your conversations with us. This can help you connect on a deeper level and highlight your genuine interest in making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Paint Pots. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. Inquiring about staff development opportunities or how the nursery fosters an inclusive environment shows that you are proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications related to childcare. Emphasise any Early Years qualifications you hold and include specific examples of how you've engaged with children in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for working with children. Mention why you want to join Paint Pots specifically, and how your values align with their mission of fostering joy, care, and friendship.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, clearly outline your communication skills and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Provide examples of how you've successfully planned activities or engaged with parents and carers in past positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a childcare role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Paint Pots Nurseries and Pre-schools
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
Make sure to express your genuine love for working with children. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to fostering a nurturing environment, as this aligns with the nursery's core values.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage
Brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would plan activities and support children's learning in accordance with EYFS guidelines.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would engage with parents and carers, and be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions About Staff Development
Given the nursery's commitment to staff development, come prepared with questions about training opportunities and career progression. This shows your interest in growing within the organisation and your dedication to professional development.
