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- Tasks: Engage and inspire children through fun activities while ensuring their safety and development.
- Company: Join Paint Pots, a not-for-profit charity with a mission to create joyful learning environments for 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 culture.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification and good communication skills.
- Other info: Positions available in multiple locations across Southampton; both full-time and part-time roles offered.
The predicted salary is between 22726 - 26726 £ 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 in Southampton 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 in Southampton
✨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 boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the nursery's educational goals during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community and network with other childcare professionals in Southampton. Attend local events or workshops related to early years education, as this can help you build connections and gain insights that may be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with parent engagement and how you've successfully involved them in their children's learning. This is a key aspect of the role, and showcasing your ability to foster these relationships will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Paint Pots' values and mission. Understanding their focus on joy, care, and friendship will allow you to align your personal values with theirs, making it easier to convey your passion for creating a nurturing environment during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Practitioner in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications related to childcare. Emphasise any Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualifications you possess, as well as your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to create a safe and stimulating environment, and how you align with the values of Paint Pots.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since good communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with children, parents, and colleagues in previous positions.
Showcase Your Commitment to Development: Mention any ongoing professional development or training you've undertaken in childcare. This shows your commitment to growth and aligns with the nursery's focus on staff development.
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 principles and practices of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these in your role, as it’s crucial for planning activities that inspire children's learning.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the nursery's approach to childcare and staff development. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples from past experiences where you effectively communicated with children, parents, or colleagues.
