Room Leader in Reading

Little Learners Nursery is based on the beautiful University of Reading Whiteknights Campus. Our current location was purpose built in 2009 to provide more childcare places for students and staff of the University of Reading and Reading Students' Union. The nursery is available for 100 children aged from three months to five years and is staffed by a team of experienced and professional childcare practitioners who strive to go the extra mile to put our Little Learners first.

Key Details

• Department: Little Learners Nursery
• Hours: Full time (35 hours over 4 days or 40 hours over 4.5 days)
• Salary: £30,842.86 - £32,088.91 (based on 35 hour week)

Job Purpose

• To assist the Nursery Manager to ensure the effective running of an assigned Unit in accordance with high standards of customer service, Reading SU Policy, Health and Safety and Equality of Opportunity.
• A fundamental aspect of the role is adherence to good safeguarding practice and ensuring the overall welfare of the children.
• To assist the Nursery Manager to provide an atmosphere cohesive to overall child development and wellbeing.
• To take a lead role in ensuring effective management within the specific unit and that children’s learning and development is effectively supported.
• To play a key role in ensuring the needs of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are met and that these children make good progress.
• To play a key role in managing children’s behaviour in conjunction with key people and parent/carers.

Key Responsibilities

Learning, Development and Care

• To maintain a welcoming atmosphere where individual needs of children are the primary consideration.
• Establish good relationships with parent/carers, encouraging dialogue, co‑operation and partnership.
• Ensuring daily greetings reflect the needs of the children, are professional and consider good customer service.
• To supervise mealtimes, ensure effective management of dietary requirements and encourage good table manners and social interaction.
• To create and maintain an environment of mutual respect and encourage positive behaviour.
• Support children with appropriate strategies where behaviour management is recognised as a need.
• Provide feedback on daily activities.
• Undertake regular parent meetings.
• To recognise the signs of child abuse and report any concerns to the Lead Safeguarding Practitioner.

Health and Safety

• Responsible for day to day housekeeping and maintenance of nursery equipment and report concerns to Nursery Manager.
• To work as directed by the Nursery Manager to ensure compliance with all legal requirements, directing staff as necessary.
• To take a lead role in emergency evacuation situations.
• To ensure safe access/exit for childcare practitioners, students, children, parent/carers and visitors at all times.
• To take a lead role in first aid provision.
• To ensure high standards of nursery hygiene at all times.
• To access activities prior to delivery with regard to benefits vs risks. Complete relevant risk assessment paperwork for one‑off or unusual activities in addition to regular activities.
• To conduct daily safety checks prior to opening and record as directed by the Nursery Manager.
• To conduct visual checks throughout the day and report concerns that may arise to the Nursery Manager.

Management

• Direct the work of immediate team as well as provide support and guidance to the wider team.
• To complete regular one to ones and appraisals of key group of childcare practitioners.
• To organise and lead unit based meetings.

Development and Learning

• Plan and lead activities to support children’s individual needs on observational evidence.
• Maintain a Learning Journey for key children, review current levels of development and plan for next stages in accordance with the EYFS.
• To take a lead in reflecting upon activities and resources and making changes in consultation.
• Oversee the completion of regular observations and assessments.
• Take the lead in reviewing resources, make recommendations and making requests to the Nursery Manager.

Special Education Needs

• Support with the adherence of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Monitor progress towards objectives for children with SEN.
• Liaise with staff, parents, external agencies, school and other nurseries to co‑ordinate their contribution and to provide maximum support.
• Work with staff to develop effective ways of bridging barriers to learning.
• Maintain and develop resources, co‑ordinate their deployment and monitor their effectiveness.
• Prepare the information required for assessment paperwork.
• Meet with parents when required.
• Collaborate with the Nursery SENCo to prepare referrals to outside agencies and help manage the transition process for children with SEN.

Behaviour Management

• Identify and address triggers for the behaviour and help children reflect, regulate and manage their actions.
• Attend relevant training to help understand and guide appropriate models of behaviour.
• Implement the nursery’s behaviour procedures including the stepped approach.
• Have the necessary skills to support other practitioners with behaviour issues and to access expert advice, if necessary.

Self-Development

• To attend staff meetings to ensure effective communication.
• To identify own training needs and participate in training when required.
• To review personal and job needs as appropriate.
• To work within safe and secure systems of work at all times.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• A good level of education.
• A sound knowledge of children’s development and the EYFS.
• Experience in working within an Early Years setting.
• Minimum of NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in childcare.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Safeguarding practices.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Special Educational Needs.
• Previous experience of managing a team.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to work on own initiative and direct others as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents, carers and other professionals.
• Ability to implement and maintain high standards of health and safety.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with children.
• Good written and verbal skills.
• Organisational skills.

Other Essential Criteria

• A commitment to giving children and families the opportunity to reach their full potential.
• A commitment to Equal Opportunities.
• Willingness to participate in further training and development opportunities to further knowledge.
• A commitment to continuing professional development.
• Commitment to Safeguarding Children.
• Enhanced interpersonal skills.
• Enhanced DBS.
• Minimum of two references.

Desirable Criteria

• Food Hygiene Level 2 or above.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.