Childcare Apprenticeship - Level 2 in Salisbury

Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship – Brambles Outdoor Group is looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and hardworking individual to complete their Level 2 or Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship at Brambles Outdoor Group, Wilton. Brambles Wilton opened in January 2021. Based in the picturesque town of Wilton just a short 3 miles from Salisbury, our Bramblers enjoy a stunning slice of countryside in our wonderful garden surrounded by fields and a stream as well as our four-legged neighbour Robby the Horse.

We have two beautiful gardens with a mature oak tree, a fun mud kitchen and a cosy yurt with a log burner for the cooler days. We also have an indoor space where the children enjoy their lunch and the youngest enjoy their sleep. We grow our own herbs and vegetables for the children to look after and we provide nutritious and well-balanced hot lunches, catering for all dietary requirements. We care for children between 1 - 4 years. We have good transport links around the Nursery.

Brambles Outdoor Nursery Group is a multi-award winning, Ofsted registered group with multiple settings nestled within the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. We take inspiration from the Forest School ethos and use a nature-based approach to encourage our Bramblers to explore the world using the environment around them to enrich their journey. We believe wholeheartedly in wellness. Our aim is to give children the tools they need to regulate their emotions, feel safe and work together so that they can become resilient adults who are able to deal with whatever life has to offer. Overall, we aim to provide a joyful experience at Brambles that promotes honesty, positivity and mutual respect.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• To learn how to plan, prepare and participate in a range of activities that promote each child’s physical, intellectual, and emotional needs, and encourage linguistic and social interaction between the children and adults.
• To learn how to be responsible for a group of children, by observing, monitoring, and accurately recording each child’s development in line with the curriculum planning of ‘The Early Years Foundation Stage’.
• To attend parent evenings/open days as required, and learn to communicate with parents/carers about the day-to-day needs of the children by fostering parental involvement and encouraging positive parenting skills.
• To learn how to use the Famly App as a tool to record children’s daily activities and progress and to use this to update parents/carers.
• To learn how to promote the philosophy of ‘learning through play’.
• To learn how to help children acquire self-help skills, including dressing, feeding, toilet training, and an awareness of personal hygiene.
• To ensure that all children are treated as unique individuals with respect and full consideration.
• To attend staff and team meetings as appropriate.
• To learn about ensuring the environment meets safety and hygiene requirements.
• To learn about the Children Act 1989 and other statutory requirements.
• To learn how to maintain records and documentation that comply with statutory requirements.
• To learn how to respond to Child Protection Policy and Confidentiality.
• To undertake the apprenticeship training including NVQ in Childcare, Certificate in Childcare and Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.
• To actively participate in monthly staff meetings.
• To attend training courses as required and to take responsibility for personal development.
• To maintain an excellent working relationship with all colleagues.
• To have a commitment to equal opportunities for all.

Essential criteria:

• A genuine desire to work within Early Years and a commitment to undertake a level 2 or 3 qualification through Brambles’ preferred education provider.
• Sign up to the Government Apprenticeship Scheme. This scheme must be maintained and worked towards for the post holder to still qualify for the role of Apprentice.
• A desire to gain a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• An interest in play-based approaches to children’s learning and development and the Brambles ethos.
• Undertake Paediatric First Aid training as required ensuring that all First Aid administered is recorded in line with EYFS welfare requirements.
• Good communication skills.
• The ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• A friendly and flexible approach at work which facilitates the development of effective relationships.
• To understand the importance of confidentiality with regards to children and their families.
• This role can be physically and emotionally demanding at times and requires the post holder to be happy in undertaking all that comes with looking after young children in an outdoor environment.
• Knowledge (and love) of the outdoors is essential for all members of the Brambles adult team.

Requirements:

• Experience in a nursery setting would be desirable.
• Preferably have GCSE grades A*-C or 4-9 in Maths and English, or equivalent or willing to work towards them.

Hours:

Brambles Outdoor Group, Wilton is open from 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday. The successful candidate will be required to work 37.5 hours per week, 4 days per week.

Benefits:

• An employee childcare discount.
• Great hourly rate.
• An additional day holiday for each year of service, up to a maximum of 5 years.
• Private Health Care through AXA once you have passed your probation period.
• The opportunity to use the Brambles Cholderton Family Pass.
• Training and Development Support.
• A yearly performance pay review.
• Mental Health Support Package.
• Christmas Party.