Early Years Practitioner (Level 3) in South Benfleet

Responsibilities

• Assist in the high‐quality childcare for children placed in the nursery in a way that will meet their physical, social, emotional, intellectual and developmental needs in a non‐sexist and non‐racist manner.
• Supervise the breakfast club on a shift pattern.
• Support as required other staff as directed by the SENCO/Headteacher.
• Assist with the implementation of the daily routine.
• Adhere to all school policies and procedures.
• Help children with feeding, serving meals, changing clothes, toileting and nappies.
• Provide supervision at breakfast club and the preparation of basic food.
• Assist with laundry.
• Help maintain the hygiene standards at all times.
• Provide comfort and support to an unwell child.
• Ensure mealtimes are a time of pleasant social sharing and communication.
• Report any signs of illness, neglect or apparently non‐accidental injury.
• Ensure each child is collected in accordance with the collection procedure.
• Record accidents as instructed.
• Contribute to the implementation of appropriate programmes of activity for the children.
• Have a full understanding of the nursery systems of record keeping and keep full records of activities as appropriate.
• Assist in the provision of an attractive and stimulating range of equipment, activities and displays, indoors and out, relevant to the ages and needs of the children, which encourages independence, self‐confidence, self‐motivation and eagerness to learn in line with the EYFS.
• Become familiar with the national standards, EYFS, ECM and Ofsted guidelines and recommendations of good practice and assist in their implementation.
• Become aware of all children's needs including educational needs, EAL and Gifted and Talented.
• Have comprehensive knowledge of all school policies and systems and support the adherence to them.
• Share in the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children within the school.
• Support staff in the meeting and greeting of parents/carers at key drop‐off and collection times.
• Assist in the daily domestic management of the nursery, including ensuring that the nursery is kept safe, secure and clean at all times.
• Be prepared to help where needed in the preparation and serving of snack meals, cleaning of equipment, doing laundry etc.
• Respect the confidentiality of the information received.
• Be aware of the high profile of the nursery and uphold its standards at all times.
• Work alongside all other staff to ensure the school ethos is central to every activity and decision.
• Support the nursery in working in partnership with parents/carers by providing an inclusive welcoming environment.
• Be involved in out‐of‐hours activities e.g. training, staff meetings, parents evenings etc.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the post and as directed by a senior member of staff.
• Be prepared to work towards a nationally recognised qualification and undertake additional training deemed suitable for the fulfilment of the role in the nursery.

General Responsibilities

• Comply with policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, child protection, equal opportunities, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, and report concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school and respect confidentiality at all times.
• Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support the achievement and progress of pupils.
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
• At the discretion of the Headteacher, any other activities that are consistent with the nature of the job description.
• Participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training in discussion with the line manager and attend relevant school meetings as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and effective experience working with children in an early‐years environment.
• Educated to the required standard for the role and keen to continue professional development.
• High expectations of themselves so that behaviour, inclusivity and children's learning are of the highest standard.
• High expectations for children's progress.
• Promotion of the Catholic ethos and values of the school.
• Commitment to safeguarding and equality and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to establish rapport and respectful and trusting relationships with children, their families, carers, and other adults.
• Level 3 Early Years Qualification.
• Aware of relevant policies and procedures.
• Good numeracy, reading, writing and ICT skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Some SEND knowledge.
• Ability to work well with others as well as independently.
• Good time management and creativity skills.

Benefits

• Amazing children, with a passion for learning and a committed and motivated staff who love teaching.
• A forward‐thinking and inclusive school.
• Part of a wider and supportive Trust of Catholic schools.
• A welcoming community that has our children's best interests at heart.

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.

Full Time, Permanent, Term time only

Early Years Practitioner – NJC Point 5 (2 days/13 hours per week)

Room Leader – additional responsibility – NJC Point 15 (3 days/19.5 hours per week)

Actual total salary upon joining £21,629.66 per annum

Paid 44 weeks per year.

Full‐time hours of 37 hours per week worked Monday to Friday

Four days from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm and one day from 7.30 am to 3 pm (with a 30‐minute unpaid lunch break every day).