Job title: Early Years Practitioner (Level 3)
Salary: £16.04 per hour
Hours: 15 hours per week, 39 weeks of the year (there are two roles available)

The Early Years Practitioner will need:
– To deliver excellent practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
– To respond to the learning and developmental needs of children in our care
– To work effectively as a member of a child-centred team
– To work with the Nursery Manager and Deputy to implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
– To contribute to the delivery of high quality, inclusive childcare and early education, which is responsive to the needs of children and their families.
– To contribute to the establishment of a safe, welcoming environment, including a range of child-led and adult initiated experiences, activities and play opportunities in indoor, and outdoor environments which enable children to develop and learn.
– To observe, monitor and record children’s learning and development
– To work in a non-discriminatory, culturally sensitive manner which encourages all families to access the service.
– To ensure that accurate and up to date records are kept.
– To ensure that health, safety and hygiene standards are maintained to relevant regulatory standards.
– To report and record any concerns regarding children’s well-being and development to the Nursery Manager and Designated Safeguarding Leads.
– To have high expectations of all children and demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that they can achieve their full potential.
– To ensure that the service delivery is maintained within current legislative requirements including the Welfare Requirements, Health and Safety and Safeguarding.
– To work in partnership with parents / carers and other family members, to support children’s learning, development and well-being.
– Engage in learning and continual professional development opportunities.
– Create and contribute to a working culture and practices that recognise, respect and value difference.
– Undertake any other duties as may be appropriate and required from time to time.
– Support the requirements of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities via specialist programs so that the Company’s admission policy may be as inclusive as possible.
– To develop positive relationships with parents, cares and other partners to ensure that the needs of children are met, and to support children’s learning, development and well-being.

Person specification

Essential requirements of the post

1. Experience and qualifications
– An appropriate early years, childcare or education qualification at NVQ level 3 or above that meets the standards required by Ofsted registration and inspection processes.
– Maths and English Level 2 or equivalent
– Paediatric First Aid
– Experience of working with children and young people with complex needs and their families
– Experience of facilitating an inclusive child-centred service.
– Proven practical experience of implementing good quality learning opportunities
– Completion of Safeguarding training (minimum Level 2)

2. Knowledge and Understanding
– A good knowledge and understanding of the EYFS, Ofsted standards and relevant current legislation.
– A good knowledge of Birth to 5 matters
– Experience of behaviour management
– Thorough knowledge of the developmental needs of young children.
– A commitment to inclusive and non-discriminatory working practice with children, families, colleagues and the community.
– Knowledge of the needs of children with SEND.

3. Skills and Abilities
– Empathy and understanding of children under five.
– Able to sensitively balance child-initiated activities, knowing when to intervene to extend children’s learning and development
– A team player
– Excellent verbal and communication skills with children and parents. Ability to write reports and keep clear and accurate records.
– Proficient administrative and IT skills
– Confident to deal with potential new parents
– Excellent time and task management skills.
– Excellent observation skills which inform assessment and planning.
– Flexibility, initiative and the ability to respond appropriately to child and family need
– Excellent active listening skills.
– The ability to problem-solve and use initiative

4. Personal Qualities
– Ability to relate well to children and adults
– Ability to lead, motivate and influence others in a positive and inspiring way
– To show a commitment to the pre-school and organisation as a whole
– A positive approach

To apply for the Early Years Practitioner post, please email Naomi Murray nmurray@paceforall.com