Early Years Music Teacher (All Year Round)

Clowns Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

About the role:

Hours: All year round. Three days a week: Hours would be 9.30am- 5pm (pro rata) OR Five days a week, Monday- Wednesday 9.30am – 5pm Thursday, Friday 9am – 2 30pm.  

Set holidays: 7 workdays at Christmas, 4 days at Easter, 10 days at the end of August and all bank holidays.

Commencement: 1st September 2021

Location: Clowns Nursery Manor House Pre School, Cinderella Path, 153 North End Road, London NW11 7HZ

Summary:   We are looking for a highly motivated and driven applicant who can share their passion and interest in music with our children. We are looking for someone who can deliver fun and engaging music sessions that inspire and bring a special moment to our children every day.

The successful applicant needs to be a competent singer and play at least one other instrument to a high standard. An understanding of both piano and ukulele playing would be beneficial for the opportunity to teach our extracurricular piano, ukulele and rhythm music clubs.

Music lessons are given across the 8 classrooms of the nursery so portability to move easily between classrooms is essential. Our children are aged from 6 months to rising 4’s. Class sizes are up to 25 children per class and, although no prior classroom teaching experience is needed, you should be confident in leading lessons and controlling large groups. Some knowledge of standard children’s nursery rhymes and songs will be beneficial, but not essential provided the applicant shows a willingness to learn.

This position is perfect for graduates and experienced musicians/teachers alike who are looking to advance their teaching knowledge and abilities. Our nursery is ambitious, and always looking to adopt the most up to date teaching techniques, for which we provide regular training.

This post is offered on a flexible basis, 3-5 days a week. The position is well-suited to a teacher with dedication, passion and drive for the Early Years.

Clowns Nursery Manor House Pre-School is an Ofsted-outstanding, independent childcare provider located in a beautiful setting opposite Golders Hill Park and Hampstead Heath. To give you a snapshot of who we are and what we do, please take a look at our website http://www.clownsnursery.co.uk/.

The candidate must:

• have excellent communication skills. The candidate needs to have a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum to be able to embed music education within all age groups.

• be able to identify and utilise the equipment and resources which ensure high quality music teaching and learning. The candidate will be responsible for buying and organising music equipment.

• be able to assess the needs of individuals to inform lesson planning, to deliver high quality lessons, evaluate the impact of these and develop future planning according to age groups. Planning must go in line with the age and stage of development of the children - especially those children who will be entering Reception after the final year at the nursery.

• have appropriate methods of dealing with behaviour.

• twice a year, plan and arrange a performance for our 4 year old age group at the King Alfred theatre. This includes picking a theme, choosing songs, contributing to writing the script (along with the drama teacher) rehearsing and performing the music at the show.

• contribute to the children's nursery reports. The candidate will communicate with parents and colleagues so a high standard of English is essential.

• attend all Staff Training Days as well as parent’s evenings in November and June, where they will be meeting the parents of the children.

Person specification

• Enthusiastic

• Energetic

• Excellent communicator

• Uses initiative

• Adaptable

• Charismatic

• Commitment to continued professional development

• Evaluate own practice critically

Knowledge and skills required

• Applicants must either have a registered DBS certificate on the update service or have adequate documents to make an application.

• Confident singer and ability to play one other instrument to a high standard.

• Evidence of Music subject knowledge (degree/other relevant qualifications) is essential.

• Experience of teaching and creating activity plans for Under 5's.

• A flexible, collaborative and adaptable working style.

• Comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (EYFS).

• Support the classes by planning and delivering activities to achieve high quality teaching and learning within the EYFS Framework.

How to apply:

To apply please download the application form which can be found by following the 'Join Our Team' link on the main page of our website. Please note that we do not accept CV's as a form of application, although you are welcome to include a copy of your CV in addition to the completed application form.  Please ensure that you have completed all sections, including the position for which you are applying.

Please email all completed applications directly to the Operations Manager, Miss Dudzai Pswarayi, at dudzai@clownsnursery.co.uk

Selected applicants will be invited for a Zoom interview and asked to complete 3 short written and/or practical tasks, after which shortlisted candidates may also be required to plan and teach a lesson.

The post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom he/she is responsible, or with whom he/she comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policy at all times.

If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school he/she must report any concerns to the manager. The post holder must possess an enhanced DBS check.