Early Years Practitioner

Post Title: Early Years Practitioner

Band: 7

Post Holder: 

Hours: 37hrs per week (Term-Time Only + 3 days)

PRIME OBJECTIVES OF THE POST:

Promoting and working within an Early Years setting, meeting the needs of the children, families and community in which it is based, in accordance with the policies, procedures and working practices of the School.

Working as part of a team in assisting and consolidating the provision of a high quality Early Years Framework.

May from time to time be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility defined in this job description.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

(See Personnel Specification)

EFFORT DEMANDS:

• Work within the School policies, under the direction and guidance of senior staff and within an agreed system of supervision, making decisions using initiative where appropriate often outside established working practices. 

• Promote positive values, attitudes and good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy, developing new solutions where required.

• Develop creative solutions, use good common sense and initiative when dealing with the conduct and behaviour of individuals, groups of pupils and whole classes; the correct use and care of materials by individual and small groups of pupils; the safety, mobility (if required) and hygiene and well being of the pupils.

• Use and develop specialist curricular and learning skills and experience of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support children’s learning and development, adjusting activities according to children’s responses and needs.

• Work to a Key Worker system and be able to give direction and specialist advice to provide care and Education through the provision of stimulating enjoyable and constructive activities appropriate to the child’s age and abilities to ensure physical social emotional and intellectual development, taking into account diversity (e.g. language, culture, ability, race and religion).

• Establish, develop and promote good relationships and high expectations with both the children and their families, through home visits (when possible) and in a pastoral role for a group; taking account of parental concerns, offering appropriate advice, guidance and dealing with them sensitively under direction of the teacher where necessary.

• Establish, develop and promote constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals in liaison with the teacher to support the achievement and progress of pupils.

• Assist and support colleagues, advising on creative strategies in order to ensure the smooth running of the setting, and contribute to relevant meetings.

• Have excellent numeracy and literacy skills as well as excellent oral communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise and support children at all times including school visits, trips and out of school activities. Ensure the physical needs of children are being met and maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene (e.g. washing, dressing and toileting).

• Support children in their learning both inside the setting and in outdoor play areas; recognising and responding to their individual needs, ensuring all children are engaged in appropriate activities. 

• Determine the need for, prepare and maintain equipment and resources including specialist resources, and help the children in their use (e.g. outdoor or indoor play equipment; being responsible for the care of all equipment and materials within the setting), sourcing and suggesting new resources where needed.

• Be aware of and ensure that as a team member the setting meets required standards as laid down by Ofsted Early Years Directorate. 

• Act as a key worker for a group of children for part of each day.

• Deal with any immediate problems or emergencies using the School’s policies and procedures, supporting colleagues and liaising with the teacher where required (e.g. an injured or sick child).

• Supervise whole classes and groups in the absence of teaching staff, undertake the planning for this supervision whilst maintaining good order, the planned range of activities in the classroom and/or outdoor play areas in accordance with the short term planning whilst keeping the children engaged. 

• Monitor and evaluate the children’s responses to learning activities as part of the planning cycle. Where necessary be able to provide advice and guidance on further ways to improve learning.

• Liaise sensitively and effectively with parents/carers as agreed with the teacher within your role/responsibility and participate in feedback sessions or meetings (as directed by the teacher) with parents promoting the policy on parental involvement as well as suggesting ways to improve parental involvement. 

• Prepare accurate feedback and detailed records, recording children’s physical, care and educational progress and achievements against pre determined learning objectives, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence.

• Contribute to and formulate reports regarding children’s progress.  

• Be responsible for developing and updating systems as agreed with the teacher, contributing to reviews of systems as requested.

• Perform allocated tasks with limited supervision, using professional discretion when required.

• Take delegated responsibility in the supervision and guidance of students on work placement, trainees and voluntary helpers.

• Handle small amounts of cash, or cheques as directed by the teacher

• Provide creative clerical/administration support (e.g. administer resources for agreed activities).

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Available to work during school hours during term time and a willingness to be flexible as may be required to attend staff meetings/training sessions/parents’ evenings/special events etc. outside of usual hours.

• Will have contact with members of the public/other professionals e.g. teaching staff, governors, parents/carers, community groups, local education authority, external providers etc.

• This post may include a degree of manual lifting and handling. You are expected to be aware of health and safety policies and procedures and frequently assess your ability to carry out the lifting tasks required of you.

• Report all concerns to an appropriate person.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:

• To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection; being vigilant for signs that children may be being abused and to report any such suspicions to the school’s nominated Child Protection Co-ordinator or the Headteacher.

• To act in accordance with Data Protection Act principles and maintain confidentiality at all times e.g. access to staff/student/parent and carers’ files.

• Accept and commit to the principles underlying the Schools Equal Rights policies and practices.

• Be able to perform all duties and tasks with reasonable adjustment, where appropriate, in accordance with the Equality Act.

• Must be legally entitled to work in the UK.