Early Years Practitioner

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner                        

Reports to: Headmistress (delegated where appropriate to the Head of Early Years)

Working hours: 40 hours per week for 44 weeks term time

Holiday entitlement: to be taken during school holidays, by agreement) + Bank Holidays

Location: Peregrines Nursery School at Falcons School for Girls, Putney

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

·      To deliver a high standard of learning, development and care for children aged 0-5 years;

·      To ensure that the Nursery is a safe environment for children, staff and others;

·      To develop partnerships with parents/carers;

·      To be responsible for any tasks delegated by the Head of Early Years.

 MAIN DUTIES:

·      To assist with the planning and delivery of the curriculum within the EY framework by providing safe, creative and appropriate educational opportunities for all children within an inclusive environment, preparing activities, organising programmes and arranging equipment;

·      To ensure that activities are carried out in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with statutory responsibilities, and to advise the Head of Early Years of any concerns over any matters including children and equipment;

·      To follow all school policies and procedures at all times, including those regarding safeguarding and confidentiality;

·      To contribute to the school’s highest standards of physical and emotional care, health and safety, and personal and food hygiene at all times;

·      To be involved in positive interactions with children by supporting or providing stimulating activities that respond to their interests and developmental needs; 

·      To ensure that all children have equal access to opportunities to learn, develop, interact and fulfil their potential;

·      To work with range of people including school staff, visiting professionals and agencies, parents, children and families; 

·      To promote positive values and attitudes, and good child behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy, encouraging children to take responsibility for their own behaviour;

·      To have a positive and proactive approach towards continuous professional development;

·      Please note that work requires bending, kneeling and crouching for periods of time and may also involve lifting and carrying children during planned activities, and changing nappies/toileting duties.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Skills, aptitude, knowledge and experience

ESSENTIAL

·      Ability to plan effective learning and care programmes;

·      Ability to work independently, using own initiative;

• Ability to evaluate own learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities;  
• Ability to relate well to children and adults including colleagues, other professionals and parents; 
• Ability to demonstrate and promote good practice in line with the ethos of the school; 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, whilst ensuring children, colleagues, parents and carers are respected and listened to; 
• Ability to communicate effectively with adults and children; 
• Good written, verbal and non-verbal communication.  

DESIRABLE

·      Proven experience of working with children;   

·      Experience of working in Early Years in a school environment; 

·      Experience of working as part of a team; 

·      Ability to interact with children and support their involvement in a range of activities, including outdoor play; 

·      Experience of maintaining written records of children’s achievements, including observations; 

·      Confidence in using IT systems to document children’s learning (eg. Microsoft, Tapestry).  

Personal qualities

ESSENTIAL

·      Proactive and positive team player, able to work constructively as part of a team; 

• Enthusiasm for learning and working with children; 
• Caring, friendly, approachable, open, welcoming, and personable; 

·      Able to maintain confidentiality at all times.  

DESIRABLE

·      Open to becoming involved in the life of the school beyond EYFS

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

·      Relevant qualifications: minimum Level 3 Certificate for the Children & Young People’s Workforce, NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (CCLD) or equivalent qualifications  

•  Willingness to participate in other 

·      development and training opportunities  

DESIRABLE

·      Safeguarding Awareness course

·      Pediatric First Aid certificate 

Note: This job description is indicative of the duties and responsibilities of the post but does not form part of any contract of employment. All jobs within the school evolve over time and their features vary from year to year

Application closing date: Thursday 08 December 2023

 Interviews will be held on week commencing 12 December 2022

The school reserves the right to appoint before the deadline.

APG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please click the link below for further information on employing Ex-Offenders:

Policy on employment of ex-offenders.pdf (alphaplusgroup.co.uk)