Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Job Title: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner Scroll down to find an indepth overview of this job, and what is expected of candidates Make an application by clicking on the Apply button. Venue: footprints@hattonhill nursery, Alwyn Avenue, Litherland, L21 9NZ. Hours: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Shifts between the hours of 8am and 6pm, all year round. Contract: Initially fixed term until 24th December but could lead to further extension. Pay: £11.70 per hour Holiday: 20 days plus 8 additional paid bank holidays. footprints@hattonhill is a community-based nursery set in the heart of the Ford and Litherland community. We provide care and early years education for all children aged from birth, 51 weeks of the year between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Our recent Ofsted inspection in September 2022 graded us GOOD in all areas. Inspectors commented that "children benefit from a highly successful transition programme when they join this nursery... children are confident and self-assured", "children engage fully with the exciting activities on offer in this well-resourced nursery", "partnerships with parents is a particular strength of this nursery". Benefits of Working for First Steps Enterprise Ltd 50% Discounted childcare at our nurseries Ongoing professional development, training and promotion opportunities Pension scheme* Life insurance* Uniform provided What is the purpose of the role? Protect and promote the health and well-being of children. Ensure that safeguarding procedures are followed. Promote positive relationships in the early years setting. Support children's learning and development through play. Be a 'key person' to a small group of children and build positive relationships with their families What key skills do you need? Commitment You will need to demonstrate a commitment to working with children. Working in the early years sector can be as intensive as it is rewarding. You must have a passion for child development and be dedicated to caring for young children. Building Relationships Children thrive in early years settings when they have strong bonds and healthy relationships with nursery practitioners. You need to be someone who enjoys the company of children and can empathise with how children express their feelings. Personal Skills You also need to be personable and approachable with children's parents. Parent partnerships are vital in helping you to understand how to keep children happy and supported, both in nursery and home life. Creativity Children will engage in nursery activities if they are fun and enjoyable. The best activities are those that help children learn new skills and develop their understanding of the world without them even realising that they are learning. As a nursery practitioner, you will need to have a creative mind in order to create exciting and memorable activities. What Qualifications will you need? To apply for our Level 3 Early Years Practitioner role, you will need a minimum of a level 3 qualification in early years and education. Equivalent qualifications are also acceptable if they meet the DfE criteria. Key Responsibilities Reports to: Room Leader and Nursery Management Key person As a nursery practitioner, you will be expected to be a key person for a small group of children. As a key person, you will be there to help children make a smooth transition from home to nursery life. You will also be there to support the children in your key group to reach their early years milestones in line with the early year's foundation stage. To do this, you will be expected to build strong bonds with the children to understand their own interests and passions, enabling you to then create activities that are tailored to their interests. Learning and Development Contribute towards high standards of quality within the nursery rooms in respect of the environment, resources and experiences offered to children. Ensure that all children attending the nursery receive rich and stimulating experiences appropriate to their age and stage of development. Support the practice and provision in the nursery to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Requirements. Ensure that all safeguarding practices and procedures are adhered to keep children safe. Support the development of good practice with regards to special needs and inclusion. Support nursery staff in delivering the nursery curriculum utilising methods and systems as directed by the company. Health and Safety Support the Room Leader in the day-to-day operation in order to ensure the health and safety of the children, their parents, carers, the team and any visitors to the nursery. Adhere to all health and safety policy and procedures. Be fully aware of all emergency and security procedures. General Adhere to all Company policies and procedures. Maintain a positive attitude at all times with children, parents, visitors and work colleagues. Ensure confidentiality, where appropriate is maintained. Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by line management. The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive or restrictive, changes and other duties relevant to this post may be added. This job description may be reviewed in the future. Other Information Physical Demands The work requires normal physical effort. It may occasionally involve lifting and handling of play equipment and other resources and to be involved in practical activities and the physical care of young children. Working Conditions Sessions are mainly nursery based, but staff will also be expected to attend other venues to support services or attend training. General The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive and the post holder may be required to undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time. Any such duties should not, however, substantially change the general character of the post. Criminal Records Bureau and Other Checks A full enhanced DBS disclosure will be undertaken, and any adverse findings could result in any offer of employment being withdrawn. Previous employer references will be required. Qualification checks will be undertaken. Eligibility to work in UK. Other checks may be undertaken. PERSON SPECIFICATION - ESSENTIAL (or willingness to work towards) Qualifications Full and relevant level 3 or higher early years qualifications that meet the DfE criteria. A current first aid certificate (can be arranged if expired) and willingness to be an appointed person in first aid administration. Food Safety certificate (can be arranged if expired) Willingness to participate in relevant training and development opportunities. Experience Proven experience working in an early years setting. Skills/Knowledge/Aptitudes Ability to work effectively with colleagues in the delivery of high-quality provision. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with children and parent/carers in order to meet individual needs of children. Good communication, interpersonal and organisational skills. Experience of working within or implementing effective key worker systems. Good understanding of Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Thorough knowledge of all aspects of child development and outcomes, and an understanding of the range of factors affecting development. Ability to promote a positive ethos and role model positive attributes. Good personal numeracy and literacy skills Awareness of inclusion, especially within a setting Effective use of ICT to support learning. Able to demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of current developments and legislation relating to early years education and childcare. Knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, practices and procedures. Team Working Demonstrates a non-judgemental approach to values, views and needs of others. Sees other people's point of view and encourages and respects views that are different from own. Takes time to get to know people and how they operate. Adaptability Supports the change process, remaining positive during times of change. Willingly co-operates with others and highlights potential problems in a positive and supportive way. Professional Values and Practice Ability to build and maintain successful relationships with children and adults, treating them consistently, with respect and consideration. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues both within school/Children's Centre and other organisations. Ability to improve own practice through observations, evaluation and discussion with colleagues. High expectations of all children; respect for their social, cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and commitment to raising their early year's development. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, and carry out role effectively, knowing when to seek help and advice. Able to liaise sensitively and effectively with parents and carers, recognising their role their child's learning. Able to improve their own practice through observations, evaluation and discussion with colleagues. OTHER DETAILS Wage £11.70 per hour. 38 hours per week, additional hours may occasionally be required. Holiday pay will be calculated and added to the hourly rate. The hours will be between 8am and 6pm. Flexibility will be important. Place of work: footprints@hattonhill nursery, Alwyn Avenue, Litherland, L21 9NZ The post is subject to all checks highlighted above The post is subject to a 12-week probationary period Application forms can be found here