Childcare Practitioner

We are looking for a childcare qualified, reliable team member to work within a busy and vibrant Family Centre **covering Maternity Leave**. Providing a safe, stimulating, nurturing and inclusive environment for all the children, young people and families using our services.

Duties - Contribute as part of a team to the provision of a quality early learning and childcare service for children aged 2 - 12 years (Playgroup and Out of School Care) and their families and work to the principles of the Health & Social Care Standards, Getting it Right for Every Child, Realising the Ambition and abide by the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers.

**JOB DESCRIPTION/JOB SPECIFICATION**

**Job Title** **Childcare Practitioner**

**Location** **Viewpark Community Facility, Viewpark**

**Qualification Requirements**
Qualification relevant to the job role SVQ Social Services (Children & Young People) SCQF Level 7, HNC Childhood Practice or equivalent.

**Hours** 30 hours per week

**Wage** **£10.50 per hour**

**Work Pattern** **Monday to Friday - weekly shift patterns**

**Employer** Viewpark Family Centre Association Ltd

**Job Purpose**:

- To be a valuable member of the Viewpark Family Centre Childcare Services team, caring for and promoting the welfare of the children.
- To liaise and to work closely with other members of staff, volunteers and the Board of Directors in the planning of the service.
- To provide quality childcare in a safe, friendly environment.

**Main Roles and Responsibilities**
- Assist the VFC Manager and Senior Childcare Practitioner to organise, plan and participate in the Childcare Services activities.
- Have the ability to give warmth, understanding and care to children from 2 to 12 years old.
- Liaising with the children and their families regarding their needs and continuing evaluations for the service.
- Have the responsibility for the protection of children in your care.
- Develop forward plans with your colleagues to provide a broad
- based range of play activities reflecting national curriculum guidelines.
- Support the intellectual, social and emotional, physical, language and communication development and individual needs of children.
- Provide opportunities for children to develop socially and individually, using consultation as a tool for children to voice their opinions/feelings and take part in planning ie large floor books.
- Liaise with Senior Childcare Practitioner in planning VCS activities/ outings/educational visits for children and create relevant programmes both in term time and during holiday periods through consultation with children, staff, parents and carers - OSC.
- Ensure that the children are collected from school in a safe and efficient manner
- OSC.
- An element of outdoor working for example, collection of children from school and outings/trips. Appropriate uniform will be supplied.
- Preparation and serving of hot and cold snacks.
- Liaise with Senior Childcare Practitioner in evaluating the rotation of resources and playroom setup.
- Work in partnership with the VFC Manager and Senior Practitioner to ensure all parents/carers are welcomed and encouraged to be involved in the group.
- Produce children’s observational records and Personal Plans.
- Recognise the rights of parents and their children.
- Ensure confidentiality is respected and maintained.

**Additional Roles/Responsibilities**
- Participate in training programmes for staff (SSSC Guidelines).
- Self evaluations, appraisals & supervisions.
- Support, advise and instruct Support Workers, Sessional Workers and Volunteers/Placements.
- Keeping abreast of Government Legislation i.e. GIRFEC and organisational policies and procedures.
- Use of the organisation’s company vehicle for school pick-ups, holiday cover and organisational business as and when required, with prior permission from the Viewpark Family Centre Manager.
- At times, Childcare Practitioner will be required to work within **ALL **other Childcare Services within Viewpark Family Centre. You will be required to support and assist colleagues and lead activities. **Staff will be required to be upskilled to take part in and lead all Family Learning Activities, i.e. Baby Discovery.**:

- **Carry out any duties as may be appropriate within the aims and objectives of the Viewpark Family Centre Ass Ltd.Personal Development**:

- Contribute to evaluate and reflect on own practice.
- To maintain and keep abreast of all of VFC’s areas of work and its functioning.
- To actively seek to develop new skills and knowledge in areas to support VFC.
- To attend training and development activities as recommended by VFC Manager and Board of Directors of VFC.
- To keep up to date with SSSC post registration training and learning record.

**Person Specification**
- Reliable
- Punctual
- Experience of working with children in the childcare environment.
- Readiness to learn and develop new skills.
- Solid foundation and understanding in children’s needs