Nursery Practitioner- Maria Montessori Nursery

**Maria Montessori Nursery School**

Maria Montessori Nursery School in Berkhamsted is looking for a Nursery Practitioner, the job is all year round and your shift will be between 8 am to 6 pm 5 days a week - (40 hours a week) £6.00 per hour

**Responsibilities and main duties**:

- To take responsibility for the welfare and safety of all the children in our nursery.
- To promote positive behaviour from children and to assist in establishing good standards of behaviour throughout the nursery.
- To work closely with other members of staff to establish the highest standards of achievement, within a learning environment which reflects current excellent practice for very young children.
- To be an effective nursery practitioner, planning and implementing appropriate learning experiences within a stimulating learning environment.
- To promote equal opportunities for all.
- To be sensitive towards children’s individual learning needs and make appropriate educational provision for children with SEN.
- To plan, organise and resource a nursery environment which will facilitate children’s autonomous, independent learning and enable children to maximise their full potential.
- To establish and maintain good partnerships with colleagues, parents, and carers, outside agencies and children including good home-nursery links.
- To monitor children’s progress, keep meaningful records and evaluate performance through formative assessments in line with school policy.
- To communicate and consult with parents and carers and with outside agencies, as necessary about children’s progress and attainment.
- To be responsible for developing and maintaining appropriate resources and equipment, preparing the classroom indoors and outdoors and ensuring that it is safe, clean, and tidy at the start and end of each day.
- To maintain a high standard of display both in the classroom and other areas of the nursery.
- To manage and work collaboratively with Learning Support Assistants.
- To contribute to effective team practice by attending and participating in staff meetings and in-service training.
- To attend and support school and community / PTA events.
- To provide full written reports to inform parents of children’s progress and targets.
- To ensure that the health and safety of children and staff is maintained during all activities, both inside and outside the school.
- To maintain high levels of confidentiality both in and out of nursery.
- To be a positive role model to others, by undertaking all tasks with a positive and supportive attitude and to contribute to a positive ethos for learning.
- To promote Ethos of our school

**Person Specification for Nursery Practitioner (19 months to complete)**

**Essential Criteria**:

- Minimum Level 2 qualification in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or equivalent.

**Experience/ Knowledge**:

- A minimum of 2 years recent experience, working in a school /Nursery setting. Excellent working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and current Ofsted statutory guidance. Knowledge and proven practical experience of implementing good quality learning opportunities.
- Knowledge of Montessori Curriculum would be preferable but not mandatory.

**Skills & Attributes**:

- Empathy and understanding of children under five.
- Excellent verbal and communication skills with children and parents.
- Ability to write reports and keep clear and accurate records.
- Able to work on own initiative

**Personal Qualities**:
Reliable, enthusiastic, and flexible.

A commitment to quality in all areas, with a high level of motivation and enthusiasm.