Early Years Practitioner

**Job Summary**:
We are seeking an Early Years Practitioner to join our team helping to contribute to the care and education of children. You will be responsible for planning, organising, and taking part in play activities for children aged between 2 and 5 years following the Curriculum for Excellence. The work is varied and ultimately child led. Activities will range from art and crafts, or role play, to taking children on outings, and from cookery to outdoor games or active sports. Through play and following familiar routines and adhering to boundaries, children will be prepared to start formal school education.

There is a responsibility for the post holder to demons a commitment to quality service delivery through continuous improvement for the benefit of the Service and the playgroup.

This is a term time post (45.04 weeks) with 25 hours per week (hours of work negotiable).

This post will be required to have obtained SSSC registration within 6 months of employment. This post will require a minimum of 2 references, one of which must be your current or most recent employer.

**Qualification and Training Requirements**:

- Essential_:

- HNC Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 7 (formerly SVQ 3) or SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7 or equivalent practice qualification as accepted by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
- SSSC Registration as a Practitioner without conditions within 6 months of taking up post.
- Desirable_:

- Willingness to develop
- Food Handling qualification
- First Aid qualification

**Experience**:

- Essential:_
- Experience of working with children aged 2-5 years of age.
- Experience of working with parents, young children, and associated agencies.
- Desirable:_
- Experience of working with the pre-Birth to Three Framework.

**Knowledge and Skills**
- Essential:_
- Ability to plan, implement and evaluate learning activities
- Good communication and organisational skills
- Flexible with the ability to use initiative
- Good interpersonal skills
- Desirable:_
- Ability to be creative in the working environment
- Awareness of ‘Getting it right for every child’ (GIRFEC)

**Main Responsibilities**
- Supervision and Care of Children_
- Provide care for children.
- To be aware and alert to situations of child neglect and possible abuse and act in accordance with the NSPCC Child Protection Guidelines.
- To assist in the preparation and service of snacks/refreshments for the children, which must be prepared in hygienic surroundings and support children and young people’s physical health through encouraging a healthy lifestyle and providing nutritional food and drinks.
- To work in partnership with parents/carers and sometimes other professionals to encourage open communication and involvement.
- To give children the choice and freedom to spend their play time in their own way.
- To encourage fair and caring behaviour, among the children and staff, promoting anti-discriminatory practice.
- To listen to children about any concerns or worries they may have, acting as advocate or mediator when appropriate.
- To be aware of and respond positively to the ethnic, social, cultural and gender differences among the children.
- To be a good role model for the children.
- To support and promote practice that reflects the needs and protects the rights of children.
- Contribute to assessment and reporting of children’s progress.
- Activity Planning _
- To engage and consult with children and colleagues to plan, prepare, provide, and evaluate a variety of stimulating, creative, and age and stage appropriate play opportunities for children, ensuring that individual children’s needs are met following the Curriculum for Excellence.
- To provide materials, equipment to create play spaces and play opportunities in a responsible and safe way, which supports self-directed play.
- Supervise and where appropriate, engage in play activities with the children, always encouraging the children’s participation.
- Carry out risk assessment in relation to children’s activities and outings.
- Maintain a safe, secure, and friendly environment for the children and deal with any emergencies, injuries and incidents that may arise.
- General_
- To maintain daily registers, children’s records, and similar child related information.
- To carry out daily health and safety checks.
- To maintain high standards of hygiene and health and safety in respect of physical resources, childcare practices, and child protection.
- Implement organisational procedures for accidents, incidents, illnesses, and other emergencies.
- To attend out of working hours activities, including training, staff meetings, parent’s evenings, and special events as required and appropriate.
- To respect and value all colleagues, children, and parents, encouraging a positive and diverse working environment.
- To actively contribute to the continuous improvement of Crudie Playgroup in accordance with the Care Ins