Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Job Description: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner – Baby Room (0-2 years)

Location: Nature's Little Learners, Starbeck Reports to: Room Leader / Deputy Room Leader / Nursery Manager Contract Type: Full-time/Part Time

Role Purpose

The Level 3 Early Years Practitioner will play an important role in supporting the care and education of children aged birth to 2 within the Baby Room. The role focuses on being a caring, nurturing practitioner who provides stimulating learning opportunities, builds strong attachments with key children, and encourages toddlers' growing independence, physical development, communication, and personal, social and emotional development. The practitioner will take responsibility as a key person, working closely with families and supporting the Room Leader in ensuring high standards of care and learning.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Safeguarding

• Complete and maintain all required safeguarding training.
• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures consistently.
• Act promptly on any concerns, reporting immediately to the Room Leader or management.
• Be vigilant at all times to ensure children's safety and welfare.

2. Caring for Children

• Provide warm, nurturing care that supports children's emotional well-being and security.
• Take on key person responsibilities, building close relationships with children and families.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that support children's development across the EYFS.
• Encourage independence and self-care, including toilet training, dressing, feeding, and tidying up.
• Support children's language and communication through play, songs, stories, and conversation.
• Provide reassurance and comfort when children are upset, helping them to regulate their emotions.
• Create and maintain a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment.

3. Parents and Carers

• Build strong, positive relationships with parents and carers.
• Provide daily feedback on routines, progress, and experiences.
• Share children's achievements and development updates through the Famly app and meetings.
• Work in partnership with families to support children's next steps and transitions.

4. Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with the Room Leader, Deputy, and colleagues to support daily routines and planning.
• Share ideas, reflections, and observations to enhance the learning environment.
• Support and guide Level 2 practitioners, apprentices, or new staff when required.
• Help maintain a calm, positive atmosphere in the room.

5. Positive Relationships

• Be a positive role model, showing kindness, patience, and respect.
• Promote positive interactions between children, encouraging social skills like sharing and turn-taking.
• Build warm, trusting attachments with children to support their confidence and learning.

6. Policies and Procedures

• Follow nursery policies at all times, including safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality.
• Carry out and contribute to risk assessments and daily safety checks.
• Ensure resources and equipment are safe, clean, and age-appropriate.
• Support the nursery in meeting EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

7. Observations and Assessment

• Complete high-quality observations and assessments for key children.
• Keep children's learning journals and "next steps" up to date.
• Contribute to progress checks and leavers' reports.
• Use the Famly app to record observations, communicate with parents, and share updates.

8. General Duties

• Assist with daily routines including mealtimes, toileting, and transitions.
• Help set up and tidy away resources and activities.
• Support children through outdoor play and curiosity-led exploration.
• Maintain accurate records such as registers, accident forms, and daily logs.
• Attend staff meetings, training, and CPD opportunities.
• Be flexible in supporting other rooms or duties as needed.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience working with Babies (0-2 years)
• Understanding of the EYFS and how to support learning and development.
• Excellent communication skills with children, colleagues, and families.
• Organised and able to take responsibility for key children.
• Nurturing, patient, and enthusiastic about children's play and learning.

Desirable:

• Paediatric First Aid certificate.
• Experience using Famly or similar online learning journals.
• Previous experience as a key person.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £34,580.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Employee discount
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Harrogate HG2 7LJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person