Early Years Teaching Assistant

About Us

At Blossom Tree Early Education we nurture children's curiosity and development through a nature-based curriculum, fostering a safe, supportive environment for children aged 30-months to 4-years. We are open Tuesday to Thursday, 38 weeks a year (term time). Our sessions offer a home from home experience which starts with small group size of 16 children. Our pedagogy is Waldorf inspired which complements our nature based curriculum. These elements of our ethos are present in our daily routine, activities and play resources. We want children to immerse themselves in creative, sensory and meaningful play. The toys available are intentionally simple, made from natural materials and are often open-ended.

Early Years Teaching Assistant

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality early years education and care for children in accordance with relevant curriculum frameworks. The Early Years Practitioner will support and extend children's learning, maintain a safe, caring and stimulating environment, and work closely with families and other professionals to support individual developmental needs.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Learning

• Support the planning and delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum in line with the EYFS framework.
• Assist in leading group and individual learning activities that reflect children's interests and developmental stages.
• Observe, assess and record children's progress, contributing to their learning journeys and development plans.
• Create and maintain a safe, tidy and inspiring learning environment both indoors and outdoors.

Child Development & Care

• Foster children's independence, confidence, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional well-being.
• Act as a Key Worker to a group of children, overseeing settling-in processes, tracking progress, setting individual targets, and liaising with parents/carers.
• Support children with additional needs (SEND, EAL, etc.), implementing strategies and liaising with specialists.
• Provide personal care such as feeding, dressing, toileting, and first aid when necessary.

Child Welfare & Safeguarding

• Maintain a safe, clean, and stimulating environment indoors and outdoors.
• Report all concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL.
• Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented and followed.
• Monitor children's progress, wellbeing, and behaviour.

Partnership with Parents

• Build strong, professional relationships with families, respecting their knowledge of their children.
• Communicate effectively with parents about their child's experiences and progress.
• Share observations and updates, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Contribute to school events, parent meetings, and celebrations as needed.

Teamwork and Professional Development

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in curriculum planning and daily operations.
• Attend team meetings, CPD sessions, INSET days, and reflective practice workshops.
• Uphold and contribute to the ethos and policies of the school/setting, including safeguarding and health and safety.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation (e.g. registers, incident logs).

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum Level 2 Early Years qualification (e.g. NVQ, NNEB, CACHE).
• Proven experience in working with young children in a nursery or early years setting.
• Sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and/or Steiner-Waldorf or similar developmental approaches.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and equality of opportunity.

Desirable

• Experience in Steiner/Waldorf settings or outdoor/nature-based learning.
• Training in SEND support strategies (e.g., Makaton).
• First Aid and Food Hygiene Certificates.
• Familiarity with child observation tools and learning journey documentation.
• A passion for creativity, storytelling, or crafts.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the setting (occasional evenings for training and staff meetings).
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Ability to physically meet the demands of working in a childcare environment (e.g., bending, lifting, outdoor activities).

Job Types: Part-time, Zero hours contract

Pay: £12.50 per hour

Expected hours: 12 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress

Education:

• A-Level or equivalent (preferred)

Work Location: In person