Early Years Practitioner

Job Introduction

The Early Years Practitioners support the delivery of the designated curriculum, and provide a service compatible with good practice in the education and care of children within the policies and systems laid down by the School. They also contribute hugely to the pastoral care of the Nursery children and in the monitoring and recording of their overall developmental progress.

Main Responsibilities
The following makes up the key elements of the job of an Edinburgh Academy EYP and is not an exhaustive list. We look to have our supply EYPs fully integrated into the team and have included this level of detail to give an accurate picture of life in our Nursery. Where a supply EYP is supporting on an ‘odd day’ or short-term basis, some of this may not be applicable.
- To create a supportive and caring ethos in all aspects of the Nursery environment in which individual children and encouraged and supported to develop self-esteem, self-confidence and a respect for others
- To provide an appropriate challenging and stimulating play-based educational environment where individual children are encouraged to reach their full potential
- To be actively involved in a programme of development with individuals in relation to the self-help skills, toilet training, toileting, dressing skills, personal care and eating skills. Where children have not yet developed these skills, to provide care and support to them
- To encourage children’s language and communication development and be aware of ways to stimulate language and communication through play, books, stories, alternative communication systems and by personal interaction.
- To ensure, with colleagues, that high level learning opportunities are available in the outdoors as well as within the Nursery building
- To continuously improve individual skills, utilising interest and expertise in music, drama, movement, arts and crafts, literature and environmental studies, or other skills and interest, as appropriate and to use these to assist in the delivery of the curriculum
- To encourage children to participate in the preparation of snacks and when involved in supervising mealtimes, to be aware of the emotional, personal and social development opportunities this presents
- To support children in using ICT as part of their learning, and to use ICT where relevant, preparing resources and other work-related activity
- To take part in Nursery meetings as required
- On an individual or team basis, to be aware of and act on any additional support needs, for example learning, dietary, medical, emotional and/or behavioural and provide appropriate care and support through the implementation of individual care and learning plans, with the guidance of the Headteacher or the Head of Nursery and within the policy guidelines of the School e.g. Behaviour management
- To be committed to working in an environment which promotes social inclusion and be aware of diversity issues, ensuring that every child experiences a supporting and caring ethos
- To have knowledge of GIRFEC and best practice in child protection
- Support with the setting up and putting away of equipment and resources both indoors and outdoors, including helping with cleaning and maintenance of equipment where appropriate. Assist with the securing of a safe, secure and hygienic environment for children
- Support with and be responsible for small groups of children on class trips, outings and bus runs, in line with School Health and Safety Guidance
- To make daily observations and take photos for personal learning plans (PLPs) and file them appropriately
- To be aware of the prevalent theories underpinning the Nursery curriculum and current best practice as set out in _Realising the Ambition_

The school is committed to the continuous professional development of all colleagues, and therefore all team member will be expected to participate fully in training and review sessions. It is also expected that individuals will keep professional knowledge fully up to date, including current initiatives and developments.

Other elements of the role:

- To build positive relationships with parents and guardians to promote partnership
- Liaising and working with parents / guardians, teachers, other members of the school team, other establishments or agencies in relation to the delivery of the curriculum and the welfare and development of the children
- Contribute to the planning and implementation of a curricular programme which meets the needs of the individual and in line with guidelines and standards, through attendance at planning meetings, the delivery of agreed programmes of activity and the production of appropriate records, reports and evaluations
- Contribute to the building of developmental profiles of children in an educational setting through the use of observations and other appropriate methods of assessment, recording results, being jointly responsible for maintaining records pertaining to each individu