Early Years Practitioner

The Ark Centre in Chelmsford, Essex is looking to employ a new member to join our team. We are an OFSTED outstanding pre-school setting for children with autism & or developmental delays. Our setting has a max of 7 children in each session and all of our children are 1:1 (please note this is an entry level job and we will provide you with all the training you need). We follow the EYFS as well as providing individualised support for every child.

If you are energetic, fun and an enthusiastic individual looking to focus your career to work with children with additional needs this is an excellent opportunity. We have an in house Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Behaviour Analyst (BT) and Play Therapist ready to provide you with a wealth of experience to further your career.

Applicants should ideally have an NVQ level 3, an Early Years degree or experience working in an Early Years setting.

The Ark Centre will provide you with the skills to be able to update children’s individual therapy programmes, provide parent support and train other agencies involved with your key child.

Our centre is a very fast paced, lively environment full of play, laughter and excitement.

5 days per week, 35 hours per week

Mon 8:50AM - 4.30PM, Tues 8.00AM - 4.30PM, Weds 8.00AM - 4.30PM, Thurs 8.50AM - 4.30PM, Fri 8.50AM - 4.30PM

Please note the centre is NOT term time and we are open all year

**Salary**: 18 - 20 year old - £18,500 21+ year old - £22,230

Please note this is a starting salary & your salary will increase in line with the completion of qualifications such as Registered Behaviour Technician, which we will support you to do.

Job Specification

What will I be doing on a daily basis?

On a daily basis you will be working as a team to contribute to the running of the centre by:

- Setting up before sessions
- Tidying up
- Cleaning toys
- Packing away after sessions

During the sessions you will be working as a team to:

- Host drop offs and collection times for the children
- Facilitate snack time
- Host and support group sessions (music, arts and crafts, messy play, story sacks, turn taking games)

During the sessions as a practitioner you will be:

- Fun, energetic, active and motivating to our pre-school age children
- 1:1 with a child (on occasions of staff shortage this may be a higher child ratio)
- Implementing personalised Behaviour Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language targets
- Attending in centre Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy sessions with the children
- Taking clear and accurate data on specific targets and behaviours
- Provide 1:1 support on community trips
- Calmly and patiently manage challenging behaviour in accordance with the techniques detailed in behaviour support plans
- Assist with the children’s personal care needs (e.g. toileting, washing, dressing)

As a key worker you will be responsible for 2 key children. You will be:

- Taking daily observations and notes for online learning journals in accordance with the EYFS
- Making individualised resources
- Organising and ensuring all programme resources are available
- Attend internal and external meetings about your key children on parent request

As a member of staff at The Ark Centre you will:

- Be a team player. You will be expected to be friendly, approachable, professional and able to use your own initiative to support your colleagues
- Engage in individual training courses and team training days as requested by management
- Understand and actively implement all of The Ark Centres policies.
- Play an active role in your own training and professional development.
- Promote the inclusion of all of our children by ensuring they have equal opportunities to learn and develop.
- Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children in The Ark Centre.

Application procedure

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

Pay: From £22,230.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Free parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- Do you have a full UK Driving Liscence & car that can be used for community trip

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 02/06/2025
Reference ID: 040100
Expected start date: 30/06/2025