L3 Early Years Practitioner

**Job Purpose**:
This position aims to work as a qualified childcare practitioner and key worker delivering childcare and education as part of St Mary Islington in our early years preschool and holiday playscheme during school holidays under the guidance of the Childcare manager.

**Who are we looking for**:
We are looking for an experienced early years practitioner who likes working in a small friendly setting, shares our commitment to high professional standards, is keen to develop and grow in a close-knit, supportive team environment and is devoted to the children and families we work with and for.

We offer excellent opportunities for professional development, competitive pay and rewards, including 8% employers' non-contributory pension on the full gross pay where staff pay nothing Free membership in St Mary's gym fitted with changing room and showers. Staff can also receive a 50% discount on childcare costs (Preschool and Holiday Playscheme places).

**About St Mary Islington**

St Mary Islington provides children, youth and community services to local residents out of St Mary's Neighbourhood Centre, and our childcare services are a key part of our growing work.

St Mary’s Pre-school is open from 09:00 to 16:00, 39 weeks per year, and our holiday childcare service is open nine weeks of the school holidays catering for 6 - 12-year-old children from 8.30 to 5 pm. This all-year-round position is for 37.5 hours a week during term time and 40 hrs/per week during the nine weeks of holiday provision of each academic year.
- Be part of a dynamic and developing team
- Work in a positive, creative and supportive environment
- Have dedicated non-contact time for paperwork and team meetings
- Develop their experience in working in a community setting
- Gain a free gym membership
- Benefit from subsidised childcare costs.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
- To provide a stimulating and happy environment where children can grow and learn
- To actively encourage children’s learning and progress in all areas of development by interaction and extension of play activities.
- To work in partnership with the parents
- To know and adhere to the preschool's operational and safety policies and procedures. -Ensure daily risk assessments are carried out for the environment to be set out in a safe and stimulating way.
- To assist the Early Years Teacher with the short, medium and long-term planning of the EYFS curriculum
- To carry out and record children’s observations following the requirements of the EYFS framework and as instructed by the service manager.
- To participate in continuous professional development and training as required
- To ensure that any information received concerning the children is kept confidential.
- To assist with the daily setting up and clearing away of all activities and equipment whilst ensuring equipment is clean and maintained.
- Attend staff meetings. Undertake training and other events throughout the year.
- To work as part of a cohesive team

**Person Specification - Knowledge, skills and abilities Essential requirements Education**
- Early Years Practitioners with an NNEB/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification
- A-C GCSE Grades in English and Maths
- Paediatric first aid qualification Experience
- Minimum two years of previous experience working as an Early Years Practitioner in an educational setting
- Experience in curriculum planning according to the EYFS framework
- Experience in assessing children's development using a digital system and writing reports.
- Experience in being a key worker for 2 and 3-year-olds
- Experience in liaising with other professionals to support children with SEND Skills, knowledge & values
- Collaborative
- Transformative
- Innovative
- People Centred
- Has integrity
- Willing and keen to learn
- Is open & has a positive attitude to change
- Committed to high standards of professional conduct
- Committed to children and young families
- Has excellent interpersonal skills both with adults and children
- Has a thorough understanding of child development and children’s needs
- Can build relationships with parents and carers to encourage their involvement
- Is organised and diligent, and timely in completing written work
- Has knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practice.

**Safeguarding**:
St Mary’s Islington is an Equal Opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment

**Salary**: £23,481.75 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Gym membership
- Sick pay

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

School type:

- Preschool

Ability to commute/relocate:

- LONDON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- Willingness to work with children 6 - 12 years old in holiday playscheme
- Minimum two years of