To provide high-quality care, learning, and development opportunities for children aged 0-5 years, ensuring their individual needs are met in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. The Childcare Practitioner will work in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, nursery policies, and safeguarding requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Childcare and Education
Provide a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for children.
Plan and implement engaging activities that support children’s learning and development in line with the EYFS.
Observe, assess, and record children’s progress and achievements.
Act as a key person for a designated group of children, building strong relationships with children and their families.
Support children in developing social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills.
Encourage children’s independence, confidence, and self-esteem.
Safeguarding and Welfare
Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children at all times.
Follow nursery safeguarding procedures and promptly report any concerns.
Maintain a safe and hygienic environment in accordance with health and safety policies.
Ensure all risk assessments and safety procedures are followed.
Parent and Family Partnerships
Build positive relationships with parents and carers.
Communicate effectively regarding children’s progress, wellbeing, and daily activities.
Support parent meetings and nursery events as required.
Work collaboratively with families to ensure continuity of care and learning.
Teamwork and Professional Practice
Work effectively as part of a nursery team.
Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
Support apprentices, students, and new staff members where appropriate.
Contribute to maintaining a positive nursery culture and high standards of practice.
Administration and Record Keeping
Maintain accurate records, observations, and developmental assessments.
Complete accident, incident, and medication records as required.
Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times in accordance with GDPR and nursery policies.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
Level 3 qualification in Early Years Childcare (e.g., NVQ Level 3, CACHE Level 3, Early Years Educator or equivalent).
Paediatric First Aid Certificate
Sound knowledge of the EYFS framework.
Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Skills and Experience
Experience working with children aged 0-5 years in a nursery or early years setting
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to plan and deliver age-appropriate activities.
Strong observational and assessment skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Good organisational and time management skills.
Desirable
Experience as a key worker/key person.
Knowledge of SEND and inclusive practices.
Additional early years training or specialist qualifications.
Personal Attributes
Caring, patient, and nurturing approach.
Enthusiastic and motivated.
Reliable and professional.
Positive attitude with a commitment to providing exceptional childcare.
Flexible and adaptable to the needs of the nursery.
Working Hours and Pay
Full-time (30-40 hours per week)
8-hour shifts between 7am – 6:30pm
Pay is £14.24 per hour subject to tax and National Insurance deductions
This role will start off on a temp (agency) basis with a view to moving onto a permanent contract directly with the nursery
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. The successful candidate must be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
A dedicated and expert Account Manager
Regular and varied supply work
Competitive rates of pay
Potential long-term roles
Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
A network of branches across the UK
One of the preferred suppliers to all 22 local authorities in Wales under the All Wales Framework Agreement
We are the major teaching supply agency for Welsh speaking teachers across Wales
Recommend-a-friend scheme
Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment
Business in relation
to this vacancy.
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