The Old Granary, Dunton Road, Basildon, Essex, England, SS15 4DB
About the Role
Role Summary
As an Early Years Practitioner (Level 3), you will work within a nursery setting to deliver high-quality care and education to young children. You will plan and implement activities, support children’s developmental needs, and collaborate with colleagues and parents to create a positive and inclusive environment, ensuring compliance with early years standards.
Key Responsibilities
Child Development and Care:
Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities that support children’s learning and development in line with early years frameworks (e.g., EYFS or equivalent).
Observe and assess children’s progress, maintaining accurate records and sharing updates with parents and colleagues.
Foster a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment that meets the individual needs of each child.Team Collaboration:
Work closely with Room Leaders and other practitioners to ensure a cohesive approach to care and education.
Support colleagues in maintaining a positive and collaborative team environment.
Contribute to team meetings and share insights to improve practices within the room or nursery.Parent Engagement:
Build trusting relationships with parents through regular communication, updates, and informal discussions.
Address parental queries and provide feedback on their child’s progress and experiences.Operational Duties:
Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and well-resourced environment for children’s learning and play.
Support daily routines, including mealtimes, rest periods, and transitions, ensuring children’s comfort and safety.
Report any maintenance or resource needs to the Room Leader or Nursery Manager.Compliance and Safeguarding:
Follow nursery policies and procedures to meet regulatory standards, including safeguarding and health and safety requirements.
Ensure accurate documentation, such as attendance records and incident reports, is maintained.
Promote and uphold safeguarding practices to protect the welfare of all children.
Requirements
Required Qualifications and Skills
Essential:
A recognized Level 3 qualification in Early Childhood Education or Childcare (e.g., Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education or equivalent).
At least 2-3 years of hands-on experience in an early childhood setting, with a minimum of 1 year in a leadership role (e.g., Room Leader, Team Leader, or similar) working with preschool-aged children (3-5 years).
Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with a proven ability to manage and inspire a team of practitioners.
In-depth knowledge of early childhood frameworks (e.g., EYFS, Aistear, or Siolta) and regulatory requirements, including safeguarding and child protection policies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with children, parents, and colleagues, fostering trust and collaboration.
Strong organizational and time-management skills to oversee daily operations and maintain a high-quality learning environment.
A passion for early childhood education, with a focus on preparing preschoolers for a successful transition to school.
Preferred:
A Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5 or higher, e.g., CHC50121 or equivalent) or additional certifications in early childhood leadership or curriculum development.
Experience implementing inclusive education practices or supporting children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), including familiarity with the SEND Code of Practice.
Proficiency with digital tools for childcare management, such as observation platforms (e.g., Tapestry) or parent communication apps.
Pediatric First Aid certification or willingness to obtain one upon hiring.
Experience with outdoor learning initiatives, such as Forest School, or integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities.
Additional Requirements
A valid background check (or equivalent) to ensure suitability for working with children.
Completion of mandatory training, such as safeguarding, child protection, or food hygiene, as required by the employer.
About the Company
As an Early Years Practitioner (Level 3), you will work within a nursery setting to deliver high-quality care and education to young children. You will plan and implement activities, support children’s developmental needs, and collaborate with colleagues and parents to create a positive and inclusive environment, ensuring compliance with early years standards.